Full Breakdown
Sam Ruthe Guides Visually Impaired Athlete to Success at Colgate Games
1/10/2026, 11:11:36 AM
Inspiring Event at the Colgate Games
At the Colgate Games held in Tauranga, New Zealand, 16-year-old Sam Ruthe, a rising star in athletics, stepped in as a guide for 12-year-old visually impaired runner Tamahau Hicks during the 1500m race. Ruthe, who holds multiple national records for distances from 800m to 5000m in the under-16 and U20 categories, was initially attending the event to assist with medal presentations. However, when Hicks' original guide fell ill, Athletics Tauranga secretary Andrea Neal reached out to Ruthe, who eagerly accepted the opportunity to help.
A Memorable Race
Tamahau Hicks, who runs for the Te Aroha Athletics Club and Achilles Tauranga Moana, has a traumatic brain injury that affects his vision and spatial awareness, necessitating a guide during races. His mother, Emily Kay, expressed her gratitude for Ruthe's involvement, noting that without him, Tamahau would have had to withdraw from the race. The excitement was palpable as Ruthe provided strategic advice during the race, encouraging Hicks to maintain a steady pace until the final lap.
Celebrating Achievement
The partnership proved successful, with Hicks breaking his personal best by approximately 40 seconds and finishing first in the para race. Ruthe's enthusiasm was evident, as he initially surged ahead but quickly adjusted to ensure Hicks crossed the finish line first. The event concluded with Ruthe engaging with other young athletes, posing for photos and celebrating their achievements.
Official Statements & Responses
Emily Kay highlighted the significance of Ruthe's participation, stating, "Not only did he get a guide, he got Sam Ruthe. It was an epic day." The event showcased the spirit of sportsmanship and community support, with Ruthe's actions resonating positively among the young athletes and their families.
Broader Implications
Ruthe's involvement in guiding Hicks not only exemplifies the importance of mentorship in sports but also highlights the need for inclusivity in athletics. The Colgate Games, which attract thousands of young athletes, serve as a platform for fostering talent and encouraging participation among individuals with disabilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I jumped on the phone and gave him a quick call and said, ‘Would you like to go for a run instead?’ He was actually out training at the time, but his dad passed on the message and he was really keen and jumped on board.” — Andrea Neal, Athletics Tauranga Secretary
- “They just stuck to the same pace right throughout the race until right at the end.” — Emily Kay, Tamahau Hicks' Mother
- “He broke his personal best by about 40 seconds and he came first in the para race. It was pretty awesome.” — Emily Kay, Tamahau Hicks' Mother
This event not only marked a significant achievement for Tamahau Hicks but also reinforced the values of compassion and teamwork in sports, inspiring both participants and spectators alike.
