Season 1 Episode 102

As a youth, Michael experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences. At age 6, Michael had all 10 ACE’s and a handful of community ACE’s, he would struggle in life socially and emotionally. He was able to rise above his environment into an empowering teacher and speaker who inspires and instructs students, teachers, and leaders on how to take control of their lives. His mantra is relentless pursuit, resilience and sweat equity. 

Michael Belh’s story has taken him from tragedy to triumph.  He has persevered through a childhood of domestic violence, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. He would end up in jail by the end of his freshman year of high school. Michael excelled at high school sports and earned a full athletic scholarship to Rutgers University to play football.  While at Rutgers, he was also a member of the wrestling team, participating in two division 1 sports.  He went on to obtain his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Special Education.  

He even dabbled in competitive eating.  In 2007, Michael competed in the Wing Bowl 15.  He ate 68 wings in 10 minutes which was a wing bowl wing off record.

Today, Michael has transformed himself from a 305-lb football player and competitive eater to a 175-lb triathlete, marathon runner and is looking forward to competing in ultra marathons in the near future. He competes regularly in Ironman triathlons, half Ironman, short distance triathlons and running races of all distances.  The Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run. He has qualified for the Ironman World Championships and the Ironman 70.3 World Championships(½ Ironman Distance)