AUCKLAND — Les Mills has died at the age of 91. He established a gym in Auckland with his wife Colleen in 1968.

Mills competed in shot put and discus at four Olympic Games and won five Commonwealth Games medals. In 1966, he won discus gold at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica. He also competed in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Mills later coached New Zealand discus thrower Beatrice Faumuina, who secured the world title in 1997.

Mills served three terms as mayor of Auckland City. For his service to local government and sport, he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2002. In 1973, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to sport.

Phillip Mills, Les Mills' son, established Les Mills International with his partner Jackie. Phillip Mills stated his father "achieved a huge amount in his life." He added, "And the common thread throughout – whether in fitness, politics or family life – was that he always wanted to help others." Phillip Mills also said, "Dad was immensely strong, driven, and always cared deeply for the less advantaged."

Nicki Nicol, CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, stated that Les Mills "set a standard for what it takes to represent New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games." Nicol also said that "his place in New Zealand's Olympic history is firmly established and no doubt his legacy will continue to inspire."