Men's health magazine competition winner

Following recent media reports that the supermodel could soon be a thing of the past with the rise of the 'celebrity model' gracing magazine covers, Men's Health Magazine is set to announce the winner of their 2007 Cover Model competition!

Bucking the trend of using celebrities, Men's Health firmly believes in using inspirational men who their readers can inspire to be like. The cover model competition, in its 5th year, received thousands of entries from men across the country hoping to be picked as the Men's Health Cover Model 2007. Putting a real man on the front cover conveys Men's Health Magazine's message 'great results for everybody'.

This year's lucky winner is Chris Whitlow, 21, from the Isle of Man, who is an economics student, and bank worker in his spare time. Chris impressed all the judges with his natural, sporty physique and has showed how an ordinary guy with extraordinary dedication can get a cover model body. Winning the competition has opened many doors for Chris, with television presenter and executive Andi Peters snapping him up by offering him a contract with his new fitness modeling agency Andi Peter's Fitness Models.

Tiscali had the pleasure of interviewing Chris on his success. Read on to find out more about the winner.

How does it feel to have won the Men's Health cover model competition?
It's incredible. It took a while to sink in. It feels quite surreal that it's going to be in the shops on Monday. It's going to be a dream come true.

How often do you work out?
I work out around 5 times a week but not just at the gym. I do a lot of cycling, five aside, rock climbing and rugby at Uni. I'm just about to do a sprint session on the beach near where I live on the Isle of Man which involves a 15 minute warm up and then 10 sets of 60 minute sprinting. It's great for building up power. I try to surf as much as possible. The best time for surging on the Isle of Man is in February and it's great for fitness.

How healthy is your lifestyle?
I don't feel the need to drink and have cut it out. I'm quite happy enjoying the music without alcohol. I've never smoked. I may have the occasional Red Bull for a little bit of energy. I love food and have 3 main meals and 3 smaller snack type meals a day. I enjoy lean meat, chicken, tuna, salmon, rice and pasta and make interesting sauces. Food is never boring.

Have you always been naturally fit?
I played athletics as a child since the age of 10 and have always enjoyed rugby and all sports.

Do you use products and if so what are your favourite?
I never thought that I'd be a model and don't use product except for a little moisturiser. I just shower and shave - I've got short hair so it doesn't need styling. I prefer the natural look.

Are you a bit of a hit with the ladies?
I'm not sure, I'll have to wait and find out. The cover model party was a bit strange as I guess I attracted a little attention being the winner. (Tiscali thinks Chris is being modest!)

Have you got a girlfriend?
I am completely single.

What would your ideal first date be like?
Something on the beach, or maybe a sport and outdoorsy activity. My dream date would be surfing on some waves on a private beach in Hawaii.

Learn more about Chris, the runners-up and how you could be the next cover model in Men's Health magazine out Monday the 10th September.

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