China's Figure Skaters Face Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile during Event
ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured the skaters sitting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model represents a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials is aware of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the organization commented via a release.
“The soft toy was then handled by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
