Michele Porter’s Story: A Journey of Resilience and the Power of Community at Wildflower

For Michele, 2024 was supposed to be her comeback year in triathlon—a chance to rekindle her competitive spirit after stepping away from the sport for several years. With her sights set on Coeur d’Alene 70.3 in June, she was eager to return to the open water and push her limits. Her efforts paid off, earning her an age group slot for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand. But the road to Taupo was anything but smooth.

Determined to show up at her best in New Zealand, Michele enlisted the help of her teammate and coach, Jen Temperley, to sharpen her run speed, and provide a holistic training program inclusive of strength training and mobility. Things were going well until a local half marathon in mid-October took an unexpected turn. Just 20 yards from the finish line, an unfortunate collision with a metal obstruction resulted in a patella fracture. With the World Championship just two months away, Michele’s chances of competing fully seemed nearly impossible.

But Michele refused to let disappointment define her journey. Instead, she shifted her focus to healing, staying patient, and building her upper body strength. Even though she couldn’t fully compete in New Zealand, she traveled to the event to participate in the swim and, more importantly, to support her fellow Betty Squad teammates.

Michele’s mindset shifted to 2025, with renewed determination to make the next year her strongest yet. But life had other plans. In late December, while out on a training ride, she was hit by a car. A concussion, along with many bumps and bruises, sidelined her until mid-January. Once again, patience and perseverance became her guiding forces. Rest, rehab, and a positive outlook carried her back to training, with her sights set on her first big event of the year: Wildflower Experience this May.

Wildflower, known as the “Woodstock of Triathlon,” has always been about more than just racing. It’s a celebration of endurance, community, and the energy athletes bring to the course. For Michele, it became a goal as she worked her way back to fitness. But in early March, yet another challenge arose—a knee injury that forced her to pause her run training just six weeks before race weekend.

Through it all, Michele has stayed focused on what she can control—taking things one day at a time, trusting her body’s ability to heal, and keeping her eyes firmly on the Wildflower start line. For Michele, Wildflower is more than just a race; it’s about being part of a community that lifts each other up, celebrates resilience and fuels the drive to keep moving forward.

“There’s something about being surrounded by athletes who understand the journey—people who know the sacrifices, the setbacks, and the triumphs,” said Michele. “That’s what Wildflower is all about. It’s not just about crossing the finish line; it’s about showing up, supporting your teammates, and being part of something bigger.”

As Wildflower weekend approaches, Michele’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about showing up, supporting others, and staying connected to the sport and community that fuel your passion. Whether she’s competing, cheering from the sidelines, or helping a fellow athlete push through, Michele will be there, proving that setbacks may slow you down, but they never have to stop you.