ISU officials have launched an investigation following a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen holding what looked like a replica weapon at a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage showed the skaters sitting alongside a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model is a recently introduced Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled at a military parade last month.
“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members following a routine during the competition,” the organization stated via a release.
The item was then held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will look into it more deeply.”
Ren and Xing finished in eighth place out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to the American pair from the US.
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