China's Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video showed the skaters sitting with a sizable prop shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model is a new Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the ice by audience members after a routine at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was then handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
