Ashburton girl makes rowing history

April 12, 2016

Ashburton girl makes rowing history

Veronica Wall wins the under 18 singles at Lake Ruataniwha. Photo: Sieska Verdonk

A 16-year-old girl has become the first New Zealander to win the school rowing championships in three age divisions.

Veronica Wall has won the under 16, under 17 and under 18 girls single scull events at Maadi Cup, making her the first female in New Zealand history to do so.

The Maadi Cup gives high- schoolers from around the country a chance to compete for medals in over 50 race divisions. It was held at Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel last week.

Watch a video of Wall's performance below. Video: Sieska Verdonk

“It just feels amazing, can't believe it, I’m over the moon. I trained twice a day, most days,” said Wall.

President of Ashburton Rowing Club and chief starter Justin Wall, who is also her father, said she worked for it.

“Every time she goes out she goes faster and faster. She likes to train and stay fit.”

Wall won by a considerable distance in all events, making her stand out to national selectors looking to pick the next team of juniors.

Wall said she would like to further her rowing career in the future but is “...taking it as it comes.”

Wall said that even though his daughter had won all these events, she was still just a regular girl who loves to spend time with friends.

“She’s just a school kid and has just turned 16, she’s still young. She does high school things and goes out with friends. She spends too much time on Facebook and Instagram.

“We are looking forward to the season next year.”

Veronica Wall has been selected for a New Zealand Juniors trial in an announcement released by Rowing New Zealand on Sunday

Rowing New Zealand junior selector Luke van Velthooven said although Wall has been selected for a trial, he could not comment on her performance until after the team was selected.

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