“Can’t Really Relate to the Sport”: Bodybuilding Legend Flex Wheeler Didn’t Want to Return Back After Retirement, Revealed in 2016

In 2016, Flex Wheeler, in an interview with Generation Iron, spoke on the speculations and rumours surrounding his return to the centre stage of bodybuilding. Regarded as the Sultan of Symmetry, Wheeler cleared the air regarding his comeback. He also shared his thoughts on the sport.

Flex Wheeler is a retired IFBB professional bodybuilder and a four-time Arnold Classic winner. The bodybuilder secured 2nd place in 1993, Mr. Olympia, finishing just behind Dorian Yates. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Seven-time Mr Olympia, describes him as one of the greatest bodybuilders he has ever seen. Ronnie Coleman said Wheeler was his best competition. Even after being so highly regarded, Flex could not win even a single Mr. Olympia title.

Flex Wheeler denies all rumours regarding his return.

Wheeler, speaking with Vlad Yudin from Generation Iron, said, “I can’t really relate to the sport anymore“. The bodybuilder cited the reason, such as how the sport changed and his surgeries.

Furthermore, the legend specified that had there been no injuries, his chances of him competing at 100% of what he looked like before were pretty slim to none.

Wheeler didn’t want to pour water over what he had achieved previously in his career and didn’t feel he could exceed his best. The legend even cited that he did not wish to compete against Phil Heath and Kai Green and believed it is their era. 

READ MORE: “Saved My Life”: Bodybuilding Legend Flex Wheeler Credited a Famous Martial Arts Hero for Transforming His Life Dramatically.

The legend was dealing with a lot of health issues from his childhood. Wheeler had kidney disease when he was 14 and later dealt with kidney failure.

Body Building as a sport affects an athlete’s body severely

Speaking of his kidney failure, it was during the 2000 Mr Olympia when Flex noticed a sudden swelling in his arms and leg. The bodybuilder was hospitalized with kidney failure. However, the doctors reactivated the functioning of the kidney through emergency dialysis.

With immediate plans to return to the main bodybuilding circuit, the star remains committed to building a brand out of his name. A lot of injuries surrounded Wheeler’s career. But, given his age and health issues, it is instead the right decision to stay away from the sport.

Watch this story: When a bodybuilding legend mixed his cigar with tequila.

Comeback or no comeback, Wheeler left a dent in the world of bodybuilding. The legend gave his fans many memories to cherish lifelong, and they are grateful for that. So, as a fan, what are your favourite moments from Flex Wheeler’s career?