Virginia Tech women's golf coach Carol Robertson (left) talks with junior Emily Mathews during the first round of the ACC women's golf championship on April 16 at Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Virginia Tech women's golf coach Carol Robertson (left) talks with junior Emily Mathews during the first round of the ACC women's golf championship on April 16 at Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Misty Johnson has taken on some of the country's toughest endurance races.
She has completed eight Ironman triathlons, including the world championships in Hawaii. And just last month, she completed the Blue Ridge Double Marathon.
Now Johnson is preparing for her toughest race yet as a participant in September's Endure Ultra Triathlon at Smith Mountain Lake. The race featured a mind-boggling 4.8-mile swim, 224-mile bike and 52.4-mile run.
Completing the race would be an incredible feat for any athlete. But for Johnson, it's another way to keep fighting.
She's living with multiple sclerosis.
With each race, Johnson attemps to prove to herself, her doctors and any doubters that she can push her body to keep moving. Despite the challenges, she persists.
The determined endurance athlete she is today is a far cry from who she was in 2016 when first diagnosed. She admits those early days were difficult.
"It was really tough in the beginning," Johnson said about learning she had multiple sclerosis from doctors after an MRI.
"They actually took me aside after that and immediately brought me to a neurologist and told me they needed to start steroids right away," she recalls. "The doctor said it was like an MS plague and that he'd never seen anything like before because my whole brain and spine was all lesions and they could not count how many there were because they were so joined together."
Misty Johnson is training for a 281.2-mile ultra-triathlon while living with multiple sclerosis. The Endure Ultra Triathlon will be held at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in September. She is pictured at the state park on May 1.
Johnson experienced neurological issues like balance problems, slurred speech, memory loss and leg numbness. She also suffered from severe vision loss that forced her to stop driving, further taking away her independence.
"I actually couldn't even make it around the block because my MS was messing with everything," Johnson said. "It messed with my memory. I was having trouble remembering who people were. Remembering where I'm at. All kinds of things were happening with the MS."
Johnson, living in Washington at the time with her husband Seth, decided to take yoga and water aerobics classes at a YMCA. A local friend encouraged her to stop living in fear following her diagnosis. That push helped to put her on the path she is on now.
As she got more comfortable working out, Johnson said she mentioned to friends and staff at her YMCA that she was interested in competing in a triathlon. They encouraged her to try an Ironman instead.
Johnson agreed before really knowing what an Ironman entailed. The grueling event includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile marathon all completed consecutively.
Completing an Ironman is a momentous accomplishment for anyone, but Johnson faced her own unique challenges. In addition to the near-superhuman endurance required to complete the race, Johnson had to deal with vision loss and numbness in her legs — symptoms that worsen as her body heats up during competition.
"It gets really dark like someone is turning down the lights," Johnson said.
To help her during previous races, she has assistance from guides that are tethered to her during the swim and run to make sure she stays on course. They also assist Johnson with the use of a tandem bike.
She was able to find guides for her first two Ironman races. Eventually, Johnson's husband agreed to guide her during her races.
Misty Johnson is training for a 281.2-mile ultra-triathlon at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, while living with multiple sclerosis. She is pictured with her husband, Seth Johnson, who has acted as her guide for triathlon races.
"I caught the bug because of her energy," Seth Johnson said of competing in his first Ironman with his wife. The duo has since competed in four Ironman races together.
He calls his wife an inspiration seeing what she has accomplished. He also admits to questioning her decision to take on these races without any prior racing experience.
"In 2022, one mile was the longest distance in the world for her," Seth said.
Seeing her now, Seth said he encourages Misty to continue challenging herself. He doesn't want her to stop fighting.
"If she can take on an Ironman and MS, what can't she take on?" Seth said.
Becoming an endurance athlete has had its own benefits for Johnson. She said the training has helped her get off a lot of medicine she was prescribed due to her MS. In those early days she was given a bag of medicine so large at the pharmacy that they couldn't pass it through the window.
"My health has gotten so much better since I started working out like this," Johnson said. "I'm not sure why other than it just helps me not have so many reactions during the day. It helps me manage stress throughout the day and handle life better overall."
Johnson and her husband moved to Smith Mountain Lake in 2024. Since then, she has continued to train and compete in endurance races around the country.
Now a lake resident, Johnson decided to take on a local challenge and found the Endure Ultra Triathlon held at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. She also wants to complete this race on her own, without any guide.
"When I saw this race course, I said it was made just for me," she said.
