China's Ice Dancers Under Investigation After Holding Toy Missile during Competition
The International Skating Union are conducting an investigation after a pair of Chinese figure skaters were seen with an object resembling a toy ballistic missile during a grand prix figure skating event.
Broadcast video showed Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing waiting with a large toy shaped like a missile labeled “DF-61” as they awaited the judges' results in the “kiss and cry” zone during the event.
This model represents a new Chinese-made ground-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, that had been displayed during a national ceremony last month.
Officials have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy appears to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by spectators following a performance during the competition,” the ISU stated via a release.
“The soft toy was subsequently handled by the skaters after their performance. We apologizes for this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth out of ten teams in the ice dance event, which was won by Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
