Zariel Macchia Wins State Track Title Following Legal Battle Over Eligibility

The high school senior was reinstated by court order after being suspended for competing in a collegiate race.

Zariel Macchia, a senior from William Floyd High School, won the 3,000-meter race at the New York State Indoor Track Championships with a national-best time of 9:21.73.
Macchia was initially suspended for violating the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's 'College Rule' by competing against collegiate athletes in an invitational race.
Her family filed a lawsuit, arguing that the suspension was unfair as she participated as an unattached athlete and not as a representative of her school.
A New York State Supreme Court judge ruled in her favor, reinstating her eligibility just days before the championship meet.
In addition to her 3,000-meter victory, Macchia anchored a winning relay team and placed third in the 1,000-meter race, showcasing her resilience and talent.