Soon-to-be college freshman Michael Pinckney is the textbook definition of a student-athlete, from his straight A’s to his national championship in track and field. 

Pinckney won the national discus championship, ranked third in the country in hammer throw and top 10 in the nation in shotput. 

So how did he get to become Gatorade’s New York Track & Field Athlete of the Year? 

“Lot of training, lot of practice, and just a lot of throwing,” says Pinckney.  

After being chosen for the Gatorade athlete award, he got the opportunity to submit a video for a chance to win a $10,000 grant to the charity of his choice. His video won the grant, and he donated the proceeds to About U NYC. 

George Lanese, one of the founders of About U, has known Pinckney since he was a high school freshman, acknowledging how his prowess extends to the classroom as well.  

“He’s just an exceptional young man,” said Lanese. “he’s a role model.” 

Pinckney will start his freshman year at UCLA, where he will major in civil engineering. While he does plan on returning to New York for his career, he does have his sights on the 2028 Olympic Games, which will be held in Los Angeles.