15-year-old Sam Ruthe becomes youngest to break four-minute mile

New Zealand middle-distance prodigy Sam Ruthe has made history by becoming the youngest athlete ever to run a sub-four-minute mile, describing the achievement as "one of the nicest feelings ever."

The 15-year-old clocked 3 minutes 58.35 seconds at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Wednesday evening, pushed on by his pacesetters, including two-time Olympian Sam Tanner, who went on to win the race.

"This was probably my favourite goal that I've reached," Ruthe told local media. "I've definitely enjoyed this one the most, with all the people here supporting me. It was absolutely magical to cross with my training partner Sam (Tanner), one of the nicest feelings ever."

Norwegian star Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who holds multiple world records, had previously been the youngest to break the four-minute barrier, running 3:58.07 at 16. Australian Cam Myers holds the fastest time for a 16-year-old, clocking 3:55.44.

The four-minute mile has been a defining benchmark in middle-distance running since Britain's Roger Bannister first broke it in 1954. New Zealand has a rich history in the event, with John Walker becoming the first man to run under 3:50 in 1975 before winning Olympic gold in the 1500m the following year. Before him, legends like Peter Snell and Jack Lovelock set world records and reshaped the sport.

Ruthe appears to be following in their footsteps, having already bettered the world best for a 15-year-old over 3000m in november, lowering it twice, most recently to 7:56.18.

Athletics runs in the family, with Ruthe's father, Ben, a former national record holder over 800m and 1000m, and his mother a national cross-country champion. His grandmother, Rosemary, was a champion 400m relay sprinter and won Commonwealth Games gold in the 800m.

"I'm shocked, a bit relieved. Stoked for him. A bit lost for words," said his father, Ben Ruthe.