Support in Motion: A New Model for Guide Running
In a field of young athletes, one pair stood out for their quiet courage and seamless teamwork. Sam Ruthe, an accomplished sprint coach and current standout in the athletics circuit, took on a guiding role for visually impaired sprinter Tamahau Hicks during the Colgate Games. Hicks, who competes for Te Aroha Athletics Club and Achilles Tauranga Moana, relies on tactile cues and a trusted guide to navigate the track. Rather than being tethered, the duo demonstrated a modern approach to guide running where Ruthe runs alongside Hicks, providing pace, direction, and unwavering support.
How a Guide Can Transform Performance
The Colgate Games provided a practical proving ground for a technique that emphasizes independence and trust. According to Neal, Hicks was able to see the white rail on the inside of the track, a key visual cue that allowed him to maintain spatial awareness without a tether. This enabled Ruthe to stay within arm’s reach and match Hicks’ rhythm, giving the young athlete confidence to focus on speed and form rather than navigation.
Guide running typically involves close coordination: the guide communicates verbally and through steady pacing, while the athlete concentrates on the track ahead. In Hicks’ case, the absence of a tether reduced physical restrictions and fostered a natural, fluid stride. The pair rehearsed turns and straightaways, refining Hutchins’ cadence and Ruthe’s ability to anticipate obstacles. The result was less hesitation, smoother transitions, and a performance that reflected Hicks’ true potential.
Why This Matters for Visually Impaired Athletes
Visibility is just one piece of the puzzle. The Colgate Games highlight how adaptive strategies can empower athletes who navigate the world with different kinds of sight. By pairing Hicks with a guide who believes in his capabilities, organizers showcased a pathway to competitiveness that prioritizes autonomy. This approach also sends a message to emerging athletes across New Zealand and beyond: with proper support, physical talent can flourish regardless of visual challenges.
Trust, Training, and Team Spirit
The partnership between Hicks and Ruthe is more than a single race; it’s a testament to trust and collaborative training. For Hicks, having a guide who runs in step with him translates into a competitive edge built on shared judgment and instant feedback. For Ruthe, the role is a reminder of the responsibility that comes with mentorship—balancing pace with safety while enabling a young athlete to own his performance.
Crucially, the choice to avoid tethering underscores a broader shift in adaptive athletics: the focus is on mobility and independence rather than constraint. That mindset can inspire other young athletes who may have similar needs, encouraging them to pursue speed and technique with confidence.
A Look Ahead: What This Means for the Colgate Games
Events like the Colgate Games are more than race results; they are proving grounds for inclusive practices in sport. The Hicks-Ruthe collaboration could pave the way for more flexible guiding methods that celebrate athletic ability while ensuring safety. Coaches and clubs are likely to study this example as they plan future events, seeking ways to support athletes with varying sight capabilities without diminishing their competitive drive.
Conclusion: A Moment of Impact
As Hicks crossed the finish line, the cheers were not just for speed but for a partnership that embodied resilience, trust, and the power of adaptive sport. Sam Ruthe’s role as a guide, teammate, and mentor demonstrates what is possible when athletes and coaches embrace innovative approaches to performance. The Colgate Games once again proved that with the right guidance—and a clear track of sight—visual impairment does not have to limit ambition. It can sharpen focus, sharpen the mind, and elevate the athlete to new heights.
