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Fitness Legend Les Mills Dies at 91
30 Jun
Summary
- Les Mills, an Olympian and gym chain founder, passed away at 91.
- He represented New Zealand at four Olympics and won Commonwealth medals.
- His son launched the global Les Mills International fitness brand.
Les Mills, a prominent figure in both athletics and the fitness industry, died peacefully on Monday at age 91. A celebrated Olympian, Mills represented New Zealand in discus and shot put across four Olympic Games and secured five Commonwealth Games medals.
His entrepreneurial journey began in 1968 with the opening of the first Les Mills gym in Auckland. This venture evolved into a significant chain across New Zealand. His son, Phillip Mills, expanded this legacy by launching Les Mills International, a globally recognized brand for group fitness classes like BodyPump and BodyCombat.
Beyond his athletic and business achievements, Mills also served as the Mayor of Auckland from 1990 to 1998. His family remembers him as a strong, driven individual dedicated to helping others, noting that his spirit endures through the worldwide impact of fitness programs he inspired.
