Stella Clayton-Greene

Favorite Venue: Lake Rotsee, Lucerne, Switzerland

Favorite Boat Class: 2x

Stella began rowing for Hauraki Plains College in 2013, where she had several successful years competing in sculling events at Maadi, New Zealand’s largest secondary school rowing regatta. Her high school career laid a strong foundation, and shortly after, she moved to Cambridge to join the Waikato RPC (Regional Performance Centre). This transition helped her earn selection into the 2018 New Zealand Junior Team, where she teamed up with Kathryn Glen to claim a bronze medal in the Women’s Double Sculls at the Junior World Rowing Championships.

Following her junior success, Stella continued to grow her rowing career and was selected for the New Zealand U23 team. She traveled with the team to Sarasota, Florida, in preparation for the World U23 Championships.

At the end of 2021, Stella was selected for the Elite Development Squad, a key stepping stone in her rowing career. Her progress led to her selection in the New Zealand Elite Women’s Quad in 2022. Competing on the international stage, Stella raced at World Rowing Cup II in Poznan, Poland, followed by Henley Royal Regatta in England and World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne, Switzerland. Stella finished her season in 2022 by racing at the 2022 World Rowing Championships in Racice, Czech Republic, where she raced the Women’s Quad, placing 4th in the B-Final.

In 2023, Stella shifted her focus to sweep rowing and was selected for the Elite Women’s Sweep Squad, coached by Matt Cameron. She raced in the Women’s Pair with Catherine Layburn at World Rowing Cup III in Lucerne. Although the duo faced challenges due to illness, they gained valuable experience on the international stage, building a solid foundation for future competitions.

Continuing her momentum, 2024 marked a significant year for Stella. She once again raced in the Women’s Pair, this time at World Rowing Cup II, where she gained further international exposure in a highly competitive field. Stella’s performances throughout the season lead to her being named the reserve for the New Zealand Women’s Olympic team at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Stella was a key member of the 2024-2025 Elite Summer Squad, competing as part of the Women’s Sculling Squad. Despite facing injury setbacks, she demonstrated exceptional boat feel and resilience, making the A finals in the Women’s Premier Single at both the North Island Championships and National Championships. At the National Championships, she also secured a silver medal in the Women’s Double with Ella Cossill.

Stella’s perseverance and talent continued to shine at the Elite Trials, where she impressed selectors and earned selection into one of two Women’s Doubles alongside Kathryn Glen. Overcoming adversity, she has proven her strength and determination, securing her place on the World Cup team. The duo delivered an outstanding performance at World Cup I, earning a place on the podium with a bronze medal. After battling illness in the lead-up to World Cup II, Stella and Kathryn fought hard but finished in the B Final. At the recent Elite World Championship trials, Stella once again showcased her speed and composure, earning selection to the New Zealand Elite Women’s Quad to compete at the World Championships in Shanghai.

On day one of the regatta, the Women’s Quad finished 3rd in their heat and recorded the 5th fastest qualifying time, securing direct entry into the A final. The quad went on to finish 5th overall – a great result to build on for the rest of the Olympiad. Stella  returned to Lake Karapiro to continue full-time training with the 2025–2026 Elite Summer Squad, where she had a very successful domestic season. At the 2026 National Rowing Championships, Stella won a silver medal in the Premier Women’s Double, before being invited to trial for the World Cup team. At the trials, Stella performed strongly and earned herself selection  into the Women’s Quad — the same event she raced in at last year’s World Championships placing 5th. The Women’s quad made the A final at both World Cup’s and won a silver medal at World Cup II in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Stella and her crew impressed selectors at the World Championships confirmation trial and remained unchanged for the World Championships. Stella was also selected into the Women’s eight which will be the first time this crew has raced this international season. She raced in the Women’s quad and the Women’s Eight at the 2026 World Championships in Amsterdam where the quad was in the C final and the Women’s Eight was in the A final and placed 6th overall. This was an impressive result for such a new combination.

Stella has been reselected into this year’s Summer Squad where she will train as part of the Women’s Elite Squad for the 2026-2027 summer season.

Off the water, Stella is completing a Bachelor of Communication in Digital Marketing, blending her passion for both sport and business. She is an asset to have in the Rowing NZ building and is always found with a beaming smile on her face!