Manolete

August 28, 1947 - The greatest matador died on this day. His name was Manolete, and his bullfighting style was legendary. The son of a struggling bullfighter, Manolete rose from poverty to stardom with his superhuman abilities in the bullring. He was famous for striking motionless poses as the bull passed.

He was also a master of the kill. But on the day he died, Manolete faced Islero, a venerable opponent descended from a deadly line of Miura bulls. Just as Manolete applied the heart-piercing coup de grace and drove his blade deep into the bull's back, the beast turned one last time and gored the matador in his upper right leg.

Manolete's death was a national tragedy in Spain and he was mourned for days, weeks and many years afterward. He is still regarded by many as the best that ever was.