Endwell senior advances to second round of Mr. Health & Fitness contest

ENDWELL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) — It’s back to the starting gate for an Endwell man who hopes to once again defy the odds and be named Mister Health and Fitness.

65 year-old Sean Harrigan, owner of Pack and Mail locations in Endwell and the Town of Chenango, finished the opening round of the challenge in first place. However, all of the votes reset for those like Harrigan who made it to the quarterfinals.

Harrigan acknowledges that he may not be as muscular or fit as some of the younger contestants, but he does have a compelling story about overcoming adversity through faith and fitness.

Having worked out for most of his life, Harrigan believes his good physical shape helped him to survive a bout with COVID that put him in a coma for a month. His COVID symptoms were worsened by the fact that he has a form of leukemia.

Harrigan hopes his story is inspirational to others who have been knocked down and want to get back up.

“Most of the other contestants are like half my age. They’re fitness trainers, they’re bodybuilder contestants and this old man is doing pretty well in the competition I might say,” Harrigan said.

Harrigan credits the treatment he received at UHS as well as the physical therapy for his remarkable recovery.

The contest, put on by Muscle Fitness Magazine, lets voters cast one vote a day, and the winner will be featured in the magazine, and given a $20,000 prize.

You can find a link to vote here.