Misty Johnson is training for a 281.2-mile ultra-triathlon while living with multiple sclerosis. The Endure Ultra Triathlon will be held at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in September. She is pictured at the state park on May 1.
While it is an incredible 281.2 miles split between running, biking and swimming, it is also a very short course loop. Johnson said that will help her to stay on track and not get lost when her vision starts to darken when she overheats.
Her husband plans to set up a tent with ice water and an ice bath to get her temperature down during the race. Johnson said cooling down her core temperature helps to bring her vision back and reduce some of the other symptoms.
This race will be Johnson's biggest challenge yet. She said this race could be the longest race a woman with multiple sclerosis has completed if she is able to get to the finish line before the 36-hour cutoff.
In the aftermath of being diagnosed, Johnson said, she competed to prove she could still do it. Now, that has changed.
"When I got around the community of people at the gym and the Ironman events and they were so encouraging and inspired that I was doing it, that just made it so much more than me," Johnson said. "That's why I'm trying to share my journey, because I want to help people see that life doesn't end. You can keep going."
Johnson said she learned of the impact she can have when she met another competitor at an Ironman race who was blind and was inspired by her and wanted to meet her. She realized then that her story could help others to see that an MS diagnosis does not mean giving up.
This race at Smith Mountain Lake also serves as a fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Johnson has set a goal of $4,000 she wants to raise by the time the race ends.
Leading up the September race, Johnson is already training several days a week to make sure her body is ready for the grueling challenge.
As she prepares, Johnson is documenting the race on social media. She shares updates on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to let people know about her journey with MS.
"I really want to show all the people with MS and chronic illness that your life isn't over after your diagnosis," she said. "Sometimes it just takes some adapting and some patience with yourself and your body and you can get things done.
"You just have to be kind to yourself and work on it every day and adapt. It might not look like you thought it would be, but it's still possible."
Jason Dunovant (540) 981-3324
Misty Johnson is training for a 281.2-mile ultra-triathlon at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, while living with multiple sclerosis. She is pic…
The FBI executed a search warrant in Portsmouth on Wednesday at a building that houses the offices of state Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth.
"This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is publicly available at this time," the FBI in Norfolk said.
FBI personnel were stationed outside The Cannabis Outlet on High Street in Portsmouth after serving a search warrant on Wednesday.
The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk reported that FBI agents in military fatigues gathered in the parking lot as onlookers crowded across the street. Numerous unmarked vehicles, including an armored personnel carrier and multiple vans, were in the parking lot.
Fox News, which first reported the news, said three people were detained.
The New York Times and The Washington Post, both citing two anonymous federal law enforcement sources, reported that the investigation began during the administration of President Joe Biden and was into allegations of bribery.
WAVY-TV, at the scene, reported law enforcement officers at the Cannabis Outlet, located on High Street, which WAVY said is partly owned by Lucas.
Portsmouth police said they are unaware of any investigation.
There was no FBI activity Wednesday at the General Assembly Building in Richmond, where Lucas also has an office.
Lucas issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday evening.
"Today's actions by Federal agents are about far more than one state senator; they are about power and who is allowed to use it on behalf of the people," the statement read. "What we saw fits a clear pattern from this administration: when challenged, they try to intimidate and silence voices who stand up to them.
"Just two weeks ago, Virginians sent a powerful message when they voted to stop Trump's scheme to manipulate the 2026 midterm elections. Voters across this Commonwealth made clear that power belongs with the people, not with politicians who try to take power away from them.
"I was proud to help lead that effort and I have never been afraid to stand up to Donald Trump or anyone else that has tried to undermine our democracy.
"I am deeply grateful for the love and support of my family and friends and for the many colleagues and constituents who have reached out in recent hours. I will have more to say in the days ahead, but know this: I am not backing down, and I will keep fighting for the people of Portsmouth and the Commonwealth of Virginia."
Senate Finance Chair Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, sits on the floor of the Senate during a special session at the state Capitol.
As chair of the Senate Finance Committee and president pro tem of the Senate, Lucas is one of the most powerful politicians in the state.
Lucas has extensive business interests in Portsmouth, including a facility where she provides Medicaid-funded services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that generates more than $250,000 of revenue, according to her annual statement of economic interests, which state law requires officials to file.
Her hospitality business takes in between $50,000 and $250,000 a year.
She is also president of a transportation firm, a direct care provider and a day support operation.
FBI vehicles. including an armored personnel carrier, were stationed outside The Cannabis Outlet on High Street in Portsmouth on Wednesday.
