She’s on track for greatness.
Suffolk County high school student Zariel Macchia is the talk of the running world as a record-setting All-American who could be poised for Olympic glory one day.
“My goal was to make nationals at least one time in high school, but then I made it as a freshman and realized I want to be back every year, and it worked out that way,” BYU-bound Macchia, a senior at William Floyd High School who runs year-round, told The Post.
“I don’t think about the records or times. I just push to run my best, knowing all that will come.”
Since entering ninth grade, the state champion 18-year-old has competed on the world stage for Team USA’s under-20 squad, holds seven Long Island record times and has twice been named Gatorade’s New York girls cross-country player of the year, to name just a few of her many achievements.
In her mind, though, it isn’t a one-woman show.
“I really see races as a chance to push myself in the thought of everybody who is helping me, like my parents, coach and siblings,” Macchia said. “There really isn’t pressure on me. I really just have fun with it.”
Macchia will run the mile in the Millrose Games in Manhattan this weekend, an event in which she previously clocked a best time of 4:41.37. The super senior said she could potentially set a personal best on the indoor track at the Armory on Saturday afternoon.
In March, she returns to the venue for the Nike Indoor Nationals, where she will run a 5K, a half mile in a team sprint medley relay and another mile.
“If I had to bet at this point, I would bet that she will be an Olympian one day,” Macchia’s head coach, John Ryan, told The Post. “I can’t put anything past the kid. She goes out and does something amazing and then surpasses it a week later.”
Ryan also praised the star athlete’s maturity, work ethic and understanding “of what it takes to be successful,” which she exhibits on and off the track.
“I’ve taken every single math and science class my school has to offer, and I’m also captain of our science bowl team,” said Macchia, who also has a passion for painting and is looking to pursue an electrical engineering degree in college.
Macchia is also well aware of her potential. She intentionally trains conservatively to “focus on longevity and be able to pursue big goals in the future.”
Along with supporting her soon-to-be BYU team in Utah, one of her big goals is wearing red, white and blue in the Olympics. After all, Macchia takes such pride in her Team USA running sneakers that she won’t wear them anywhere near mud.
“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.”
Runs in the family
Being lighting fast is in Macchia’s blood.
Her parents, Peter and Alex, met in the early 2000s while on Columbia University’s track team.
They recognized their daughter’s true potential during her first race as a sixth grader, a local 5K run at Smith Point beach just minutes from their home.
“We wanted her to stick to a safe pace, which she was way ahead of. But as she was passing us, we just saw her smiling like no runner should be at that point and couldn’t help but cheer and shout,” her father said.
Macchia placed first in her age group, beat the entire William Floyd High School team, her mom’s previous time and placed third overall for women.
“I was watching her run and I said to my assistant coach, ‘What high school does she go to?’ ” Ryan recalled. “I knew right off the bat she was going to be very, very good.”
Since then, Macchia has trained on and around the fateful sands with her siblings and parents. She and her dad even run a “lucky” small training route on the beach before a big event.
“He really wanted to make sure to teach me to enjoy running,” Macchia said.
“I think the reason that I’ve been able to be so successful with track and cross country is because it’s something that I really do enjoy and love doing.”
