Imagine being one of the biggest Olympic prospects in the country and then you get banned. That’s not the worst part…you get banned over something that’s not even your fault. The mental repercussions are unimaginable and that’s when family support becomes important. The New York star’s father has gone the extra mile to take her ban to court…but why? What was she banned?

It all began when Zariel Macchia, a William Floyd High School senior, raced in the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational. According to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association handbook, the Long Island athlete’s competitors shouldn’t be representing a college, which they, in fact, did. The price Macchia has to pay is heavy– she stands disqualified from the NY state championships.

The next athletic meet is on Staten Island and Macchia’s dad is not letting it go easy; he is already considering legal action, as he believes that his daughter wasn’t at fault. “We believe Zariel should not be penalized for the decisions of other entrants.” He told the New York Post. Alex was himself a track and field athlete and understands how the ban must’ve hit his daughter, after all; the ban has adversely affected all of the senior’s plans.

Papa Macchia informed the post that the budding track sensation was planning on running three events, one even as a relay anchor for her team. She finished third at the Invitational, entering into the all-time high school indoor top 10 list in the girl’s 1000m. The Joy was short-lived as soon after she was declared ineligible for New York State championships by the NYSPHSAA, robbing her of the chance of competing at indoor state championships next month. This is not just a big blow for her but for her fans as well who see too much potential in her.

Zariel Macchia is a favorite among the fans, seen by many as one of the best track and field prodigies from New York State.

Zariel Macchia – an Olympic prospect

Zariel Macchia is not just a high school student-athlete – she is a record-setting All-American. The William Floyd senior marked a podium finish in the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships in December. Finishing 2nd in the NE regional, she added another accolade to her long list of achievements.

Starting at the very tender age of 12, Macchia ran the local 5k. She has come a long way since then. She’s been the USATF National Youth 5K Champion thrice, USATF U20 Women’s 5,000 Champion, and a bronze at the Pan American U20 Championships in 2023, are just few of her mind-boggling achievements. Her dreams just do not stop here though.

“I think that making the Olympic Trials is a realistic possibility,” Macchia said. “Obviously, making the team is a whole new level from that. I can’t really say much [yet], but yeah, I think I’m going to make the Olympics.” With her long list of accolades and her young age, it is fair to say that she has all that it takes to take over the Olympic track. A little training and some more experience might be just what this track prodigy needs.

The ban must’ve been harsh on Zariel Macchia, but it isn’t going to break her spirit. She is going to be available for her final spring season and she must focus on that while her dad takes care of the ban. What do you think..is the ban justified? Should Alex Macchia take this to court?