Chinese Ice Dancers Face Probe Following Holding Prop Weapon during Event
ISU officials have launched an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers appeared with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a rocket labeled âDF-61â while waiting for their scores in the âkiss and cryâ zone during the event.
This model represents a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled at a military parade last month.
âThe ISU is aware of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those thrown on to the rink by spectators after a performance during the competition,â the organization commented via a release.
âThe soft toy was then held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU apologizes for this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.â
The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.