In May, we announced the launch of our Cover Search, presented by Trojan and captured by the Huawei Pura 70 Series. Biogen joins us as the Official Nutrition Partner, Rooibos Man as the Official Skincare Partner, Stanley as the Official Hydration Partner, Braun as the Official Grooming Partner, Abercrombie & Fitch as the Official Fragrance Partner, powered by JBL and I Love Boobies as the Official Charity. With the help of these incredible partners, we are on a mission to find the man who truly embodies the core qualities of the Men’s Health brand: confidence, strength, and a fitness-driven lifestyle that inspires others to follow in his footsteps—the kind of guy you’d expect to see on our cover.
READ MORE: Trojan Joins Cover Search 2024: A Perfect Partnership for Fitness and Inspiration
After receiving an incredible pool of applicants, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 20 finalists, each with their own inspiring stories of fitness, health and wellness. Now, it’s your turn to get to know them and vote for the cover guy who inspires you the most. With voting now open, dive into the profiles of these remarkable men and help decide who will grace the cover of the Men’s Health November/December 2024 issue.
Andries Petrus Britz
“It would be a great privilege to be on the Men’s Health cover. This opportunity would allow me to help thousands more reach their fitness goals by sharing my knowledge and training skills. My dream has always been to help people live healthily and get stronger and being featured on the cover would amplify my ability to inspire and educate a larger audience. I want to show that fitness is not just about aesthetics but but overall well-being and empowerment.”
Asare Bediako
“Being on the cover of Men’s Health has been a dream of mine since I could afford my first Men’s Health magazine. I am fuelled by my desire to inspire others in their personal fitness and entrepreneurial pursuits. Men’s Health has been instrumental in shaping my commitment to a holistic lifestyle. By being on the cover, I hope to motivate and empower individuals to embrace wellness in pursuit of their dreams, pushing boundaries and striving for excellence in all areas of life.”
Ashwin Wildemans
“I’d love to be on the cover of Men’s Health because I am drawn to what the magazine embodies—not just as a publication but as a source of inspiration for men, young and old, to live a balanced lifestyle and become the best versions of themselves. Collaborating with Men’s Health would be a blessing and an exciting opportunity to share my journey and encourage others to pursue their passions and maintain discipline in all aspects of life.”
Dane McFarlane
“I’ve competed in IFBB shows and have worked tirelessly in the fitness industry. As an NPL athlete, I transformed from being the skinniest kid in school to where I am today. Being on the cover of Men’s Health would be a testament to my journey and hard work, inspiring others who may feel like they don’t fit the typical ‘fitness model’ mould. I want to show that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can transform their body and mind.”
Dylan Ainslie
“I would like to be a Men’s Health cover guy to inspire others to choose a healthier lifestyle in whatever form that takes. I want someone to see me and believe they can achieve whatever they set their mind to by working consistently toward it. The discipline and resilience I gained through sports and fitness have been the most rewarding aspects of my journey and I want to share that with a wider audience.”
Gary Mufanina
“As a multifaceted individual with a passion for fitness, music, social responsibility and family, I believe I would be an excellent candidate for both the cover and feature articles of Men’s Health magazine. Fitness is not just a job for me—it’s a lifestyle. I lead by example, maintaining peak physical condition and inspiring those around me to do the same. I want to use this platform to share my knowledge and passion, helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, both physically and mentally.”
Heinrich Viljoen
“Health has always been a top priority for my wife and me since we got married. We aim to set a positive example for our two children. My journey through studying veterinary science, running a business, raising two children, farming cattle and competing in NPC bodybuilding competitions demonstrates that any man can achieve what he sets his mind to. I am passionate about inspiring others to pursue their goals and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.”
Hugo van Niekerk
“In 2012, I saw Johry Batt on the Men’s Health cover and thought, ‘Bloody hell, I want to look like that.’ That moment was the catalyst for my fitness journey. If granted the opportunity, I believe I can be that spark for others. Staying active and healthy is key to maintaining mental clarity in these tumultuous times. I want to inspire others to embrace routine, discipline and grit as foundations for a fulfilling life.”
Kundai Murapa
“I aim to inspire others through a range of Personal Training and Nutrition Program Solutions. As a professional stunt performer and ISSA Certified Personal Trainer, I believe that everyone can move functionally in their environments while honouring their fitness, health and wellness. My goal is to encourage healthy play and mobility for all ages. Being on the cover of Men’s Health would amplify my message and inspire a broader audience to pursue an active and balanced lifestyle.”
