Veronica Wall

Veronica Wall’s rowing journey began at her local club in Ashburton — a club that would soon gain recognition thanks to her exceptional talent and results.

Coached by her father, Justin Wall, Veronica quickly developed a passion for sculling, competing across every sculling category when she was at school. She first made headlines at the Maadi Cup with a history-making achievement, winning the U16, U17, and U18 single sculls — a rare feat in New Zealand rowing. 

Her success continued internationally, representing New Zealand three times at the U19 Junior level and once with the U23 team, demonstrating both talent and consistency on the world stage.

Veronica then moved to the United States to combine rowing and study at Yale University, becoming one of the top athletes in Yale’s rowing program while completing her undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

Returning home to New Zealand, she trained under renowned coach Dick Tonks, making significant gains in technique and performance. Her domestic form surged when she won the woman’s single at the Christmas Regatta and North Island Championships and finished a close second at Nationals. She also earned her first red coat at the 2025 National Rowing Championships in Twizel by winning the Premier Double with Kathryn Glen. Although injury forced her out of the Elite World Cup trial, she remained focused and trained diligently through the New Zealand winter.

That perseverance paid off and at the Elite World Championship trial in early August, Veronica impressed selectors and earned her place in the Women’s Quad, set to compete at her first Elite World Championships in Shanghai this September — an extraordinary milestone in an already remarkable career. The quad began the regatta by placing 3rd in their heat with the 5th fastest qualifying time, earning direct progression to the A final. The crew ultimately finished 5th in the A final, marking a solid result at the elite level and an amazing achievement for Veronicas debut on the elite stage.

She then 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, Veronica won a silver medal in the Women’s Double, a bronze medal in the Women’s Single Scull, and claimed the national title in the Women’s Quad — highlighting her standout talent in New Zealand women’s sculling.

Following the National Championships, Veronica competed at the World Cup trials and was selected into the Women’s Quad — the same event she raced in at last year’s World Championships. 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. Veronica and her crew then trailed at the World Championships confirmation trial where they impressed selectors and remained unchanged for the World Championships. Veronica was also selected into the Women’s eight which will be the first time this crew has raced this international season.

Off the water, Veronica is known for her determination, intelligence, and fun-loving nature — qualities that make her an asset to any team. She currently works part-time in the University of Otago’s Department of Public Health Project, and in her spare time enjoys drawing, gardening and baking delicious cookies.