Chinese Ice Dancers Under Probe After Holding Toy Missile during Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters were seen holding an object resembling a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
The DF-61 is a new Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators after a performance during the competition,” the organization commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then handled by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.
