China's Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Displaying Toy Missile during Event

The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry following two Chinese figure skaters appeared holding an object resembling a toy ballistic missile at a grand prix figure skating event.

Television video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a large toy shaped like a rocket labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.

This model represents a recently introduced China-produced land-based intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed during a national ceremony recently.

Officials is aware that an inappropriate plush item appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the ice by audience members after a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.

The item was subsequently held by the athletes who had just performed. The ISU regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”

The duo placed in eighth place of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.