The Ultimate Men's Health Guy: 10th Anniversary Edition

For a decade, we’ve searched the nation for men we admire—men who are physically strong, yes, but also mentally resilient, socially connected, and all-around Good Guys. This year’s finalists embody all that. Our all-star judging panel made sure.

dayman gardner

Galloway at home with three of his kids.

What “Ultimate” Means to Me

FOR AS LONG as I can remember, being a part of Men’s Health was a dream of mine. When I became the first Ultimate Men’s Health Guy in 2014, it wasn’t just recognition of my battles but fulfillment of that dream.

The journey that led me there wasn’t easy. After losing an arm and a leg during combat in Iraq, I had to rediscover my love for fitness and how to challenge my body. Winning allowed me to share my story and connect with others who were fighting their own battles. I heard from so many others like me—vets, amputees, people who have faced struggles and have overcome them or wanted to know how. Winning the title gave me the courage to keep sharing, as a personal trainer, as a public speaker, and through the No Excuses Charitable Fund I helped launch.

Now, as we celebrate ten years of the Ultimate Men’s Health Guy contest, I’m honored to be part of this legacy, passing the torch to a new generation of men who have made mental health a core part of who they are—something many of us guys found tough to talk about ten years ago. This year’s finalists—Ryan Lennon, Aaron Sanchez, and Hassan Paige—have demonstrated incredible strength, both physically and mentally.

Lennon dedicates his life to helping others as a licensed clinical social worker in the U. S. Navy. Sanchez lives with stage 4 cirrhosis and leverages his sobriety to inspire. Paige, a heart-attack survivor, rebuilt his life through fitness, meditation, art, and a focus on staying present.

These men prove that the spirit of the Ultimate Men’s Health Guy is thriving in 2024—and beyond.

aaron richter; taryn colbert, MH Illustration

cassidy araiza; taryn colbert, MH Illustration

nolis anderson; Taryn colbert, MH Illustration

Our Ultimate Judges

MOST YEARS, A select panel of Men’s Health editors choose who makes the Ultimate Guy cut. This year, we called for some backup.

Noah Galloway, 43

After winning the 2014 title, Galloway published a memoir, Living with No Excuses, and launched the No Excuses Charitable Fund. He’s also now an F45 Athlete and a father of four.

Peter Yang

Tim Boniface, 45

The 2015 winner left his job in finance after 9/11 to become a firefighter and an EMT. He’s still battling blazes in Kentucky, though he’s now Lieutenant Boniface. He and his wife are raising three girls, and he wants to be a stand-up comedian.

John Loomis

Aydian Dowling, 37

The first transgender man to appear on the cover of Men’s Health, Dowling was 2015’s Reader’s Choice winner. He’s since launched the nonprofit Point of Pride and the TRACE app; both support transgender individuals.

John Loomis

Jedidiah Ballard, D.O.,42

Dr. Ballard went from U. S. Army Ranger to ER doctor. Following his 2016 win, he finished the World’s Toughest Mudder, won a 17-mile adventure race, and joined our Men’s Health Advisory Board.

John Loomis

Corwyn Collier, 42

Our January/February 2023 winner is an Army veteran who rebuilt his body and fitness post–IED explosion. He’s currently a teacher and track coach at Maple Heights High School in Ohio.

Tyler Joe

Leo Moore, M.D., 39

Dr. Moore, our December 2023 winner, went into internal medicine with a focus on HIV and STD prevention after a friend’s unexpected HIV diagnosis. He recently began an IG Live series, Health Is Wealth with Dr. Leo.

Aaron Richter

Joe De Sena, 55

He’s the founder and CEO of Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand. But De Sena himself has competed in 50 ultra events and 14 Ironman events— in one year alone.

Slaven Vlasic//Getty Images

BONUS: Want to get your Spartan on? Enter the code MH50 via spartan.com for a 50 percent discount on eight marquee races. (Valid through end of the 2024.)