Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile at Competition
ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after two Chinese ice dancers appeared with what looked like a replica weapon at an international skating competition.
Broadcast footage showed the skaters waiting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was unveiled during a national ceremony recently.
“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the rink by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.
The item was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing placed in eighth place of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
