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China claimed its first cycling Olympic gold on Friday after Gong Jinjie and Zhong Tianshi won the women's team sprint in the Rio Olympic Velodrome.
As well as the athletes' performance, the race drew attention to the helmets of the duo, which were painted with the faces of famous Peking Opera characters.
The repertoire of Peking Opera is often based on Chinese history, folklore, and the lives of well-known Chinese historical figures.
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| The image on Zhong Tianshi's helmet is of Hua Mulan, a legendary female warrior from Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589 AD). Hua, who took over her aged father's place in the army, fought for 12 years and gained much acclaim, but she refused any reward and retired to her hometown instead. ( Photo/IC) |
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| The image on Gong Jinjie's helmet is of a legendary heroine named Mu Guiying from Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD) and a prominent figure in the Generals of the Yang Family legends. Brave, resolute and loyal, Mu is a cultural symbol of a steadfast woman. ( Phot o/IC) |
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| Another cycling athl ete Xu Chao was also spotted wearing such a helmet. The image on Xu's helmet is Zhang Fei , a mil itary ge ne ral in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and early Three Kingdoms Period. Zhang Fei was highly praised for his loyalty and courage. ( Photo/IC) |