Lucas has served in the state Senate since 1992, and before that was on the Portsmouth City Council, where she was first elected in 1984.
“While we await the full facts of the investigation, it must be acknowledged that this FBI raid occurs in the broader context of President Trump’s repeated abuse of the Department of Justice to target his perceived political opponents," said Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, D-3rd. His Congressional district includes Lucas' state Senate district.
“It should be noted that this is occurring just two weeks after Sen. Lucas helped lead the successful effort by Virginia voters to reject President Trump’s attempt to rig the midterm elections," Scott said.
“Like all Americans, Sen. Lucas has a right to due process and a presumption of innocence," he added.
FBI officials are seen outside The Cannabis Outlet in Portsmouth, partly owned by State Sen. Louise Lucas, on Wednesday.
Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, also raised questions about the raid.
“Let's start with this: Sen. L. Louise Lucas has not been charged with anything! I am deeply concerned by today’s FBI raid. Given the politicization of this administration — an FBI led by Kash Patel and a Justice Department run by President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney — I think people should take this with a grain of salt and allow the facts to come out before jumping to conclusions," Scott said.
“It also raises important questions. How was Fox News, a national media outlet, first on the scene? Did they know about the raid beforehand? If so, who approved that? And what more information is there about what this raid was actually about? Virginians deserve answers before anyone rushes to political conclusions," Scott said.
A spokesperson for Gov. Abigail Spanberger said the governor "is aware of today's law enforcement operation in Portsmouth."
"In the absence of additional details, the governor will not be commenting on a federal investigation at this time."
Nottoway teacher wins state award; Housing nonprofit buys bank building; Rest Fest returns to Dogwood Dell
Lifeguard training at the Franklin County Family YMCA in Rocky Mount.
May is Water Safety Month, and the Franklin County Family YMCA is reminding people that it offers swim lessons and lifeguard training.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children, the YMCA said in a news release, but knowing how to swim and learning lifesaving skills can save lives.
The YMCA, located at 235 Technology Drive in Rocky Mount, is offering a variety of swim lesson options for all ages and skill levels.
Programs include youth swim lessons for ages 3–10, as well as a special parent-and-child class for children ages 6 months to 3 years, designed to introduce water comfort, basic safety skills, and bonding experiences between caregivers and their little ones.
These early experiences help build confidence and lay the foundation for lifelong water safety, the YMCA said.
Lifeguard certification courses are also being offered, with multiple session dates available through the end of May. These courses provide hands-on training in rescue techniques, CPR and emergency response, preparing participants with the critical skills needed to keep others safe in and around the water.
Recertification courses are also available for currently certified lifeguards looking to renew their credentials.
"Our goal is to build confidence, teach essential safety skills, and create a culture of awareness around water," Kameron Kitts, the YMCA's aquatics director, said in the release. "From our youngest swimmers to those training to become lifeguards, we are committed to equipping our community with the knowledge and skills that can truly save lives."
Learn more about available programs by visiting www.franklincountyymca.org or stopping by in person.
The recipients of the Smith Mountain Lake Women’s Club’s annual scholarships for graduating seniors are Olga Vasquez from Franklin County High School and Kira Hayden of Staunton River High School, the club announced.
Vasquez
Vasquez, from Rocky Mount, has a 4.29 GPA and will attend the University of Virginia to study nursing. She wants to be an intensive care unit nurse.
“As a bilingual caregiver, I hope to bridge the language and cultural barriers, ensuring patients and families are heard,” Vasquez said in the club’s announcement. “… This path is deeply personal: I would be the first in my family to attend college and enter the medical field, honoring my parents’ sacrifices and the opportunities they have worked tirelessly to provide.”
Vasquez’s community service includes being a patient escort and translator at Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital and a volunteer firefighter with the Rocky Mount Fire Department. Her school activities include being on student council and a member of the National Honor Society. She has also been on the honor roll her entire high school career.
Hayden
Hayden, from Moneta, has a 3.58 GPA and will attend the University of Lynchburg. She plans to major in business management and return to Bedford.
“I would love to open a business tailored towards youth,” Hayden said in the Women’s Club’s announcement. She wants to offer an “entertainment space along with resources such as counseling, mentoring, tutoring, financial planning and literacy classes for teens and adults.”
Hayden’s community service includes volunteering at the Agape Center and World Help Organization, volunteering as Cop Camp Counselor in Bedford, and volunteering with the Youth Ministry at Greenspring Baptist Church.
Her school activities include being on student council, cheerleading and being a member of the National Honor Society.
