Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Holding Toy Missile at Event
ISU officials are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared with what looked like a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced China-produced land-based long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed during a national ceremony recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by spectators after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated via a release.
The item was subsequently held by the skaters who had just performed. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
