Greek-Australian Fitness Icon Kayla Itsines Stuns Americans: Sold Sweat App for $400 Million at 34

By GCT Editorial Team
Published: 19 January 2026

Proud Greek-Australian entrepreneur and fitness powerhouse Kayla Itsines has shocked Americans with her rags-to-riches story, revealing she became a millionaire at just 22 and sold her global workout app Sweat for a staggering $400 million.

The 34-year-old Adelaide native, born to Greek parents Anna and Jim Itsines (both teachers), grew up steeped in Hellenic culture—speaking Greek at home, devouring Yiayia’s traditional meals, and summering on islands like Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Athens. Father's side hails from Kos, mother's from Tripoli. With over 16 million Instagram followers, Kayla credits her family-first values and Mediterranean diet—packed with olive oil, oregano, fresh veggies, fish, and tzatziki—for fueling her empire. Greek City Times has long celebrated her as a leading Greek-Australian success story, from her 2017 Young Rich List nod to the 2021 $400M sale bombshell.

Spotted in New York by TikTok creator James Dumoulin for The School of Hard Knocks, the dual-heritage mogul was asked: “How did you get rich?” Her reply: “I was the founder of an app called Sweat, and then we sold for $400 million.”

Bootstrapped in her parents’ backyard with ex-partner Tobi Pearce, Sweat revolutionised women's fitness with HIIT workouts and meal plans, completing over 135 million sessions worldwide. She hit millionaire status at 22 via early Bikini Body Guides.

Reflecting on the 2021 exit to iFIT, Kayla admitted: “I think I did it wrong. Sell a company without ‘you’ attached.” Post-sale, she struggled to detach: “Not relaxing… overwhelmed, crying in the gym corner.” Notably, she and Pearce repurchased Sweat in late 2023 (finalised 2024) for a reportedly lower sum, reclaiming control.

@theschoolofhardknocks

The $400 MILLION WOMAN 🤯 I interviewed nine figure entrepreneur @Kayla Itsines in New York City and I asked her how she got RICH! I asked her how she got the money to start her business and the number one thing people get wrong when they try to sell their company. I also asked her how someone can make their money work and invest in today’s world. Lastly, I asked her the best advice she’d give to the younger generation. #wealth #entrepreneur #financialfreedom #motivation

♬ original sound - The School of Hard Knocks

On wealth wisdom: Diversify! Her thrill? Owning a petrol station (gas station to Yanks) for steady rent: “Internet might shut off one day.” Best advice: “You’re under no obligation to be the same person you were yesterday.”

Online reactions exploded, especially from unaware Americans: “$400 million woman? Never heard of Sweat—must be Aussie!” Jealousy mixed with inspiration: “Made her first million at 22 while I’m 30 and broke… sick of being poor.” “So inspiring—Greek pride!”

Kayla’s journey—from underweight kid playing basketball in Adelaide’s Greek community to global icon (now mum of two, living Queensland)—embodies omogenia resilience. As she posts Greek coffee with Papou or “Greek-mas” feasts, her empire thrives, proving Hellenic grit conquers all.