Les Mills is dead. The New Zealander who turned fitness into a global phenomenon passed away today at 91. British Olympic officials, still reeling from a turbulent year, have rushed to praise his legacy.
Les Mills, the man behind the BODYATTACK and BODYPUMP classes that have become staples of gyms worldwide, leaves behind a towering reputation. But here's the thing: this isn't just about sweat and lycra. Mills' influence stretched deep into elite sport.
His fitness programmes were used by Olympians, including Team GB athletes. The British Olympic Association released a statement calling him a 'visionary' who 'transformed how we think about movement and performance'. Inside the lobby, there's chatter about the timing.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics less than a year away, Mills' death is a reminder of the relentless pressure on athletes to maintain peak condition. His legacy will be debated in training camps and boardrooms. The real story, however, is the political wrangling behind the scenes.
Whispers suggest that Mills was courted by UK Sport for a potential advisory role before his health declined. Sources say the offer was never formalised. A missed opportunity?
Perhaps. But there are also murmurings about his views on the state of modern fitness—elite and recreational—and how it aligns with the government's 'Sporting Future' strategy. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has been silent so far.
Expect a flurry of statements tomorrow. For now, the fitness industry mourns. The Les Mills brand, now a multi-million dollar enterprise, will continue—but without its founding father.
The question is: can it survive the next generation? Backbenchers are watching closely. Some Labour MPs are already calling for a parliamentary debate on the future of fitness funding.
It's a game of optics, and Mills' death is a new piece on the board. Watch this space.
