China's Ice Dancers Face Investigation After Holding Toy Missile at Competition

ISU officials have launched an investigation following two Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.

Broadcast video showed the skaters sitting alongside a sizable prop in the form of a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.

This model is a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade last month.

“The ISU is aware of an unsuitable plush item appears to have been among those tossed onto the ice by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the ISU stated 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.”

Ren and Xing placed eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.