Daniel Ochoa De Olza / AP
Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla adjusts his 'montera' or bullfighter hat, before a bullfight at the southwestern Spanish town of Olivenza, March 4. Padilla, a 38-year old matador who is also known by his professional name of 'the Cyclone of Jerez', lost sight in one eye and has partial facial paralysis after a terrifying goring, but returned to the bullring Sunday, five months after his injury.
Daniel Ochoa De Olza / AP
Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla performs during a bullfight in Olivenza, Spain, March 4.
A Spanish bullfighter who lost sight in one eye and has partial facial paralysis after a terrifying goring returned to the bullring Sunday, five months after his injury.
On Oct. 8, a bull's horn ripped into Juan Jose Padilla's lower jaw and caused his left eyeball to protrude as spectators screamed in horror. Padilla was seen getting up shouting, "I can't see, I can't see anything," his face gushing blood as assistants distracted the bull.
NYT: Bullfighter's return stuns a hardened sport
Now, wearing an eye patch and speaking with a lisp, Padilla fulfilled what he describes as an unquenchable desire to once again face massive 1,100-pound (500-kilogram) fighting bulls with the aid of only a cape and sword.
-- Reported by The Associated Press
Daniel Ochoa De Olza / AP
Spanish bullfighters Juan Jose Padilla, right, Jose Maria Manzanares, center, and Morante de la Puebla, wait to enter the arena before a bullfight, March 4.
Daniel Ochoa De Olza / AP
Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla adjusts his 'capote' before a bullfight, March 4.
Daniel Ochoa De Olza / AP
Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla, left, is greeted by the audience, March 4.
Daniel Ochoa De Olza / AP
Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla aims his sword during a bullfight, March 4.
Daniel Ochoa De Olza / AP
Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla performs during a bullfight, March 4.
Daniel Ochoa De Olza / AP
Spanish bullfighter Juan Jose Padilla is carried out of the ring among jubilant crowd scenes on the shoulders of fellow bullfighter Serafin Marin, an honor for the best performers, after a bullfight, March 4.
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