In a historic feat that has captivated the athletics world, 15-year-old New Zealand runner Sam Ruthe has become the youngest athlete ever to break the four-minute mile barrier. On March 19, 2025, at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium, Ruthe clocked an impressive 3:58.35, surpassing previous records held by notable runners such as Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Cam Myers.
Ruthe’s accomplishment is not just a personal triumph but also a continuation of a rich family legacy in athletics. His maternal grandparents, Trevor Wright and Rosemary Stirling, were both distinguished runners. Wright secured a silver medal in the marathon at the 1971 European Championships, while Stirling clinched gold in the 800 meters at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh. This lineage of excellence has evidently influenced Ruthe’s dedication and passion for the sport.
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Ruthe’s journey to this milestone has been marked by rapid progression and noteworthy performances:
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January 2025: He recorded a time of 4:01.72 in the mile at the Cooks Classic in Whanganui, signaling his potential to break the four-minute barrier.
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February 2025: At the Potts Classic in Hastings, Ruthe won the senior men’s 3000 meters national championship with a personal best of 7:56.18, setting a world best for his age.
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March 2025: He achieved a personal best of 3:41.25 in the 1500 meters at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland, surpassing Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s world age-15 best over the same distance.
Breaking the four-minute mile is a benchmark that has stood as a testament to middle-distance running excellence since Sir Roger Bannister first achieved it in 1954. Ruthe’s entry into this exclusive club at such a young age not only highlights his exceptional talent but also positions him as a promising figure in global athletics.
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With his sights set on future competitions, Ruthe aims to continue his development under the guidance of his coaching team and the support of his family. His recent performances have not only brought him national attention but have also sparked excitement about his potential on the international stage, including aspirations for the 2028 Olympics.
