“Gonna Be a Hell of a Fight”: Having Survived Through 40+ Surgeries, Bodybuilding Legend Recalls His Most Vulnerable Moment That Changed “His Life Forever”

Bodybuilding icon Flex Wheeler’s journey has been unlike any other champion bodybuilder. While he never won a Mr. Olympia title, many fans consider Flex Wheeler the greatest ever. However, a chronic kidney disease forced him to retire early, and since the late 90s, forced him to go under the knife over 40 times. In 2019, ‘The Sultan of Symmetry’ lost his leg to the issues caused by the rare disease. On June 4, Wheeler shared a video he recorded on the day of that surgery.

While the martial artist-turned-bodybuilder never won the coveted Sandow trophy, he won the Arnold Classic four-time and the Iron Man Pro five times. He also gave eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman a run for his money. After his focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, Wheeler had to get his kidney replaced, cutting short his bodybuilding career. However, that was only the beginning of his hardships.

Flex Wheeler has been through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows 

Flex Wheeler uploaded the video with a long caption. “What gives me the audacity to think that I can help you get through your challenges,” he wrote. “I’ve been to the highest of mountain tops and into the darkest of valleys,” added the 57-year-old. Wheeler also penned that he has “mastered both” states of mind.

The video he shared further proved the mental resilience of the bodybuilding icon. While lying on the hospital bed, the Sultan of Symmetry spoke in a soft voice. “This is the first surgery where they’ll take something.. my leg,” said the 57-year-old while speaking to the camera. The bodybuilding champion also said it would “change my life forever.”

Probably no one has gone from achieving the near-perfect physique to losing a leg to a rare disease. However, despite the grim situation, Wheeler didn’t doubt his willpower. “This might be really challenging, more mental than anything,” he said. However, the former Arnold Classic champion didn’t lose hope. “I have the will to fight regardless, and it’s gonna be a hell of a fight,” he added. Wheeler believes in the fact that he fights adversity every day, making him especially qualified to help others. 

Wheeler is more than a bodybuilding and fitness coach

After winning the lifetime achievement award at the Arnold Classic 2023, Flex Wheeler announced he wants to leave the past behind. While he is grateful for the love he got from bodybuilding fans, the former champion talked about giving back. Instead of basking in past glory, Wheeler talked about using it to help people live better.

Read More | After Surviving Over 40 Surgeries, Bodybuilding Gem Flex Wheeler Sums Up Life in a Three-Worded Message

In the caption of his latest video, the Sultan of Symmetry wrote about his new purpose. Wheeler wrote not only can he get someone in the best shape of their life but help them get through the darkest times in their lives. Despite battling a chronic disease, the 57-year-old bodybuilding champion hasn’t given up and wants people facing hard times to persevere as well.

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