Sam Ruthe Shatters 1500m Record at New Zealand Championships

Sam Ruthe, a remarkable 16-year-old athlete from Tauranga Boys’ College, achieved a stunning victory at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Track and Field Championship held in Hastings on March 15, 2023. Ruthe shattered the long-standing 1500 metre record, previously held by Commonwealth Games runner Richard Potts since 1989, by an impressive eight seconds. His new record time of 3 minutes 38.62 seconds has positioned him as one of the most promising young talents in athletics.

“I was really, really surprised because I thought I was just going to beat it by a couple of seconds,” Ruthe told Checkpoint. He explained his strategy for the race, stating, “I thought I’d head out a bit fast and get some extra room just in case I don’t feel too good towards the last couple of laps, and I just kept going because I felt so good.”

Ruthe’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He finished the race approximately 200 metres ahead of the rest of the competitors, crossing the line almost 30 seconds before the next runner. His coach had encouraged a bold approach, aiming for Potts’ record from the start of the race. Ruthe credited the plan with his successful execution, stating, “We had Potts’ record in our sights.”

Record-Breaking Weekend

The excitement of breaking the 1500m record continued for Ruthe as he competed in the 800m event the following day. He reflected on his racing experience, noting, “That race just felt so good I decided to do the same for the 800m the next day.” His performance in the 800m also led to another record, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.

Potts himself was present at the championships to witness the breaking of his record. Ruthe expressed his admiration, sharing, “I did get the lucky opportunity to meet him; he was a great guy and it was really cool to share that moment with him.” The two athletes shared a light-hearted exchange, highlighting the camaraderie within the sport.

Despite the adrenaline and excitement surrounding his achievements, Ruthe remained humble about his success. He admitted that the night before the race had been challenging due to nerves and lack of sleep, but his legs felt surprisingly good during the competition. “I can never tell just because I’m pumping with adrenaline all the time,” he said.

Future Aspirations

Following his impressive performances, Ruthe has set his sights on future competitions. He plans to travel to New York in early 2024 to participate in several indoor races. His goal is to run the 1500m in under 3 minutes 38 seconds, which would mark an exceptional milestone for a 16-year-old athlete. “To me, that’s not my main goal – it’s just another step in the right direction,” he explained, citing the achievements of Australian Olympian Cam Myers and world record holder Jakob Ingebrigtsen as benchmarks.

Ruthe’s passion for running drives him, even during the summer when many his age choose to relax. “I do spend a lot of time with mates and stuff, so life’s not too bad at the moment,” he noted. This balance between hard work and enjoyment reflects his dedication to the sport and his bright future in athletics.

As Ruthe continues to break records and set ambitious goals, his journey serves as an inspiration to many young athletes looking to make their mark in the world of competitive sports.