Chinese Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile during Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after two Chinese ice dancers appeared with an object resembling a replica weapon during an international skating competition.
Broadcast video captured the skaters waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
The DF-61 represents a new Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators following a routine during the competition,” the ISU commented via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently held by the athletes after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing placed in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
