Chinese Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Holding Toy Missile during Event
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Television footage captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting alongside a large toy in the form of a rocket marked “DF-61” as they awaited their scores in the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model represents a recently introduced China-produced ground-launched long-range weapon capable of transporting atomic warheads, which was displayed at a military parade last month.
Officials is aware that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been one of the objects tossed onto the ice by spectators following a performance at the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Cup of China event,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the athletes after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo placed eighth of 10 pairs in the ice dance event, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
