Soon-to-be freshman Michael Pinkney is the textbook definition of a student-athlete, from straight A’s to national championships in track and field.
Pinckney won the National Discus Throw Championship, was ranked 3rd in the nation in hammer throw and top 10 in the nation in shot put.
So how did he become Gatorade’s New York Track & Field Athlete of the Year?
“A lot of training, a lot of practice, and a lot of pitching,” Pinkney says.
After being selected for the Gatorade Athlete Award, he had the opportunity to submit a video for a $10,000 grant to the charity of his choice. His video won a grant and he donated his proceeds to his About U NYC.
George Lanese, one of About U’s founders, has known Pinckney since his freshman year of high school, and admits his prowess extends into the classroom.
“He’s an extraordinary young man,” Lannes said. “He is a role model.”
Pinkney begins her first year at UCLA, majoring in Civil Engineering. Although he plans to return to New York for his career, he has his sights set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.