Former Olympian and Fitness Pioneer Les Mills Dies at 91

Les Mills, the former New Zealand Olympian, fitness entrepreneur, and three-term mayor of Auckland, has died at the age of 91. His death was announced on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Mills was a pioneering figure in global fitness and a celebrated athlete who represented New Zealand at four consecutive Summer Olympic Games from 1960 to 1972. He served as the nation's flagbearer in Rome and Munich. His best Olympic result was a seventh-place finish in the shot put at the 1964 Tokyo Games. He also excelled at the Commonwealth Games, winning five medals, including a gold in the discus at the 1966 Kingston Games.

Born in Auckland in 1934, Mills overcame a difficult childhood, losing his father at age 11. Inspired by the Charles Atlas strength program, he transformed himself into a champion athlete, winning 24 national senior throwing titles and setting a national shot put record in 1967 that stood for 44 years.

After his athletic career, Mills and his wife, Colleen, opened the first Les Mills gym in Auckland in 1968. The business evolved into a global fitness empire under the leadership of their son, Phillip Mills, and his partner, Jackie. The company, Les Mills International, became...