Les Mills, a New Zealand Olympian, former mayor of Auckland, and founder of the global Les Mills fitness brand, has died at age 91. Multiple outlets report that Mills competed for New Zealand at four Olympic Games between 1960 and 1972, including in discus and shot put. After his athletic career, he entered business and politics, serving three terms as Auckland mayor. The reports also say that he and his wife, Colleen, opened the first Les Mills gym in Auckland in 1968. Later, the family helped develop and spread structured group fitness programs that became internationally known, including BodyPump, which is associated with the brand worldwide. Statements attributed to family and brand representatives describe him as an influential figure across sport, business, politics, and public life. PR Newswire releases and local coverage characterize his death as peaceful and note his long-running role in building a fitness “dynasty” with his wife. Mills’ passing is widely reported as the end of a career that linked elite athletics, local leadership, and the development of a worldwide fitness industry.
Les Mills, former Olympian and Auckland mayor, dies at 91
Les Mills, a New Zealand Olympian, former mayor of Auckland, and founder of the global Les Mills fitness brand, has died at age 91. Multiple outlets report that Mills competed for New Zealand at four...
- Les Mills dies aged 91, reported by multiple outlets and a family/brand statement.
- He competed for New Zealand in discus and shot put at four Olympic Games from 1960 to 1972.
- He founded an international fitness business associated with Les Mills after his sporting career.
- He served three terms as mayor of Auckland.
- He and his wife Colleen opened the first Les Mills gym in Auckland in 1968 and helped develop global programs including BodyPump.
Family and friends are saying goodbye to global fitness pioneer, four-time Olympian and former Auckland mayor Les Mills.
1 month agoAUCKLAND, Neuseeland, 30. Juni 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wir gedenken von ganzem Herzen unserem Gründer Les Mills Snr., der heute im Alter von 91 Jahren friedlich verstorben ist. Als neuseeländische Ikone war Les ein Vorreiter im Sport, in der Wirtschaft, in der Politik und im Leben. Gemeinsam...
1 month agoHe and his wife opened first Les Mills gym in Auckland in 1968 and family later introduced workout programs including BodyPump taught worldwideLes Mills, the New Zealand Olympian and former Auckland mayor whose name is synonymous with his global fitness chain, has died aged 91.In a statement released on Monday, Phillip Mills said his father had achieved a huge amount in his life and the common thread throughout was his desire to help others. Continue reading...
1 month agoLes Mills built his first gym on Victoria Street in central Auckland with his wife Colleen in 1968, after representing New Zealand in both the shot put and discus.
1 month agoLes Mills built his first gym on Victoria Street in central Auckland with his wife Colleen in 1968, after representing New Zealand in both the shot put and discus.
1 month agoFormer New Zealand Olympian Les Mills has died at the age of 91. Mills, who competed in discus and shot put at four Games between 1960 and 1972, later went on to found an international fitness brand and serve three terms as mayor of Auckland.
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