A first-generation Cambodian American and elite cyclist takes to his bike with the hope of reshaping his identity as a husband, father and son of Cambodian refugees.

In 1978, Cambodian-born Kamnong and Sophan Phan fled the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and landed in Richmond, Virginia with their firstborn son. Ten years later, they gave birth to their second son, a first-generation American, Jonathan Phan (Johnny). Growing up in the South, Johnny grappled with ignoring his Asian heritage to fit in with his predominantly white peers. Over the years, he found a passion for riding and became an elite cyclist in the local Richmond circuit. In 2021, at 35 years old, Johnny welcomed his first child, Julian, into the world. Becoming a father ignited a desire to explore his Cambodian American identity and better understand his family’s roots. That same year, Johnny was given an extraordinary opportunity to join the Cambodian National Cycling Team and compete in the Southeast Asian Games which took place in May of 2022 in Vietnam. A year later the team would meet again for the SEA Games hosted by Cambodia, the country that almost took Johnny’s life before it ever was.

Co-Director/Producer | Joey Schihl

Website | ChasingCambodia.com

Instagram | Instagram.com/chasingcambodia