Faux Profile 2

Elsa Angeline Estrada

Bullfighter

Elsa Angeline Estrada (born August 14, 1982) is Spanish born, female bullfighter that rose to fame at the early age of 16 in what is largely considered a male-dominated sport.

Born in Seville, Spain, Estrada began her bullfighting career in 1990 touring around Spain in a children's bullfighting tour. She killed her first bull on July 24, 1996. As she grew up and developed her technique, she became quit daring and would often wear elaborate costuming and her footwork become almost dance-like, taunting the animal. As a result, she became an easy icon and was quick to establish a lively fan-base that emulates her flashy dress and style. They call themselves Los Ninos Estrada. In 2000, she was only one of four women recognized as competing at an international level.

In 2002, Estrada fought 109 bulls, a number not matched by any matador before. She went on to fight for another five years, retiring in 2007 after nearly ending her life in a match that left her severely gored along her left side. She remained a spokes person for the sport for a few years following her recovery.

After her retirement, Estrada published an autobiography called Matador Estrada: the Woman who danced with Bulls.

When her doctor told him that, because of her lifelong injuries and trauma, she could no longer fight, she decided to teach. She bought her childhood ranch and opened a bullfighting school for woman across Spain.

Her devoted fans can still be seen at bullfighting events today, wearing her signature green hair colored wigs and golden capes, paying homage to the woman that changed the face of the sport forever.

Estrada now lives in Seville with her husband, famous matador Devon Almarinez, and their three children. Together, they run one the most successful bullfighting programs in the world and have students that have gone on to successfully compete internationally.