In brief
Les Mills, the founding father of the worldwide fitness brand Les Mills and a four‑time Olympian, has died at 91. The New Zealand athlete began his career in track and field, winning medals at the Commonwealth Games and competing in four Olympic Games. After opening his first gym in 1968, he grew a global network that delivers popular studio workout programmes such as Body Pump and Body Combat. Beyond fitness, Mills served as mayor of Auckland and shaped local sport policy, leaving a legacy of community empowerment echoed in programmes worldwide.
Les Mills, a pioneer who bridged athletics and fitness, has passed away at age 91. His family confirmed the news.
Born in New Zealand, Mills first made his mark in athletics, competing in shot put and discus across four Olympic Games and capturing five Commonwealth Games medals, including a gold in 1966.
In 1968 he and his late wife Colleen opened a local gym that would evolve into the worldwide Les Mills International brand, famed for choreographed workout programmes such as Body Pump, Body Combat and PowerStep.
Beyond the studio, Mills served three terms as mayor of Auckland City in the 1990s, using his leadership to promote public health and community sport.
His son Phillip Mills reflected, "He always wanted to help others. His spirit lives on in gym workouts around the world, continuing to help people fall in love with fitness."
Mills was honoured with a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973 for services to sport, and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002 for services to local government and sport.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol said Mills set a standard for representing the nation at Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and that his legacy will continue to inspire.
