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A 'Founding Father of Fitness' - Les Mills Snr 1934
The former Olympic athlete founded the first Les Mills gym and later served three terms as Auckland City mayor, helping build a global fitness brand.
- Trailblazing Kiwi athlete, businessman, and former Auckland Mayor Les Mills Snr died today, June 29, 2026, at age 91. A founder of the global fitness empire, Mills left an indelible mark across sport, business, and politics.
- Initially making his name as an athlete, Mills competed in four Olympic Games from 1960 to 1972 and won five Commonwealth Games medals, including discus gold at the 1966 Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
- In 1968, Mills and his wife Colleen launched their first Auckland gym on Victoria Street. He believed, "The purpose of the gym is to help people fall in love with fitness."
- Serving three terms as Mayor of Auckland City during the 1990s, Mills led sweeping reforms to strengthen communities and improve infrastructure. His political tenure demonstrated his commitment to public service.
- Managing Director of Les Mills International Phillip Mills said his father "left a lasting impression on everyone he met," with gym workouts now used by clubs around the world. His legacy continues to inspire fitness globally.
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Les Mills, the New Zealand Olympian who founded a chain of gyms, dies at 91
Les Mills, the New Zealand Olympian and founder of the gym chain bearing his name, has died at age 91. A statement from his company said he died peacefully on Monday.
·New York, United States
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NBR Rich Lister patriarch Les Mills dies, aged 91 - NBR | Business news & analysis | Independent, ad-free reporting
Former Auckland mayor, Commonwealth Games champion, and gym founder Les Mills has died, aged 91. His family announced his death in a statement earlier this morning, calling him a "Kiwi icon" who blazed a trail in sport, business, politics, and life. Les Mills was a fearsome athlete.
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Leaning Left15Leaning Right11Center26Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
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L 29%
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R 21%
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