MICHELLE BANDUR: My Big Fat Nose

Michelle shares her story of being bullied. Who does not like to get money in the mail? – but if that $1 is accompanied by a spiteful message; “use it to fix your big fat nose”, what do you do? When that happened to investigative TV journalist and six times Ironman Michelle Bandur, it was a gut punch that took her back to her childhood. She cried a little, then turned around, raised more money and co-founded a junior-tri club. Bringing young girls together from across the community, to learn how to swim, bike, and run, building their own resilience and self-efficacy to face bullies and more. From Michelle, the team, and the all the girls in the tri-club – a message back to that bully “Thank you”

Michelle Bandur’s award winning career as a television journalist has put her in the path of several deadly tornadoes, hurricanes, on Nebraska’s death row and inside the Los Angeles Lakers locker room. That’s what she loves about being a reporter. Each day brings a new story and another opportunity to sit on the front row of history.

A native Omahan, Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Iowa State University. She has worked at several television stations, including KABC in Los Angeles and Fox 29 in San Antonio. Michelle has also produced a documentary and provides media consulting.

She also enjoys spending time with her Border Collie, Archer. They’ve taken agility training classes together. Watch out Best of Show! Michelle’s active in the endurance sports community and competes in triathlons. She has finished 5 Ironmans. That’s a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, followed by a marathon of 26.2 miles.

Michelle is also a member of USATriathlon North Central Council. USAT is the governing body for the sport. She co-founded a junior Triathlon Club; a free program for girls ages, 8-14. Michelle also served on the Mayor’s Active Living Advisory Committee.