A New Zealand Olympian who started a small gym in Auckland and later grew it into a worldwide chain has died at age 91.

He is none other than Les Mills.

On July 7, the Instagram account of Les Mills New Zealand shared the update about his passing in the caption, “Leslie Roy Mills MBE, CNZM was an incredible man who lived an inspirational life.”

In a statement to the New Zealand Herald, Mills's son, Phillip Mills, said that his father had died peacefully at 3:30 am, surrounded by family.

He also added, “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.”

The Les Mills brand came to life nearly 60 years ago as a result of Les’ vision, courage and unwavering belief that the power of fitness can change lives. His name will live on as a pillar in the fitness industry worldwide, and we will be forever grateful.”

Even the Les Mills gym that the Olympian opened in 1968 observed a minute of silence to express its condolences.

The 4-time Olympic athlete and former mayor of Auckland founded the first Les Mills gym on Victoria Street. Before that, he had a sporting career in which Mills represented the country in shot put and discus.

The business is now run by his family and is known for choreographed group-exercise classes set to music.

While Mills Gym still motivates and trains many, it is time to see his legacy.

Les Mills legacy

In 1934, Mills was born in Auckland and began focusing on fitness and workouts at age 11. He developed an early interest in the Olympics and competed in the Olympics 4 times in discus and shot put.

Mills earned several medals at the Commonwealth Games, including:

• Gold: 1966 Kingston in Discus
• Silver: 1958 Cardiff in Discus
• Bronze: 1962 Perth in Discus
• Bronze: 1962 Perth in Shot Put
• Bronze: 1966 Kingston in Shot Put.

According to the Guardian, Nicki Nicol, the chief executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, said, “Les Mills set a standard for what it takes to represent New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games”.

She also added, “His place in New Zealand’s Olympic history is firmly established and no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire.”

However, Mills also began focusing on politics, and in 1990 he became the mayor of Auckland. He served three terms as mayor.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil