How fast is too fast for a 15-year-old? Apparently, not even a four-minute mile is out of reach for New Zealand’s Sam Ruthe.
On Wednesday, he became the youngest person ever to shatter the legendary barrier, clocking an electrifying 3:58.35 in Auckland.
For decades, breaking four minutes was the stuff of dreams—Roger Bannister first did it in 1954, and since then, it has remained a milestone of greatness.
But Ruthe, running with Olympic-level pacers, made it look effortless, slicing more than three seconds off his personal best.
“This is probably my favorite goal that I’ve reached,” he said, still catching his breath.
“I’ve enjoyed this one the most, with all the people here supporting me.”
Ruthe’s achievement dethrones Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who held the record as the youngest to break four minutes at 16.
And with Australia’s Cam Myers still holding the fastest time for a 16-year-old (3:55.44), the stage is set for an epic teenage rivalry.
At just 15, Ruthe has rewritten history. The only question now—how much faster can he go?
