Les Mills, former Olympian and fitness pioneer, dies at 91
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 8:57 AM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026
Les Mills, the former New Zealand Olympian who competed in discus and shot put, passed away at 91. Mills participated in four Olympic Games from 1960 to 1972 and later founded a global fitness brand. His contributions to sport and local government included medals at the Commonwealth Games and three terms as mayor of Auckland. Mills’ legacy is commemorated by his influence in fitness worldwide and his commitment to helping others, as noted by family members and sports officials. His death is felt deeply within the New Zealand sports community.
- •Mills competed in four Olympic Games between 1960 and 1972.
- •He won five medals at the Commonwealth Games, including a gold in 1966.
- •Mills founded an international fitness brand and served as mayor of Auckland.
- •He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973.
- •New Zealand Olympic Committee recognized his lasting impact on athletics.
- 10:57 AMYahoo Sports — Fitness brand founder and Olympian Les Mills dies aged 91
- 8:57 AMYahoo Sports — Olympian and global fitness brand founder Les Mills dies aged 91
"Former New Zealand Olympian Les Mills has died at the age of 91. Mills, who competed in discus and shot put at four Games between 1960 and 1972, later went on to found an international fitness brand and serve three terms as mayor of Auckland.
"The Les Mills International brand is now known globally for choreographed workouts set to music, like Body Pump and Body Combat.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 10:57 AMFitness brand founder and Olympian Les Mills dies aged 91
The Les Mills International brand is now known globally for choreographed workouts set to music, like Body Pump and Body Combat.
- Yahoo SportsJun 29, 2026, 8:57 AMOlympian and global fitness brand founder Les Mills dies aged 91
Former New Zealand Olympian Les Mills has died at the age of 91. Mills, who competed in discus and shot put at four Games between 1960 and 1972, later went on to found an international fitness brand and serve three terms as mayor of Auckland.
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