Despite Suffering a Serious Neck Injury, Legend Flex Wheeler Recalled His Speedy Comeback to the Stage in 2020: “Not Even Breaking My Neck C5 and C6”

Flex Wheeler is a retired American bodybuilding legend. During his career, Wheeler was once a record holder of the Arnold Classic championships. He was a four-time title winner of this second most prestigious competition, the first being Mr. Olympia.

Legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger also once described Wheeler as one of the greatest bodybuilders he had ever seen. Wheeler’s rival, Ronnie Coleman, had also named the former – his best competitor in the sport.

Wheeler had to retire from bodybuilding early because of his major health issues. However, once the bodybuilder had revealed how he went to compete even after a serious injury.

Flex Wheeler shares a motivating memory from the past

In 1994, Wheeler met with a dangerous car accident. He had crashed his Mercedes-Benz and ended up with a broken neck. However, this did not bring down Wheeler’s spirit to compete in bodybuilding events.

Even after sustaining threatening neck injuries, Wheeler made a speedy recovery and returned to the stage soon. Within a year, he started participating in major bodybuilding events. In 2020, the bodybuilder recalled this memory from the past and shared a post on Facebook.

In the caption, Wheeler wrote, “Not even breaking my neck C5 and C6 could keep me away from competing less than two years later… Never fight stop fighting for your dreams🖤✊🏾🖤” In this post, he also shared a video of him performing at one of the bodybuilding championships.

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Wheeler is considered one of the strongest bodybuilders in history, despite suffering and fighting various health issues.

Wheeler’s other health issues

Early in his career, Wheeler discovered that he was suffering from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease. Due to this, the bodybuilder had to undergo a kidney transplant.

However, even after a successful transplant, Wheeler continued to have several other health issues, leading him to retire in 2000. However, he continued to compete till 2002. For years, Wheeler also battled depression, post his retirement from bodybuilding.

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Recently, in 2019, Wheeler had his right leg amputated due to his longing kidney issues. However, even at 57, Wheeler is as motivated and active as ever. He still works out in the gym and helps young athletes.