Trans model and bodybuilder Aydian Dowling has progressed to the quarter finals of a competition to win the chance to appear on the cover of Men’s Health.

On the last day of public voting in the Men’s Health Ultimate Guy competition, Dowling was still in the number one spot by a large number of votes.

Today he posted an email showing that he had been selected for the quarter finals.

It reads: “We’re pleased to announce that you’ve made the first cut in our second annual search for the Ultimate Men’s Health and are now among the top 100 quarterfinalists.”

Aydian Dowling posted the notice that he had got to the quarter finals on Facebook (Image: Facebook)

Judges will choose semifinalists by 7 July from those who have entered, and the winner will be announced later this year.

Supporters are encouraged to keep voting until 7 July to choose their favourite.

Dowling recently recreated a famed (almost) naked photo of Maroon 5’s Adam Levine on the cover of FTM magazine.

The winner of the search, described as MH as “fit and fearless, a doer who gives back and leads by example”, wins a cover spread on the magazine.

In a Q&A accompanying Dowling’s photos, he says: “The battle that can come with the mirror can be completely dark and engulfing. As a Transgender Male, having a healthy body and mind is my ultimate goal to find peace within my soul. Although I may always have some kind of battle with my body, I continue to work everyday for a happy peace within.”

On his Twitter page, Dowling, from Ohio describes himself as: “An entrepreneur, owner and creator of Point 5cc Clothing, a vlogger, a motivational speaker, an artist, and an advocate for Transgender rights.”