By elocal magazine
History created!
New Zealand’s middle-distance prodigy Sam Ruthe broke the 4-minute mile barrier, becoming both the youngest person ever and the first 15-year-old in history to break the iconic mark.
Ruthe’s name has been making headlines all summer. He first shattered the unofficial 15-year-old world best for 3000m in November, then lowered it twice more—most recently running 7:56.18 at the New Zealand Track & Field Championships in Hastings. That victory also made him the youngest-ever senior male national champion in any event.
Then, at the Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships, he did the unthinkable—tying for gold in the senior 1500m with two-time Olympian Sam Tanner. Their 3:44.31 dead heat was unprecedented in national history. Tanner, a 3:49 miler himself, helped pace Ruthe’s record attempt, providing the perfect backdrop for something extraordinary.
Athletics New Zealand,
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