China's Figure Skaters Under Investigation Following Holding Toy Missile at Event
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese figure skaters appeared with what looked like a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 represents a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators following a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU commented via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair from the US.
