Sam Ruthe has recently made headlines shattering Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s world age-15 best over 1500m, but who is the New Zealand teenager.
Sam Ruthe has broken Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s world age-15 best in the 1500m, shaving over a second off the record at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland on February 9.
The New Zealand teenager posted a time of 3:41.25 on home soil, surpassing Ingebrigtsen’s 3:42.44 set at the 2016 Bislett Games.
But just who is New Zealand’s rising track star?
Sam Ruthe is a rising star in the world of middle-distance running, hailing from New Zealand.
Born in 2010, this young athlete has already made history by surpassing a record previously held by Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
Fifteen-year-old Sam Ruthe delivers a stunning performance at the ACA Race Night in Auckland, breaking the New Zealand U17 and U18 3000m records with a time of 8:09.68| Image courtesy: New Zealand Athletics Weekly.
Sam Ruthe age and origin
At just 15 years old, Ruthe has shown immense promise, positioning himself as one of the most exciting prospects in global athletics.
Sam Ruthe was born in New Zealand and has been immersed in athletics from a young age.
His early years were marked by a deep passion for running, supported by a strong network of coaches, family, and a country that has a rich history in distance running.
Sam Ruthe career breakthrough
On February 9, 2025, at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland, Ruthe delivered a sensational performance that shocked the athletics world.
He clocked 3:41.25 in the 1500m event, surpassing the previous world age-15 best of 3:42.44 set by Jakob Ingebrigtsen in 2016 at the Bislett Games.
Breaking such a prestigious record is no small feat, particularly considering Ingebrigtsen’s illustrious career.
The Norwegian star went on to become an Olympic champion, and Ruthe’s ability to best his record at such a young age suggests that the young Kiwi could follow a similarly stellar trajectory.
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Norwegian middle distance runner Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
Sam Ruthe training and coach
Ruthe’s rapid development is largely attributed to a rigorous training program designed to optimize his potential.
His training regimen includes high-mileage weeks, interval sessions, and altitude training to enhance endurance and speed.
He is coached by a top-tier New Zealand athletics coach former marathoner Craig Kirkwood who has guided him through structured sessions focused on tactical racing, and mental preparation.
Under expert guidance, Ruthe has adopted disciplined training routines that align with those of elite runners, ensuring his steady progression toward global competitiveness.
Sam Ruthe school
Balancing academics and athletics is a significant challenge for young athletes, but Ruthe has managed to excel in both.
He is currently a high school student in New Zealand at the Tauranga Boys College, where he juggles his studies alongside intense training sessions.
With strong support from his school and family, he has been able to maintain a disciplined schedule that allows him to pursue both his educational and athletic goals.
Who are Sam Ruthe’s parents?
Ruthe’s parents have played a crucial role in his journey to becoming an elite runner.
Ruthe’s father, Ben, is a former New Zealand champion with personal bests of 1:48.95 in the 800m and 3:41.22 in the 1500m, while his mother, Jessica, has claimed multiple national titles ranging from the 1500m to the 10,000m.
They have provided unwavering support, ensuring he has access to top-tier coaching, proper nutrition, and international competition opportunities.
Sam Ruthe net worth
Given his recent success and rising status, Ruthe’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be in the early stages of growth.
While he has not yet amassed significant wealth, his performances have positioned him for lucrative sponsorship deals, endorsement contracts, and prize money from international competitions.
As he continues to dominate the track, major brands in sports apparel and athletics sponsorships are likely to take notice.
If he maintains his upward trajectory, Ruthe could become one of the highest-earning young athletes in track and field within the next few years.
The future of Sam Ruthe
The future looks exceptionally bright for Sam Ruthe. His record-breaking performance at 15 years old indicates a potential to develop into a world-class middle-distance runner.
If he continues on this path, he could be a major contender in international championships, including the World Championships and the Olympics.
