Chinese Figure Skaters Under Investigation Following Holding Prop Weapon at Competition

ISU officials are conducting a formal inquiry after a pair of Chinese figure skaters appeared holding what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.

Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” area during the event.

This model represents a new China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which was displayed at a military parade last month.

“The ISU is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects tossed onto the rink by spectators after a routine during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.

The item was subsequently handled by the skaters who had just performed. We regrets the incident and will look into it more deeply.”

The duo finished eighth out of ten teams during the ice dancing competition, which was won by the American pair of the United States.