China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile at Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores at the “kiss and cry” area on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a recently introduced China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled during a national ceremony last month.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the ice by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently handled by the athletes who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.
