China's Ice Dancers Under Probe Following Holding Toy Missile at Competition

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

Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting alongside a sizable prop shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.

The DF-61 represents a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile capable of transporting atomic warheads, that had been unveiled during a national ceremony recently.

Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been among those tossed onto the rink by audience members after a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the organization stated in an emailed statement.

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

Ren and Xing placed eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates from the US.