China's Figure Skaters Face Investigation Following Holding Toy Missile during Competition
The International Skating Union have launched a formal inquiry following two Chinese figure skaters were seen holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast footage showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.
This model represents a new Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the ice by spectators after a performance during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was then handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
Ren and Xing finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.
