Running News Daily

Under the charged atmosphere of a packed Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, Australia’s rising star Cam Myers produced a performance far beyond his years, storming to victory in the men’s 1500 metres at the prestigious Maurie Plant Meet with a breathtaking time of 3:30.42.

At just 19, Myers continues to redefine the limits of junior excellence, delivering a run that not only set a world-leading mark for the season, but also established a new Oceanian all-comers record. The time now stands as the second-fastest of his young career, narrowly behind the remarkable 3:29.80 Oceania U20 record he set in Ostrava last year—a performance that first announced his arrival on the global stage.

The race itself unfolded with controlled intensity before erupting into brilliance over the final lap. As the bell rang, Myers made his move with fearless conviction, unleashing a decisive kick that instantly created separation from the field. Adam Spencer, fresh off his podium finish at the World Indoor Championships in Toruń, gave chase but could not match the teenager’s surge. Myers powered away down the home straight, carried by the roar of the home crowd, while Spencer settled for second place in 3:37.51.

Speaking after the race, Myers reflected on the moment with calm confidence: “I had the crowd behind me, and it felt good. I just kept pushing onwards.”

This victory is more than just another win—it is a statement. In an era where middle-distance running is experiencing a global resurgence, Myers is emerging as one of its most exciting young protagonists. His composure, tactical awareness, and devastating finishing speed point to an athlete not only of immense promise, but one already capable of competing at the very highest level.

Under bright lights in Melbourne, before an inspired home crowd, Cam Myers did not simply win a race—he delivered a performance that signals the dawn of a new force in world middle-distance running.

In a significant blow to the lineup of the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne, middle-distance sensation Jessica Hull has officially withdrawn from this year’s event. Hull, widely regarded as one of Australia’s top middle-distance runners, was expected to be a marquee competitor.

According to reports from The Daily Telegraph (Australia), Hull’s decision is linked to ongoing tensions with Athletics Australia (AA). Sources indicate that the issues stem from long-standing concerns about the support and resources provided to elite athletes in the lead-up to major championships. Despite efforts on both sides to repair the relationship, insiders say the rift remains unresolved.

Hull’s withdrawal is particularly notable given her recent success on the international stage, including a medal-winning performance at the World Indoor Championships. Even with her elevated profile, she has reportedly chosen not to make any form of appearance at the Maurie Plant Meet this year, whether competitive or ceremonial.

The absence of Hull, a consistent performer and crowd favorite, highlights the growing strains between top Australian athletes and their governing body. Analysts suggest that such tensions could have broader implications for the nation’s middle-distance and long-distance running programs, potentially affecting preparations for upcoming championships and the development of emerging talents.

This development also raises wider questions about athlete welfare, support structures, and the transparency of communication between elite competitors and national federations. For fans and fellow athletes alike, Hull’s decision serves as a reminder that the pressures behind the scenes of professional sport can be as challenging as the races themselves.

As the Maurie Plant Meet unfolded, attention will now turn to who will step up in her absence and how Athletics Australia will navigate these internal challenges to maintain its standing on the world stage.

Cameron Myers, an 18-year-old Australian middle-distance runner from Canberra, has rapidly ascended in the athletics world, setting multiple records and showcasing exceptional talent on the international stage.

Early Life and Training

Myers began his athletic journey at the age of 10 under the guidance of coach Lee Bobbin. By 14, he transitioned to training with renowned coach Dick Telford, integrating into a group that included Olympian Jye Edwards. This foundational period was crucial in developing the skills that would later define his career.

Record-Breaking Performances

In February 2023, at just 16 years and 259 days old, Myers became the second-youngest person ever to run a sub-four-minute mile, clocking 3:55.44 at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne. This performance surpassed Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s age-group record by over two seconds. Later that year, he set a world U18 best in the 1500m with a time of 3:33.26 at the Diamond League event in Chorzów, Poland.

Continuing his upward trajectory, Myers began 2025 with a series of remarkable achievements. On January 25, he shattered the world U20 indoor mile record at the Dr. Sander Invitational in New York, posting a time of 3:53.12. This feat eclipsed the previous record held since 2009. A week later, at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, he set a national record in the 3000m, finishing in 7:33.12.

Recent Competitions

In February 2025, Myers competed in the prestigious Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York. Facing a field that included Olympic medalists, he secured third place with a time of 3:47.48, breaking his own world U20 mile record and equaling the Australian national record set by Oliver Hoare in 2022. This performance also marked the first time an under-20 athlete ran the mile in under 3:48.

Most recently, on March 29, 2025, Myers led the 1500m from start to finish at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne, winning with a time of 3:34.98. His commanding performance against a competitive field further solidified his status as a rising star in middle-distance running.

Training and Future Aspirations

Under Telford’s mentorship, Myers has intensified his training regimen, incorporating strength training, altitude sessions, and rigorous threshold workouts to address areas of improvement. Despite narrowly missing qualification for the Paris Olympics, these experiences have fueled his determination to excel in future competitions. With his current trajectory, Myers is poised to make significant contributions to Australian athletics on the global stage.

On April 12, 2025, the day he turns 16, New Zealand’s rising distance running star Sam Ruthe will compete in the 3200-meter race at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational in California. This event, renowned as the “Home of National Records,” is considered the most competitive high school track and field meet in the United States. It is held annually at Arcadia High School in Arcadia, California.

