Les Mills, New Zealand Olympian and founder of the global fitness chain, dies at 91

Les Mills, the New Zealand Olympian who gave his name to a chain of gyms and group fitness classes taught in more than 100 countries, died peacefully on Monday at 91, his company announced. No specific cause was given.

Athletic career

Mills represented New Zealand in shot put and discus at four Olympic Games from 1960 to 1972, with a best finish of seventh in the shot put in 1964. He carried the national flag at the opening ceremonies in 1960 and 1972. At the Commonwealth Games he won five medals, including discus gold in 1966, and his New Zealand shot put record of 19.81 metres, set in 1967, stood for 44 years.

“Les Mills set a standard for what it takes to represent New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. He competed at four Olympic Games and is a five-time Commonwealth Games medallist, exemplifying the consistency and commitment he showed to Athletics throughout his career.”

Building a fitness empire

In 1968, while still competing, Mills opened his first gym in Auckland. It was so small that it had a single changing area and bathroom, so men and women trained on alternate days. The business grew into a chain of 12 gyms across New Zealand. His son Phillip later launched Les Mills International, turning group classes like BodyPump and BodyCombat into a global phenomenon now present in more than 100 countries.

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

Public life and coaching

Mills served three terms as mayor of Auckland from 1990 to 1998, leading downtown revitalisation and infrastructure projects. After his own athletics career, he became national sports director in Papua New Guinea (1974–1976), guiding the country to its first Olympic appearance, and later coached New Zealand discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina to the 1997 world title.

Honours and family

He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973 and a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002. His wife Colleen, also an athlete, died in 2005. Mills is survived by his children Phillip and Donna, four grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.