Les Mills, New Zealand Olympian and Founder of Les Mills International, Dies at 91
Les Mills, a New Zealand Olympian and founder of Les Mills International, died at age 91. He was known for developing choreographed group fitness programs such as Body Pump and Body Combat. Mills also served as Mayor of Auckland and received the MBE and CNZM honors.
Les Mills, a New Zealand Olympian and founder of Les Mills International, died at age 91. According to bbc, he founded the global fitness brand known for choreographed workouts set to music, including Body Pump and Body Combat. Lesmills.com reported that he was born on 1 November 1934 and died on 29 June 2026. He competed in his first athletic event at age 11, finished 50 yards ahead of the pack, and was naturally fast, had a fierce desire to win, and was eager to learn. Mills joined the Western Suburbs Athletic Club and helped it become the strongest club in New Zealand. He was a former Mayor of Auckland and was awarded the MBE and CNZM honors. Les Mills is described as an absolute legend.
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