Fitness icon, Olympian and gym entrepreneur Les Mills has died at the age of 91, his family has announced.
Mills, a celebrated New Zealand athlete and businessman, opened his first gym in Auckland alongside his late wife, Colleen, in 1968.
What began as a single fitness centre later expanded into a nationwide chain and eventually inspired the global fitness brand known for workout programmes such as Body Pump and Body Combat.
A four-time Olympian in shot put and discus, Mills also enjoyed success at the Commonwealth Games, winning five medals during his career, including a discus gold medal in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1966.
Paying tribute, his son Phillip Mills, who co-founded Les Mills International with his partner Jackie, reflected on his father’s remarkable achievements.
“He achieved a huge amount in his life,” Phillip said.
He added: “And the common thread throughout – whether in fitness, politics or family life – was that he always wanted to help others.
“Dad was immensely strong, driven, and always cared deeply for the less advantaged.”
Phillip also noted that his father’s influence would continue to be felt across the fitness industry worldwide.
“His spirit lives on in gym workouts around the world, continuing to help people fall in love with fitness.”
Beyond sport and business, Mills ventured into public service and served three terms as mayor of Auckland City during the 1990s.
He remained active in athletics after retiring from competition, coaching several athletes, including New Zealand discus star Beatrice Faumuina, who captured the world title in 1997.
In recognition of his contributions to sport and public service, Mills was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002. Earlier, in 1973, he was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to sport.
Tributes also came from the New Zealand Olympic Committee, whose chief executive, Nicki Nicol, praised Mills’ lasting impact on the country’s sporting history.
“Les Mills set a standard for what it takes to represent New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games,” Nicol said.
She added that “his place in New Zealand’s Olympic history is firmly established and no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire”.
