Les Mills Dies at 91, Leaving Global Fitness Brand and 4-Time Olympic Legacy
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 29
Les Mills Dies at 91, Leaving Global Fitness Brand and 4-Time Olympic Legacy
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 29
Summary
Les Mills, the New Zealand fitness entrepreneur, Olympian and former Auckland mayor, has died at 91, his family said.
1968 marked the start of the business he built with his late wife Colleen in Auckland, a single gym that grew into a nationwide chain and later the global Les Mills workout brand.
4 Olympic Games and five Commonwealth medals defined his sporting career, including discus gold in 1966, before he moved into politics and served three terms as Auckland City mayor.
Phillip Mills said his father always wanted to help others, while New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol said his legacy would continue to inspire athletes and fitness fans worldwide.
Olympian, mayor, fitness mogul: which of Les Mills' legacies will have the most enduring global impact?
Beyond the gym, how did Les Mills' political leadership shape the modern city of Auckland we see today?
How will the Les Mills fitness empire adapt its philosophy in an era of AI and new weight-loss drugs?
Les Mills: Celebrating the Life, Legacy, and Global Impact of a Fitness Visionary (1935–2026)
Overview
Les Mills, who passed away on June 29, 2026, at age 91, was celebrated worldwide for his lasting impact on fitness and community. His original 1968 vision—to help people fall in love with fitness—became the foundation for a global movement, inspiring millions to join structured, science-backed group workouts. Tributes from his family, Les Mills International, and communities highlighted how he saw the gym as a sanctuary for improving lives and building community. This belief remains central to his legacy, shaping the values and ongoing mission of Les Mills International today.