2013 Photo Contest, Observed Portraits, 2nd prize

Bullfighter's Comeback

Photographer

Daniel Ochoa de Olza

The Associated Press

05 March, 2011

Spanish bullfighter Juan José Padilla (38), known as the ‘Cyclone of Jerez’, lost the sight in one eye and has partial paralysis of the face, after being gored by a bull in October 2011. Five months later he made a comeback, in the southwestern town of Olivenza.

About the photographer

Daniel Ochoa de Olza

Daniel Ochoa de Olza was born the son of a writer and an art history teacher in Pamplona in October, 1978.  His interest turned from painting to photography in 2001 when he star...

Background story

Olivenza, Spain

Juan José Padilla is carried out of the ring after his comeback bullfight in Olivenza.

 

Spanish bullfighter Juan José Padilla (38), known as the ‘Cyclone of Jerez’, lost the sight in one eye and has partial paralysis of the face, after being gored by a bull in October 2011. The bull slammed one of its horns into Padilla’s jaw, and gouged out his left eye. Padilla needed substantial reconstructive surgery, and a titanium plate implant. Five months later he made a comeback, in the southwestern town of Olivenza. After the fight, Padilla was carried from the ring on the shoulders of a fellow bullfighter, an honor reserved for the very best performers.

Technical information

Shutter Speed
1/500 sec
Focal length
24 mm
F-Stop
2.8
ISO
1600
Camera
Nikon D3

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