Les Mills, Olympian, Fitness Pioneer and Former Auckland Mayor, Dies at 91

Les Mills Sr., four-time Olympian, founder of the Les Mills fitness brand and three-term Auckland mayor, died peacefully on 29 June 2026 at age 91, his family announced. Les Mills International noted his surviving children Phillip and Donna, daughter-in-law Jackie, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Les Mills Sr., Co-founder of Les Mills Gyms, Dies at 91 Years Old

Born in Auckland on 1 Nov 1934, Mills turned to strength training after his father’s death. He won five Commonwealth Games medals—including 1966 discus gold—set a 19.81 m shot-put record in 1967 that lasted 44 years, and competed in four Olympics (1960-1972). He later coached Beatrice Faumuina and served as Auckland mayor (1990-1998), overseeing the Sky Tower and Viaduct Harbour projects. He received an MBE (1973) and a CNZM (2002).

End of an Era: Les Mills, Olympian and Global Fitness Pioneer, Dies at 91

In 1968 Les and wife Colleen opened a gym on Victoria Street, Auckland. Their son Phillip joined in 1980; with partner Jackie he added music-driven classes and launched BODYPUMP in 1990. Les Mills International spun off in 1997 and now licenses programmes such as BODYCOMBAT and RPM to over 21 000 clubs in 110 countries, with more than 140 000 certified instructors.

Who Was Les Mills? New Zealand Olympian Passes Away at 91—Sporting Career, Gym Empire, Mayoral Journey, And More

Phillip Mills said his father “achieved a huge amount in his life” and that “the common thread … was that he always wanted to help others.” Nicki Nicol, chief, called Mills “a five-time Commonwealth medallist … exemplifying consistency and commitment.” New Zealand highlighted his shot-put record and coaching of Beatrice Faumuina. Greta Wagner, HFA president, said his legacy “reaches far beyond New Zealand.” Juliet Yates, Auckland Council member, recalled his ability to “bring people together and achieve things for the benefit of the city.”

Les Mills Senior, NZ Olympian and former Auckland Mayor, dead at 91

Sources differ on Mills’ surviving spouse: some list his late wife Colleen (died 2005), others name a second wife, Florence. The domestic gym count is given as 12, while the brand’s global reach is described by clubs and instructors rather than a single facility count. No cause of death was disclosed.

BBC News

• “He achieved a huge amount in his life. And the common thread throughout – whether in fitness, politics or family life – was that he always wanted to help others.” — Phillip Mills, Les Mills International

Who Was Les Mills? New Zealand Olympian Passes Away at 91—Sporting Career, Gym Empire, Mayoral Journey, And More

• “He was really good at bringing people together and achieving things for the benefit of the city,” — Juliet Yates, Auckland Council member

ABC News Australia

• “Four-time Olympian, five-time Commonwealth medallist and 25-time national champion, who held the New Zealand shot put record for 44 years.” — Athletics New Zealand tribute

Les Mills Senior, NZ Olympian and former Auckland Mayor, dead at 91

Mills’ music-driven group-fitness model reshaped club programming worldwide, making workouts accessible to populations and influencing public-health initiatives. Les Mills International continues to expand its programme catalogue, ensuring his philosophy remains central to future growth.

End of an Era: Les Mills, Olympian and Global Fitness Pioneer, Dies at 91