Flex Wheeler, Who Endured ‘Probably Over 40 Surgeries’, Confessed in 2016 Why He Would Never Return to Bodybuilding

Many Bodybuilding fans regard Flex Wheeler as having one of the most well-proportioned and symmetrical physiques ever. The Californian competed in pro bodybuilding in the 90s. During Wheeler’s prime, he won the Arnold Classic four times. He also placed second in Mr. Olympia three times and achieved all this while dealing with a rare kidney disease.

However, in 2016, there was a rumor that the bodybuilding icon was getting ready to make a comeback. In an interview with Generation Iron in the same year, Flex put those rumors to rest and revealed why he would never compete again. 

Competing while fighting a rare kidney disease 

Wheeler spoke to Generation Iron’s Vlad Yudin in 2016. During the interview, Vlad asked Wheeler about the possible comeback, “that you (Flex) wanted to make a comeback?”. Flex laughed it off and said, “God’s honest truth is, you know, I, I don’t.” He then said, “I can’t even really relate to the sport anymore because it’s changed so much.” However, there was an even bigger reason Flex didn’t want to compete anymore.

“I’ve been through jeez, probably over 40 surgeries, you know, trying to save my life because of my rare kidney disease,” said the four-time Arnold Classic winner. The three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up also said he had too many scars from the surgeries. Flex also revealed that apart from kidney problems, he has had back and shoulder surgeries.

Wheeler revealed he was first diagnosed with Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis at 14. The former bodybuilder said he was “leaking protein” in his urine. However, the doctors told him not to drink alcohol and didn’t take any further steps.

READ MORE: “One-Hour Surgery Turned into Four Hours”: Bodybuilding Legend Flex Wheeler Recently Shared the Details of His Critical Medical Treatment

Now at 57, the legendary bodybuilder has battled the rare kidney disease for decades. Despite having a kidney transplant in 2003, Wheeler recently revealed that he is showing signs of kidney failure. 

Flex Wheeler is a martial arts champion

While everyone admires Flex for being the “Sultan of Symmetry” few know that he is also a martial artist. The combination of combat sports and bodybuilding can be counterproductive. Since combat training focuses on cardio and strength, fighters have much less muscle when compared to bodybuilders.

However, in his prime, Flex Wheeler trained for both. In fact, in the same interview, the four-time Arnold classic winner revealed he even became the California champion in 1998.

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While Wheeler was a phenomenal bodybuilder, chronic kidney disease has taken its toll on his body. The effects of multiple surgeries, a kidney transplant, and age mean that even if he tries, Flex won’t be able to build a competitive physique.