In brief
Les Mills, famed for founding the worldwide fitness brand and for competing in four Olympic Games, has died at 91. The New Zealand athlete first opened a gym in Auckland in 1968, which evolved into Les Mills International and now powers iconic programs like Body Pump and Body Combat. After a decorated sports career, he served as mayor of Auckland and received national honours. Family, colleagues, and a host of athletes praise his relentless commitment to community and fitness, noting that his spirit lives on in programmes used worldwide.
Les Mills, an iconic fitness pioneer and Olympic athlete, died at the age of 91.
The New Zealander first opened a gym in Auckland in 1968 with his late wife Colleen. That gym grew into a nationwide chain and eventually the global fitness brand Les Mills International, which became famous for choreography‑driven routines such as Body Pump and Body Combat.
Mills competed in shot put and discus at four Olympic Games and earned five Commonwealth Games medals, shooting gold in Kingston in 1966. He later served three terms as mayor of Auckland City and was honoured as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (1973) and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2002).
Family, colleagues and sporting officials celebrate his legacy. Phillip Mills reflected that his father always wanted to help others, that his spirit lives on in gym workouts worldwide, and that his achievements continue to inspire athletes and trainers.
The world of fitness and sport will feel his absence, but his programmes will keep his passion in motion across the globe.
