Les Mills: Olympian Legend and Fitness Icon Passes at 91

Les Mills, a well-known fitness expert and former Olympian from New Zealand, has died at the age of 91, according to his family. Les Mills was famous for his friendly smile, bushy eyebrows, and his love for sports. In 1968, he and his late wife Colleen opened their first gym in Auckland. This gym was the beginning of what would become a nationwide chain of fitness centers. Later, his son Phillip and Phillip's partner Jackie helped turn Les Mills International into a global brand. Today, Les Mills is known all over the world for its choreographed workouts set to music, such as Body Pump and Body Combat, which are enjoyed by millions of people.

Les Mills was not only a fitness leader but also a talented athlete. He represented New Zealand in shot put and discus at four Olympic Games. He also won five medals at the Commonwealth Games, including a gold medal in discus in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1966. After his athletic career, Les Mills decided to serve his community in a different way. In the 1990s, he became the mayor of Auckland City and served three terms. Even after his time as mayor, he stayed involved in sports by coaching athletes like Beatrice Faumuina, who won the world title in discus in 1997.

Les Mills received many honors for his work in sports and local government. He was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002 and a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1973. His son Phillip said that Les Mills achieved a lot in his life and always wanted to help others, whether in fitness, politics, or family life. Phillip also said that his father's spirit lives on in gym workouts around the world, helping people fall in love with fitness. Nicki Nicol, CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, said that Les Mills set a high standard for New Zealand athletes and that his legacy will continue to inspire people for years to come. Les Mills will be remembered as someone who cared deeply for others and made a big difference in the world of fitness and sports.