Les Mills Senior, NZ Olympian and former Auckland Mayor, dead at 91

Former Auckland mayor, Olympian and the man who helped inspire the global gym chain and fitness brand Les Mills has died at the age of 91.

Les Mills New Zealand confirmed his passing in a post to Facebook this morning.

“On behalf of the Mills family, we’re deeply saddened to share that Les Mills Senior has passed away. A versatile sportsman, successful business owner, inspiring leader, and former Mayor of Auckland - Leslie Roy Mills MBE, CNZM is an absolute legend,” the post read.

“He laid the foundations for a movement that has inspired millions around the world to fall in love with fitness - a legacy that lives on in every workout.”

Born in 1934 in New Lynn, West Auckland, Mills spent his childhood growing up in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

He went on to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games, making his debut in Rome in 1960, and also competed across multiple Commonwealth Games over more than two decades, specialising in the shot put and discus throw.

Mills later served as the Mayor of Auckland City from 1990 to 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," his son, Phillip Mills, said in a statement via RNZ.

“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.”

Athletics New Zealand has shared a tribute to the former Olympian, writing: “Four-time Olympian, five-time Commonwealth medallist and 25-time national champion, who held the New Zealand shot put record for 44 years.”

“He went on to coach a world discus champion, serve as Mayor of Auckland, and founded the gym that became a fitness company known the world over. Our thoughts are with the Mills family today.”

He is survived by his wife Florence, and his two children from his first marriage, Donna and Phillip.