Lucky Fadzi
“My dream is to be on the cover of Men’s Health, to inspire others who face adversity. I’ve trained over 100 people and collaborated with brands like Puma. Despite financial struggles and no support, I’ve transformed my physique and achieved athletic milestones. I want to show that achieving dreams is possible even with limited resources. My journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa, working in digital marketing and fitness, demonstrates resilience and determination. I want to be a proud ambassador of Men’s Health, sharing my journey and training tips with a wider audience.”
Marlo Prinsloo
“Featuring me in Men’s Health would highlight my achievements and resonate deeply with your audience. My journey and advocacy align perfectly with the values your magazine promotes, providing readers with a powerful story of dedication, health and resilience. As a top CrossFit athlete in Africa, my story of overcoming challenges and striving for greatness can inspire and motivate readers. I am deeply passionate about my faith, family, and the community and I share experiences and knowledge to inspire healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
Mfundo Mthembu
“Being on the cover of Men’s Health would be an incredible honour and a testament to my dedication to fitness and overall well-being. My fitness journey began after my varsity cup career as I transitioned into my professional life. I believe that our training and appearance are among the few aspects of life where we have significant control. This philosophy drives me to maintain a disciplined and consistent approach to fitness. I hope to inspire others to take charge of their health and embrace the journey toward a balanced and fulfilling life.”
Neil Washington
“For me, it’s not about vanity or ego; it’s about representation. I want to challenge stereotypes and show that being healthy isn’t just about hitting the gym or following a strict diet. It’s about taking care of your mind, body and spirit. Being featured on the cover would be a fantastic opportunity to inspire others to prioritise their well-being in all aspects of life.”
Pule Motswaledi
“I believe my story can inspire many young people and offer them hope for the future. My consistency and dedication eventually inspired my friends to join me on the health and fitness journey. By sharing my journey, I hope to show that with dedication and perseverance, it’s possible to overcome adversity and achieve a healthier, more fulfilling life.”
Rex Walker
“I’m an adventurous, fit and healthy guy who loves chasing dopamine in nature, the gym or the ocean. I’ve always been active, with experience in the French Foreign Legion, boxing, jiu-jitsu, and calisthenics. I enjoy outdoor activities like freediving, trail running and hiking. Recently, I overcame a severe back and leg injury, including a broken tibia and fibula and a metal rod in my shin. Despite these setbacks, I was determined to get back into shape and embrace my adventurous lifestyle. I hope my journey inspires others, especially those with demanding jobs like mine in digital marketing, to live their best life.”
Scott Kimble
“It would be an honour and a lifelong dream to be featured on the cover of Men’s Health, representing everything the magazine stands for. I firmly believe that through exercise and balanced nutrition, you can build an incredible life. The discipline and habits developed through fitness extend into all areas of life, not just appearance. My passion lies in helping people discover their best selves and I deeply value what health and strength represent.”
Steffen de Beer
“Being on the cover of Men’s Health would elevate my career to new heights, providing an opportunity to reach and transform even more people into their best possible versions. I’m a fitness coach specialising in helping men transform their bodies, minds and lives overall. I strive to set an example and inspire those in need of motivation. Being on the cover has been a goal of mine since 2015 and I’m confident that I have what it takes to achieve it.”
Tshepo Nyathi
“Being on the cover of Men’s Health because it represents a pinnacle of personal achievement and provides an opportunity to inspire others. My interests revolve around health, fitness and personal growth. Being featured on the cover would be a testament to my dedication to health and fitness, showcasing the hard work and discipline I’ve invested in transforming my body and lifestyle. It would allow me to motivate others to pursue their own fitness goals, demonstrating that with determination, anyone can achieve their best self.”
Tyler Oliver
“Being on the cover of Men’s Health would be an incredible honour. I have been passionate about fitness since I was young, despite often being the smallest in my classes. My journey from feeling insecure about my size to becoming a certified personal trainer has been transformative. I want to help others who feel insecure as I once did and inspire them to achieve confidence and happiness through fitness. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of fitness on overall well-being.”
Zacko Smit
“I’m a 28-year-old fitness enthusiast and owner of 3-Dimension Fitness Functional Centre. My passion for sports, especially rugby, led me to CrossFit and eventually strength and conditioning. My lifestyle embodies fitness and I constantly strive for self-improvement. Although I’m not outgoing and need to improve my social media presence, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and build a personal brand. I believe my love for training and exercise can inspire others, particularly the younger generation. My goal is to make a positive impact and my unique background, including a love for esports, sets me apart.”
READ MORE: Meet the Dream Team Behind the Next Men’s Health Cover Search Competition
Voting closes at midday on August 31, 2024.
