Born 12 April 2009
The Story
From a kid who played every sport to the youngest person ever to break 4 minutes in the mile.
Early Life
Born
Samuel Ruthe born on 12 April 2009 in New Zealand.
Early Life
Childhood
Early years growing up in New Zealand — the foundation of a future champion.
Primary School
Multi-Sport Athlete
Competed across a wide range of sports at primary school — touch rugby, ripper rugby, swimming, tennis, surf lifesaving, and hockey. Dominated cross country, winning every race throughout primary school.
Intermediate
AIMS Games National Champion
Started intermediate school, dropping hockey and picking up mountain biking. In his second year, won the AIMS Games — the biggest nationwide cross country race at that year level — over 3km.
High School Year 1
Track Debut — National Medals
Transitioned fully into track running at high school, dropping touch rugby and mountain biking. Immediately competed at national level, finishing second at school nationals in both the 3km and 1500m.
High School Year 2
Breakthrough Season
A breakout year that signalled Sam's arrival on the national stage. Ran what he considered his first true breakthrough race, then kept improving across multiple events.
High School Year 3
Youngest Ever Sub-4 Mile & Sub-8 3km
The year that changed everything. In January ran 4:01 in the mile, then in February became the youngest New Zealander ever to break 8 minutes in the 3km. In March, at just 15, broke the 4-minute mile barrier — becoming the youngest ever to do so.
High School Year 3
US Campaign — 1500m PB
Travelled to the United States to race internationally, setting a new personal best in the 1500m on American soil.
High School Year 3
Under-18 World Mile Record
At the BU Terrier Classic in Boston, Sam ran 3:48.88 in the mile — breaking the Under-18 World Record and announcing himself to the global athletics community.
High School Year 3
Double PBs — 3km & 800m
An extraordinary month. Set a massive personal best in the 3km with 7:43, then ran 1:45 in the 800m — another big PB. His 1500m PB of 3:33 also came through during this period as a product of his mile fitness.
Current Personal Bests
Where He Stands Today
Mile
3:48.88
U18 World Record
3km
7:43
Personal Best
800m
1:45
Personal Best
1500m
3:33
Personal Best