RICHMOND – Today, the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) released the third season of its popular video web series My Home Virginia, which premieres on the agency’s website, YouTube channel, and in Virginia Welcome Centers.
My Home Virginia Season 3 episodes feature Virginia’s pivotal role in the lives of local athletes. This season, meet Keira D’Amato, a world-champion marathon runner training for the Olympic trials; Jon Lugbill, a former watersport world champion reshaping his hometown’s sports scene; and Nicola Cranmer, coach of the dominant US Women’s Cycling team and new Roanoke resident.
WATCH ALL EPISODES OF MY HOME VIRGINIA HERE
My Home Virginia is a narrative-driven video series that follows prominent Virginia-based personalities to the beautiful places they love and are inspired to call home, no matter how far across the world their travels may take them. Each episode captures an individual’s passion through beautiful visuals that inspire, uplift, and evoke feelings of awe.
Virginia welcomes thousands of visitors each year, drawing travelers to its scenic beaches, storied mountains, lively cities and towns, and pastoral landscapes to discover all there is to love about the Commonwealth. But, as they say, “Home is where the heart is,” and Virginia’s charms are most evident to those who call it home. My Home Virginia is a tribute to what makes Virginia so special.
My Home Virginia Episodes for Season 3
Episode 1: Jon Lugbill
With 12 world championship trophies and a Wheaties box feature to his name, Jon Lugbill dominated the world of Whitewater Slalom Canoe Racing during his professional career. To this day, he is still considered one of the greatest athletes in the history of his sport. Currently, Jon is the executive director of Sports Backers, an organization committed to creating vibrant communities through the power of active living. Now residing in Richmond, Virginia, Jon has found the perfect place to experience the thrill of paddling on the iconic James River rapids, and to enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and climbing, among other outdoor activities. Jon’s passion for the outdoors was the driving force behind Richmond’s famous Dominion Energy Riverrock, one of the nation’s largest outdoor sports and music festivals.
Episode 2: Nicola Cranmer
Growing up in southern England, Nicola Cranmer might not have imagined her future would entail running a professional women’s cycling team in Roanoke, Virginia, but now she says she wouldn’t have it any other way. A former professional mountain biker herself, Nicola is now the owner and manager of the women’s pro-cycling team TWENTY24, the longest running women’s cycling team in the world, based in Roanoke. She is celebrated for her team’s multiple Olympic medals and world championship titles. Nicola moved the team to Roanoke from Idaho in 2022 after visiting and discovering the region is not only perfect for training, but also comes with an incredibly tight-knit and supportive community. The natural assets of Roanoke set the scene, with the Blue Ridge Parkway, stunning views, and challenging trails, but in her own words, Nicola “has never felt so supported by the people” like she does in Roanoke.
Episode 3: Keira D’Amato
Pro distance runner and Richmond local, Keira D’Amato, fell in love with running in high school and kept at it, eventually breaking numerous records for distance running as well as track and field. In 2022, she broke the previous American women’s marathon record at 2:19:12. “If I could run anywhere in the world, it’s Pocahontas State Park,” she says. The beautiful scenery of central Virginia, as well as the diverse landscape, has made Richmond the ideal home base for the Nike-sponsored runner, but that’s not the only thing that keeps her here. Outside of her running career, Keira owns a running store, PR Walk & Run, and spends most of her free time with her family. She has found that the strong sense of community in Richmond has been just what she needs to stay motivated and feel truly supported.
My Home Virginia is a part of VTC’s overall marketing efforts to promote the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination.
To watch episodes of My Home Virginia or for more information, visit virginia.org/MyHomeVirginia.
About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and visit. Learn more at virginia.org.