New Zealand‘s Sam Ruthe has etched his name in athletics history by becoming the youngest person ever to complete a sub-four-minute mile. At just 15 years old, Ruthe clocked an impressive 3:58.35 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, surpassing previous records set by renowned middle-distance runners.
Ruthe’s milestone came after an exceptional performance on the rain-soaked Auckland track, where he was paced by Sam Tanner, a two-time Olympian, who guided him through the four laps before Ruthe surged to the finish line. His time edged out the previous youngest sub-four-minute miler, Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who achieved the feat at 16 years old with a time of 3:58.07.
Reflecting on his achievement, Ruthe expressed his excitement, stating that breaking the barrier was one of his most cherished goals. He credited the atmosphere and support from those around him for making the moment even more special.
Ruthe’s performance was not an isolated success. Earlier in 2025, he became the youngest senior national champion at the New Zealand Track and Field Championships, winning the 3,000 meters in 7:56.18—a world best for his age. His victory also broke records previously held by older athletes, cementing his status as a rising star in middle-distance running.
Additionally, in March, Ruthe tied for first place in the New Zealand senior 1500m championship alongside Tanner, further proving his ability to compete at the highest level despite his young age.
Born in Tauranga, Ruthe comes from a family deeply rooted in New Zealand athletics. His parents, Ben and Jesse Ruthe, were both accomplished runners, and his grandparents, Trevor Wright and Rosemary Wright (née Stirling), competed at the Olympic Games. Rosemary won a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 800 meters in 1970, while Trevor secured a silver medal in the 1971 European Marathon Championship. This rich family heritage has played a crucial role in shaping Ruthe’s career.
Ruthe trains under Craig Kirkwood, a highly regarded coach, in a squad that includes Sam Tanner. His commitment to rigorous training has been evident in his rapid progression. In November 2024, at just 15 years old, he ran 8:09.68 in the 3,000 meters, setting New Zealand under-17 and under-18 records. His rapid improvement continued into 2025, when he ran 4:01.72 in the mile at the Cooks Classic in January, marking a significant world best for his age group.
In February, Ruthe’s remarkable run of form saw him claim the senior national title in the 3,000 meters, making him the youngest male champion in New Zealand athletics history. He also set another world best for his age, running 3:41.25 over 1,500 meters, breaking the previous record set by Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
The four-minute mile remains a revered benchmark in middle-distance running, a feat first achieved by Roger Bannister in 1954. Although advancements in training and footwear have made it a more common occurrence, it still holds significant prestige in the world of athletics.
With his record-breaking performance, Ruthe has set a new precedent for young runners worldwide. His achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a milestone for New Zealand athletics, showcasing the nation’s continued strength in producing world-class middle-distance runners.
As Ruthe prepares for the next stage of his career, expectations are high. Given his rapid progression, he is already being considered a future star on the international stage. With upcoming global competitions, there is speculation about how soon he might compete against the world’s elite in senior championships.
With his combination of talent, training, and legacy, Sam Ruthe is set to be a dominant force in middle-distance running for years to come.
