Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile at Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a rocket marked “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 land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes after their performance. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.