Teen running star Sam Ruthe selected for first New Zealand team

Ruthe to compete in 1500m at World Under-20 Championships in Oregon

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:46am by Ben Kaplan

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A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting a young runner in motion, with their body broken down into overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.A rising Kiwi track star's international debut at the World Under-20 Championships will be a highlight of the global junior athletics calendar.Eugene Today

New Zealand has named a 12-member athletics team for the upcoming World Under-20 Championships, with 18-year-old Sam Ruthe as the headline selection. Ruthe, a rising star in the 1500m event, will make his international debut at the competition in Eugene, Oregon in August.

Why it matters

The World Under-20 Championships is a prestigious global event that provides a platform for the next generation of track and field talent to showcase their skills on the world stage. Ruthe's selection represents a significant milestone in his young career and an opportunity for the promising Kiwi runner to gain valuable experience competing against the best junior athletes from around the world.

The details

Ruthe, an 18-year-old from Auckland, has been selected to represent New Zealand in the 1500m event at the World Under-20 Championships. He will be part of a 12-member Kiwi athletics team competing at the meet in Eugene, Oregon in August.

  • The World Under-20 Championships will take place in August 2026 in Eugene, Oregon.
  • Ruthe has been selected for his first international team to compete at the event.

The players

Sam Ruthe

An 18-year-old rising star in New Zealand's track and field program who has been selected for his first international team to compete in the 1500m event at the World Under-20 Championships.

New Zealand athletics team

A 12-member squad representing New Zealand at the upcoming World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge opportunity for Sam to gain experience competing at the highest level of junior athletics. We're excited to see him represent New Zealand on the world stage.”

— Tracey Brunger, New Zealand athletics coach

What’s next

Ruthe and the rest of the New Zealand team will travel to Eugene, Oregon in August to compete at the World Under-20 Championships.

The takeaway

Ruthe's selection for the New Zealand team highlights the country's depth of young talent in track and field, and provides the promising 1500m runner a chance to showcase his abilities on the global stage against the world's best junior athletes.