On March 19, 2025, history was made at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, when 15-year-old Sam Ruthe shattered one of the most legendary barriers in track and field: the four-minute mile. With an astonishing time of 3 minutes, 58.35 seconds, Ruthe became the youngest ever person to achieve this feat, surpassing his previous best time in the mile by more than three seconds, according to The New York Times.
In the sport of track and field, the four minute mile has long been a defining standard of excellence in middle distance running. Many even believed that it was impossible until Roger Bannister broke the barrier in 1954. Since Banister’s historic mile, many others have followed in his footsteps and ran sub-four miles of their own. With the improvement of running technology such as running spikes, the times have just been dropping, with Hicham El Gerrouj from Morocco currently holding the mile record at 3 minutes and 43 seconds.
What makes Ruthe’s achievement even more remarkable is his age. While runners like Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Australia’s DCam Myers broke the four-minute mile barrier at 16, neither had done so as a 15-year-old. Ruthe now holds the record as the youngest runner in history to accomplish the feat, redefining what is possible for young athletes in the sport.
Sam Ruthe was already an established runner in New Zealand’s track and field scene before his sub-four mile performance. As stated by The Times, earlier in 2025, he set multiple age-group world records in the 3000 meters and 1500 meters. In January, he posted a mile time of 4:01.72, indicating that he was on the cusp of breaking the four-minute barrier.
Ruthe’s progression in middle-distance running has been nothing short of extraordinary. Within just a few weeks of his 4:01 mile, he accomplished 7:56.18 for 3000 meters,which was also the fastest time ever recorded for his age group. Additionally, Ruthe became the youngest-ever senior men’s national champion in New Zealand, surpassing a record that had stood nearly seven decades.
Ruthe’s historic run was met with an electric atmosphere, as spectators and other fellow athletes gathered to witness his attempt at breaking the barrier. As the race began, Ruthe positioned himself strategically, maintaining a strong pace while conserving his energy for the bell lap. With 400 meters to go, he unleashed a powerful finishing kick, surging past the last lap marker in a furious sprint. When he crossed the finish line in 3:58.35, the stadium erupted in celebration. Not only had Ruthe become the youngest athlete to break four minutes in the mile, but he had also achieved one of his most cherished goals in running.
Reflecting on his milestone, Ruthe expressed immense pride and gratitude, according to The Guardian. “This was probably my favourite goal that I’ve reached,” he said after the race. “I’ve definitely enjoyed this one the most, with all the people here supporting me.”
Despite his rapid success, Ruthe remains focused on balancing his athletic career with his personal life. He has emphasized that while he takes his training and racing seriously, he also wants to enjoy his journey.
Looking ahead, Ruthe has an exciting schedule of competitions, including an anticipated showdown with Cam Myers at the Maurie Plant meet in Melbourne on March 29. With his talent, work ethic, and growing experience, many believe that Ruthe’s sub-four-minute mile is just the beginning of an extraordinary career in middle-distance running.
