In brief
Les Mills, the founder of the worldwide fitness brand Les Mills International, passed away at age 91. A four‑time Olympian in shot put and discus, he also served three terms as mayor of Auckland in the 1990s and earned medals at the Commonwealth Games, including a gold in 1966. After opening the first gym in 1968 with his wife, Mills built a chain that became synonymous with choreographed workout programmes like Body Pump and Body Combat. His son Phillip reflected on his father’s commitment to empowerment, noting that Mills’ spirit continues in gyms worldwide. Honors such as the New Zealand Order of Merit and a Member of the Order of the British Empire recognised his contributions to sport and public service.
Les Mills, the founder of the worldwide fitness brand Les Mills International, passed away at 91. A four‑time Olympian in shot put and discus, he represented New Zealand on the global stage, winning five medals across the Commonwealth Games, including a gold in Kingston in 1966.
In 1968, Mills and his late wife Colleen opened the first gym in Auckland, marking the beginning of a chain that would grow into an international pioneer of choreographed workouts set to music, such as Body Pump and Body Combat.
Beyond the gym, Mills served three terms as mayor of Auckland City during the 1990s, and he continued his sporting legacy by coaching athletes, including world‑champion discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina.
Press statements from his son Phillip highlighted his father’s spirit: “He always wanted to help others,” Phillip said, “and his impact lives on in every workout people take around the world.”
In recognition of his services to sport and local government, Mills received a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973 and was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002.
Les Mills’ legacy is a blend of community fitness, civic leadership, and athletic excellence, inspiring countless people to embrace health and well‑being worldwide.
