16-Year-Old kayaker achieving big things

 Stella has had a busy year having already competed at the Asia Pacific cup and Junior World Champs where she came away with a total of 6 medals including three golds. Stella would love to add to her medal collection next year but she knows it won’t come without hard work. 

“When preparing for a big comp I train 10 to 12 times a week, paddle everyday and also gym three times a week, with either swimming, running or surf life saving as cardio,” says Stella.

While Kayaking is at the forefront of Stella’s mind she strives to incorporate her Māori culture in everything she does. “My Māori culture is really important to me. I try my hardest  to incorporate Te Ao Māori into everything I do, whether it is continuing on my Reo journey or connecting with other rangatahi Māori through kapa haka and sports.” 

Although Stella is still young she has made it her goal to inspire other rangatahi Māori to give everything a go and take a step out of their comfort zone.

“I would love to see more Rangatahi Māori get into kayaking and take those opportunities and give it your all because you really can achieve if you put your mind to it,” says Crossan.

She has taken a lot of inspiration from Olympic kayaking star Dame Lisa Carrington who has paved the way for young Māori women to strive for excellence in kayaking. 

  “I think having role models like Lisa Carrington and other Māori sports women really allow young girls to look at them and be like well if they can do it I can do it too.”

Stella plans to continue with competitive kayaking while also moving towards studying at the University of Canterbury, keeping her options open while still putting her best foot forward in her sport.