Ruthe youngest to record sub-4 Mile
“This was probably my favorite goal I’ve reached... It was absolutely magical to cross with my training partner Sam, one of the nicest feelings ever."
By Cameron McMillan, NZ Herald
New Zealand’s middle distance prodigy Sam Ruthe has become the youngest person in history to break the coveted 4 minute Mile mark.
The 15-year-old from Tauranga became the 49th New Zealander to break the milestone target, doing so at a wet Go Media Stadium in Auckland tonight.
Two-time Olympian Sam Tanner helped lead Ruthe in the second half of the race, setting the pace for the teenager towards the finish line.
Ruthe eventually finished second behind Tanner in 3m, 58.35s.
Ben Wall also broke the mark for the first time in 3:59, as all three went under 4 minutes. Tanner won in a time of 3:58.29.
“This was probably my favorite goal I’ve reached. Definitely enjoyed this one the most with all the people here supporting me. It was absolutely magical to cross with my training partner Sam, one of the nicest feelings ever,” Ruthe said.
“About an hour before I was getting a bit scared as it was hammering down. The rain seemed to clear perfectly in time for our race,” he added.
The Tauranga Boys College student said he would celebrate with a good meal and then go to bed early.
The teen has running in his genes.
Father Ben Ruthe is a former national record holder over 800 and 1000m, while mum Jess held national cross country titles.
Sam’s grandma Rosemary was a champion 400m relay sprinter and 800m Commonwealth Games gold medalist.
“I’m shocked, a bit relieved. Stoked for him. A bit lost for words,” Ben Ruthe said last night.
Continue reading at: nzherald.co.nz
NOTE: Previous youngest sub-4 was current indoor Mile world record holder and superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway, who was 16 years, 250 days, when he ran 3:58.07 at the Prefontaine Classic on May 27, 2017.
