Fitness industry legend and fundraising force Augie Nieto died Wednesday at the age of 65 after a near-two-decade-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He was the co-founder and retired CEO of Life Fitness, chairman and co-founder of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, and the chairman of the ALS Therapy Development Institute.
Athletic Business publisher Peter Brown, a longtime close friend and business associate, characterized Nieto's career as one evolving from "success to significance."
“The industry has lost a true pioneer," Brown said. "Augie’s lasting memory lies in the courage he demonstrated even after his diagnosis as he sought to support, nurture and heal the ALS community.”
Nieto's family released the following statement in the wake of his death:
Augie Nieto was our hero.
He inspired us, made us laugh, and made us cry. He taught us that when life hands you unspeakable challenges, what really matters is surrounding yourself with people who love you, and a cause you believe in. He was passionate about finding a cure for ALS, and we are proud to be “Augie’s team”.
Augie passed peacefully yesterday surrounded by his beloved wife, Lynne, his family and loved ones.
Augie wrote: Please keep me in your hearts…please help continue the progress of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS. Please help Lynne to carry on the mission – the second finest achievement of my life. Because I will be in your heart, I will get to experience the joy when we discover a cure.
Augie was a visionary — an icon in the fitness industry, and a powerful force in the ALS space. He was the Co-Founder and retired CEO of Life Fitness, Chairman and Co-Founder of Augie’s Quest to Cure ALS, and the Chairman of the ALS Therapy Development Institute. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, mentor, and friend. Under his leadership, almost $200 million was raised for ALS research. More importantly, Augie was directly responsible for countless advancements and changing the landscape of this horrific disease that ultimately took him just after his 65th birthday. We were proud to fight with Augie and Lynne to transform the way ALS research is funded, approaching it in unprecedented ways. We will diligently work beside his beloved wife in Augie’s honor and memory to find a cure for ALS.
Augie wrote: I know that my fight is not over. I have battled ALS for almost 18 years. Physically, ALS has finally taken my body, but my battle to rid the world of this insidious disease will continue.
We love you Augie. We’re with you, Lynne.
Your Augie’s Quest Team Shannon, Gretchen, Kelly, Angel and Kelsey
"The Athletic Business family and the fitness industry lost a true hero yesterday," said AB Media president Shawn Gahagan. "Augie Nieto was an incredible inspiration to our team and certainly to anyone who has ever faced this horrible disease firsthand. Augie and Lynne were true ambassadors in helping other individuals and families living with ALS fight, learn and love — including my brother Shane, who lost his battle with ALS in 2017. The Nietos' influence gave our family hope.
"Augie's relentless commitment to finding a cure for ALS was unmatched, and the strides made through Augie's Quest toward that cure have been amazing. On behalf of Athletic Business, we have Lynne and the entire Nieto family in our prayers and thoughts. Augie has our utmost respect, admiration and love, and his impact will be forever remembered."
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