“I Had Stretch Marks Everywhere” 4x Champ Flex Wheeler Paid a Heavy Price for Securing Prestigious Titles

Flex Wheeler is no less than a legend in the bodybuilding industry. He won the Arnold Classic four times, which led to Arnold Schwarzenegger declaring that he is the greatest in the sport. Regardless of his success, Wheeler’s journey was complicated enough. Having grown up as a dyslexic black kid in poverty-stricken 60’s America, Flex Wheeler was subject to bullying and ridicule from society. 

His difficulties did not end even after he got famous worldwide. Also, persistent use of drugs to enhance his physique, along with a hereditary disease, led to severe complications. The situation also reached a stage where Flex was forced to choose between his life and his leg.

Flex Wheeler underwent partial amputation

In 2019, Flex underwent surgery, which led to the partial amputation of his right leg. The IFBB pro recalled, “At that time, the doctor just stared at me, and I started crying because I knew. She said ‘Flex we’re there.’” Thankfully, the surgery was a success and today he is on the path to recovery.

Wheeler spoke to Dennis James on The Menace Podcast recently where he admitted to using steroids. “(I had) stretch marks everywhere. They were so painful, they were like big worms…,” he stated. “You can still see them on my forearm, in between my legs. They were huge and red, it was horrible,” he added.

Wheeler got diagnosed with kidney disease in 1999. Much to his doctor’s dismay, test results could not identify the source of the problem. Later, the athlete noticed that he gained over 30 lbs and developed swelling in his hands, feet, and genitals. In 2020, Wheeler revealed that the extremely rare disease is called segmental glomerulosclerosis, which affects a person’s blood circulation. After having undergone a kidney transplant in 2004, Wheeler was under constant medical supervision.

Read More > “At Risk of Losing My Left Leg…Right Arm”: Bodybuilding Legend Was Left Devastated After Doctor Revealed His Upsetting Health Condition in 2019 

Wheeler is on the path to recovery

Flex Wheeler later decided to document the stages of his recovery on his social media. Also, in an Instagram video posted by Wheeler, he was seen working out at the gym. Captioned, “I will not be denied. Let’s go.”, the video saw Wheeler’s prosthetic leg in action while working out on a leg press. His admirable display of resilience led to global support from his fans.

He had a hard life. From having survived a near-death experience from a car crash in 1994 to being Mr. Olympia’s runner-up three times; Flex Wheeler remains a legend in his sport. In conclusion, his life is a testament to his warrior spirit.

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Flex Wheeler retired from competitive bodybuilding in 2000. Presently, he is the face of his own brand of luxury workout shoes.