ISU officials have launched a formal inquiry following a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a rocket marked “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
The DF-61 is a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, that had been displayed at a military parade recently.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate plush item seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by audience members after a routine during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
The item was then handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”
The duo finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.
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Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez