Chinese Ice Dancers Face Investigation Following Displaying Toy Missile during Event
The International Skating Union are conducting a formal inquiry following two Chinese ice dancers were seen with what looked like a toy ballistic missile during an international skating competition.
Television video captured Ren Junfei and Xing Jianing sitting with a large toy shaped like a missile marked “DF-61” while waiting for their scores at the “kiss and cry” zone on Saturday.
This model is a recently introduced Chinese-made land-based intercontinental ballistic missile designed for transporting atomic warheads, which was unveiled at a military parade recently.
“The ISU have acknowledged that an inappropriate soft toy seems to have been one of the objects thrown on to the rink by audience members following a performance during the competition,” the ISU commented in an emailed statement.
“The soft toy was then held by the athletes who had just performed. We regrets this occurrence and will investigate further.”
The duo finished eighth of 10 pairs during the ice dancing competition, with the victory going to Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States.
