Bullfighter throws himself on top of teen as bull approaches at Calliope Rodeo

See the moment a bullfighter used his body to shield a teenager from a raging bull bearing down on him. UPDATED WITH VIDEO

An heroic bullfighter who threw himself on top of a teenage bull rider unable to move as the beast bore down him has brushed off praise of his bravery.

Dalton Poole said he had not acted out of bravery in protecting 17 year old Nash Meller at the Calliope Rodeo, he simply knew he had a job to do.

Mr Poole shielded the young man’s body with his own, protecting his head and torso as onlookers watched in disbelief.

“Nash came down pretty hard and he was knocked down… I was trying to stand in between him and the bull, I knew he wasn’t getting up,” he said.

The photo was taken by John Todd at the Calliope Rodeo on Saturday. Picture: John Todd ImageBox Sports Photography

Mr Poole’s job as a bullfighter is to act as a “bodyguard” for the riders, in the event that they may become severely injured.

“I knew there was a possibility that we were going to get hurt but I just thought, get it over and done with,” Mr Poole said.

“You have to mentally prepare yourself and just try and come out on top.”

Mr Mellers said he was unable to remember anything that happened before or after the image was taken and both men were able to leave the ring without any further injuries.

It only took a few hours for one of photographer John Todd’s photos from the rodeo on Saturday, September 30 to gain traction on social media.

The photo was taken by John Todd at the Calliope Rodeo on Saturday. Picture: John Todd ImageBox Sports Photography

Mr Poole has experience as a bull rider himself, and at 31 has been involved with rodeos for most of his life.

“I love working with cattle, and trying to read cattle,” he said.

“They’re special animals and they’re quite smart, I have a lot of respect for them.”

Mr Poole said most bullfighters did the job out of passion.

“A few people think I’m probably stupid, but it’s very rewarding to keep people safe,” he said.

“I’ve been pretty fortunate, I know guys who do the same job and they’ve witnessed some pretty horrific things... I don’t know how it’s played on their minds.

“I’ve had a couple instances of bull riders getting knocked out, and you have to lay over their body to protect them from more injury.”

Saturday’s experience was not enough to deter Mr Poole, who has now been bullfighting for 14 years after growing up in Townsville and moving to Lowood, west of Brisbane, in 2014.

“I’m pretty much in the arena every weekend travelling around Queensland,” he said.