Les Mills, the former New Zealand Olympian, fitness brand founder and three-term Auckland mayor, has died at 91.
Mills competed in discus and shot put at four Olympic Games between 1960 and 1972.
His distinguished career also saw him secure five Commonwealth Games medals, including a discus gold in 1966.
Beyond his own athletic achievements, he later guided fellow New Zealander Beatrice Faumuina to a world title in discus in 1997 and Commonwealth Games gold in 1998.
“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,” Mills’ son Phil said in a statement released to New Zealand media.
“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.”
Aged 19, Les married his wife Colleen – herself a world-class track and field athlete – and the pair embarked on several business ventures together before uniting their passion for sport and commerce to launch the first Les Mills gym in Auckland in 1968.
He served three terms as Mayor of Auckland City in the 1990s, leading sweeping reforms to strengthen communities and improve infrastructure, as well as regenerating the heart of the city and its waterfront with bold development projects.
After leaving politics, Les continued to coach athletes, help grow the family businesses and support several charity initiatives.
In 2002, he was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday and Golden Jubilee Honours, being made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to local government and sport.
This complemented the earlier 1973 Queen’s Birthday Honours appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to sport.
In 2022, together with Phillip and Jackie Mills, he was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.
“Les Mills set a standard for what it takes to represent New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games,” said New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol.
“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.
“Our thoughts are with the Mills family and those close to him. His place in New Zealand’s Olympic history is firmly established and no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire.”
