“Almost Killed Me”: Battled Through Multiple Surgeries, 57-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Confessed Going Into a Dark Place Due to Bodybuilding in 2011

Flex Wheeler and Kevin Levrone competed against each other in several major bodybuilding contests, including the Mr. Olympia competition. Despite their intense competition, Wheeler and Levrone were also friends off the stage. They trained together frequently and shared a mutual respect for each other’s abilities as athletes. Both have spoken highly of each other in interviews and public appearances, and their rivalry is remembered as one of the most exciting in the history of professional bodybuilding.

Wheeler has experienced a number of personal challenges throughout his career, including a period when he faced a significant health issue and struggled with depression. He has spoken publicly about his experience in what he has referred to as his “dark place.” Recently, an old roundtable discussion posted by ‘Muscular Development’ has resurfaced on the internet. Shared by Wheeler himself on his Instagram story, the video consists of Wheeler, Levrone as well as Shaun Ray discussing their professional careers and addressing some questions. 

Wheeler talks about his “dark place”

In the interview, Shaun Ray revealed that one of the darkest times in his bodybuilding career was when he faced the loss of his mother. Despite his mother’s death, Ray had to continue his training and diet for his future competitions. Wheeler added to the conversation by revealing that one of his best performances on stage was also at the times when he was the unhappiest.

“That dark place for me where I think I really signed best, I truly know that I did, but it was probably the most unhappiest times for me ever getting ready for shows…that dark place that I had to go to do my work of art almost killed me almost everytime…mentally, emotionally and physically,” said Wheeler.

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Wheeler has won many prestigious bodybuilding competitions and has been an inspiration to many aspiring bodybuilders. However, there is much more to Flex Wheeler than just his impressive physique. In a recent post shared by him on his Instagram, he shared his opinion about him being more than a bodybuilder.

Wheeler is more than just a bodybuilder

Wheeler quite recently posted a video on his Instagram talking about how he believes himself to be much more than a bodybuilder. Along with his professional accomplishments, he has also experienced a lot of troubles throughout his life which, he acknowledges, has influenced the person he is now.

“I’m so much more than what I used to be, I have so much more to offer than a few 20-year-old trophies,” said Wheeler. He continued by writing about how he feels blessed to be a bodybuilder, but life has taught him a lot of valuable lessons. “I’ve been through so many metamorphoses on, the truth is I don’t really care about any accolades from bodybuilding….bodybuilding is what I’ve done, not what I am,” added Wheeler.

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In addition to his bodybuilding success, Wheeler is also an artist and musician. He has produced several paintings and has released an album of his own music. In other words, Wheeler is truly symbolic of dedication, perseverance, and courage.