Les Mills, New Zealand Olympian behind the global gym chain, dies at 91

Les Mills, the New Zealand Olympian and former mayor of Auckland whose name is synonymous with his global fitness chain, has died aged 91.

In a statement released Monday, Phillip Mills said his father accomplished a tremendous amount in his life and that the common thread was his desire to help others.

“Dad was extremely strong, driven and always cared deeply about those less fortunate,” Phillip said.

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

Phillip later told the New Zealand Herald that his father died peacefully at 3.30am on Monday, surrounded by family.

Mills was born in Auckland in 1934 and turned to fitness after losing his father at the age of 11. His athleticism propelled him to the Olympic Games, where he competed four times in the discus and shot put. He won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee said Mills was one of the most respected figures in athletics.

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

“His place in New Zealand’s Olympic history is firmly entrenched and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire.”

In 1968, Mills and his wife Colleen opened the first Les Mills gym in Auckland, which eventually grew into a global chain of gyms. His family went on to build Les Mills International and usher in group training programs – including BodyPump, BodyAttack and BodyCombat – that are now taught in more than 22,000 fitness clubs and gyms in more than 100 countries.

During this time Mills also turned his attention to politics and in 1990 he was elected Mayor of Auckland. He served three consecutive terms.

As mayor he “really cared about all the communities in Auckland”, Phillip told the NZ Herald. “He worked very hard with them to make life better for everyone.”

After politics, Mills continued to coach and mentor athletes and support charities. He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973 for services to sport, and was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002. In 2022, Mills, his son Phillip and daughter-in-law Jackie were inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.