Chinese Ice Dancers Face Probe After Holding Toy Missile during Event

The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation following a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared with what looked like a replica weapon during a grand prix figure skating event.

Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” area during the event.

The DF-61 is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based long-range weapon designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed during a national ceremony last month.

Officials have acknowledged of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the ISU stated in an emailed statement.

“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. The ISU regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”

Ren and Xing placed eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, with the victory going to the American pair of the United States.