Sam’s participation follows a series of remarkable achievements. On March 19, at just 15, he became the youngest person ever to run a sub-four-minute mile, clocking 3:58.35 at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium. This feat surpassed the previous record held by Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who ran a sub-four-minute mile at 16 years and 250 days. Continuing his impressive form, Sam set a new world age-15 best in the 1500 meters with a time of 3:40.12 at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne on March 29.

The Arcadia Invitational’s 3200-meter race has been a platform for outstanding performances. In April 2023, Simeon Birnbaum set a meet record with a time of 8:34.10. The following year, 37 boys achieved sub-9-minute times in the 3200 meters, highlighting the event’s competitive depth.

As Sam prepares to compete against top high school athletes in this challenging race, his recent accomplishments suggest he is poised to make a significant impact. Whether aiming for a personal best or seeking to challenge meet records, Sam’s 16th birthday race at Arcadia promises to be a memorable milestone in his burgeoning. 

At just 15 years old, Sam Ruthe has captivated the athletics world with his extraordinary performances and commendable generosity.

Historic Sub-Four-Minute Mile

On March 19, 2025, at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium, Ruthe made history by becoming the youngest person ever to run a mile in under four minutes. Clocking a remarkable 3:58.35, he surpassed the previous age record held by Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, who ran 3:58.07 at 16. This achievement places Ruthe among an elite group of middle-distance runners and underscores his immense potential.  

Auctioning Historic Spikes for Team Support

Following this milestone, Ruthe chose to auction the Nike Dragonfly 2 Elite spikes he wore during the race to support his training group. The TradeMe auction concluded on March 29, 2025, raising $11,408.35 NZD (approximately $7,643.59 USD). The size 10.5 US spikes attracted 151 bids and over 50,000 views, making it the most viewed auction on the platform this year. Ruthe’s coach, Craig Kirkwood, expressed gratitude, noting that the funds will benefit the training group in ways previously unattainable.

Continued Excellence on the Track

Ruthe’s success extends beyond the mile. In February 2025, he set a world age-best time over 1500 meters, and in March 2025, he became the youngest man to win a senior national title in the 3000 meters at Hastings. He then shared the 1500 meters title with training partner Sam Tanner at the national championships in Dunedin.  

Looking Ahead

He concluded his southern hemisphere racing schedule on March 29, 2025, at the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne. Competing against a strong field, he finished seventh in the 1500 meters, recording a personal best of 3:40.12, further lowering his world age-best mark.  

Sam Ruthe’s blend of athletic excellence and altruism not only highlights his dedication to his sport but also his commitment to uplifting those around him. As he continues to break records and support his peers, the running community eagerly anticipates his future endeavors.

"Sam is a class act," says Bob Anderson "we need more runners like Sam in our sport."

New Zealand's rising middle-distance star, Sam Ruthe, has added yet another milestone to his stunning season, breaking a world best for 1500 meters previously held by two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway.

Competing at the Sir Graeme Douglas International in Auckland on February 9, 2025, the 15-year-old sensation clocked an incredible 3:41.25, finishing second behind Japan’s Ryoji Tatezawa (3:40.20). Along the way, Ruthe obliterated New Zealand's U17 and U18 records in yet another remarkable display of his talent.

His latest feat continues a historic two-week streak that has seen him produce jaw-dropping times across multiple distances:

4:01.72 for the mile

1:50.57 for 800m

7:56.18 for 3000m

Ruthe also recently became the youngest athlete to ever win a senior men’s national title in New Zealand.

While thrilled with his performance, Ruthe admitted that surpassing Ingebrigtsen’s age-group mark wasn’t his primary focus going into the race.

"I wasn't exactly targeting that record," he said. "I just went into the race hoping to do the best I could in terms of placing, and it was a bonus to get his record. I definitely had it in the back of my mind."

His time shaved over five seconds off his previous best, set en route to his mile record two weeks ago in Whanganui.

As in his 3000m national title race a week earlier, Ruthe executed a patient and tactical race, staying with the lead pack while others faded. Entering the final 100 meters in fourth, he unleashed a devastating kick, overtaking Australians Will Lewis and Matt Hussey to secure second place.

"I was actually quite lucky they both moved out quite wide, so I could find the gap," Ruthe explained. "It felt real, real nice having that gap open up. I go into these races, parking in behind the other people and hoping they pull me through—and this race did exactly that."

With every performance, Ruthe inches closer to an even bigger goal—becoming the youngest athlete to break four minutes for the mile, a feat also accomplished by Ingebrigtsen at 16 years old. His latest 1500m time suggests he’s within striking distance.

His next opportunity to chase history? The Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne next month, where his performance in Auckland should secure him a spot in the elite mile field.

Ruthe's 3:41.25 brings him agonizingly close to another milestone—his father’s best time. Former New Zealand 1500m champion Ben Ruthe still holds the household record by just three-hundredths of a second.

"That's alright," the younger Ruthe said with a grin. "I don't think he'll have it for long, so he should enjoy it while it lasts."

With his meteoric rise, it’s only a matter of time before Sam Ruthe rewrites not just family records—but history itself.