Legendary Olympian Dies at 91

Les Mills, the legendary New Zealand Olympian who turned his name into one of the most recognizable fitness brands in the world, has died at the age of 91.

Mills, a four-time Olympic athlete, former Auckland mayor, and the powerhouse behind the Les Mills gym movement, died peacefully early Monday morning surrounded by family, according to his son Phillip Mills.

For millions of gymgoers around the world, the name Les Mills is stamped on sweat, music, movement, and the high-energy group classes that changed the fitness industry forever.

In a statement, Phillip Mills said his father lived a life defined by drive, discipline, and a deep concern for others.

“Dad was immensely strong, driven and always cared deeply for the less advantaged,” Phillip said.

“He left a lasting impression on everyone he met, and his spirit lives on in gym workouts around the world, continuing to help people fall in love with fitness.”

Born in Auckland in 1934, Mills turned to sport and physical training after losing his father when he was just 11 years old. That early hardship helped shape a relentless competitor who would go on to represent New Zealand on the world stage.

Mills competed in four Olympic Games in discus and shot put, earning a reputation as one of the country’s most respected athletes. He also won gold, silver, and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee paid tribute to Mills, calling him a towering figure in athletics.

“Les Mills set a standard for what it takes to represent New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games,” said Nicki Nicol, the committee’s chief executive.

“His place in New Zealand’s Olympic history is firmly established and no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire.”

But Mills’ impact stretched far beyond stadiums and medal ceremonies.

In 1968, he and his wife, Colleen, opened their first Les Mills gym in Auckland. What began as a single fitness club eventually grew into a global name. The Mills family later built Les Mills International, helping transform group exercise into a worldwide phenomenon.

The brand became famous for packed classes, booming music, and signature workout programs including BodyPump, BodyAttack, and BodyCombat. Today, those programs are taught in more than 22,000 fitness clubs and gyms across more than 100 countries.

For many people, Les Mills was not just a gym name. It was their first step into fitness, their weekly routine, and their reason to keep moving.

Mills also made his mark outside the fitness world. In 1990, he was elected mayor of Auckland and went on to serve three consecutive terms.

Phillip Mills told the New Zealand Herald that his father cared deeply about the people of the city.

“He worked very hard with them to make life better for everybody,” Phillip said.

After leaving politics, Mills continued coaching, mentoring athletes, and supporting charitable causes. His decades of work earned him major honors, including being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to sport in 1973 and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002.

In 2022, Mills, along with his son Phillip and daughter-in-law Jackie, was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

From Olympic arenas to city hall to packed fitness studios across the globe, Les Mills built a legacy few athletes ever come close to matching.

His family says that legacy will live on every time someone walks into a gym, turns up the music, and falls in love with fitness.