Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most revered figures in bodybuilding. This is because of his ability to look beyond glory and contribute to mainstreaming bodybuilding. The Austrian Oak further institutionalized the sport by establishing the Arnold Classic with Jim Lorimer. Since 2000, the ex-Governor of California has also presented the Lifetime Achievement Award every year to notable bodybuilding personalities. An amazing bodybuilder who inspires a generation of young, ignited minds has received the 2023 award. Arnold Sports Festival awarded the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to Kenneth ‘Flex’ Wheeler. 

After receiving the honor in March 2023, Wheeler now shares the trophy with other great fitness legends like Frank Zane, Joe Weider, Lee Haney, and many others. A few days ago, the official channel of the Arnold Sports Festival uploaded the ceremony to YouTube. Let’s relive the moment.

Flex Wheeler was touched by Arnold Schwarzenegger’s words when he received the lifetime achievement award

Standing on the stage with his two sons, an emotional Wheeler read his award acceptance speech from his phone. His voice reflected his conviction and gratitude to the bodybuilding community. Although the ‘Sultan of Symmetry’ never won a Mr. Olympia title, he was a formidable opponent for many bodybuilders, including Ronnie Coleman. Before Coleman became the GOAT of bodybuilding, he had lost to Flex Wheeler 11 out of 12 times until the decisive 1998 Mr. Olympia that established Ronnie as ‘The King’ of bodybuilding.

Not only did Wheeler present the world with a thrilling rivalry, but he also worked hard for bodybuilding as a sport. While presenting the award, Schwarzenegger honored the icon by saying that he is “one of the greatest champions of all time.” He also recognized Wheeler’s “symmetry”, “size”, “fantastic posing routine,” and “promotion of the sport.“

Read More: “Don’t Foresee That”: 4X Arnold Classic Champion Flex Wheeler Once Wished to Be Alive to Just See if Anyone Could Ever Match Ronnie Coleman’s Prime Physique

The 56-year-old retired IFBB pro thanked Schwarzenegger for the award by saying, “…. but I have the honor of this man here calling me one of the greatest of all times, and that’s better than anything to have the recognition and a gratitude from your fellow colleagues, what more could you ask for.” Flex Wheeler’s honor reflects the depth of bodybuilding as a sport. However, the Sultan of Symmetry’s life has been full of challenges.

Despite batting health challenges, Wheeler refused to give up

Wheeler had to battle multiple health diseases and a life-threatening accident in 1994. He has suffered from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis kidney disease since his teenage days. At the 2022 Arnold Sports Festival, Wheeler revealed the conditions that led to the amputation of his leg. “The surgery was supposed to be a couple of hours. I was supposed to be out for three hours. I ended up being in a coma for over ten days.”

He further revealed, “My kidney failed, so they were worried because they have to put this dye in me to be able to see where the blood clots are that caused my kidney to fail and I started turning gray from what they told me, so the doctors were like, Hey, we gotta hurry up and take his leg off or else he’s gonna die.” Despite facing such hardships, the bodybuilder continued his commitment to fitness. He also showed resilience in managing his pain. Wheeler often appears on social media and motivates people to find light at the end of the tunnel. Are you inspired by Wheeler’s story? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: Six bodybuilders who can defeat 8-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman in a beast-like structure.