New Zealand’s middle-distance prodigy Sam Ruthe has become the youngest person in history to break the four-minute mile barrier. 

The 15-year-old from Tauranga became the 49th New Zealander to break the four-minute mile doing so at a wet Go Media Stadium last night. 

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 three minutes 58.35 seconds. 

He's eclipsed the previous pioneer, then 16-year-old Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who has gone on to become a double Olympic champion. 

Ruthe told Ryan Bridge that it felt amazing having all his friends and family there supporting him. 

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