“I Sucked”: Sultan of Symmetry, Flex Wheeler, Was Always ‘Tripping’ as a Child Due to Distinct Body Features, He Admitted in 2020

Not every bodybuilder has had the best experience growing up. In fact, many of them have made their way to the top after several struggles. While some faced social problems around them, some were dragged down by their physical limitations. Still, bodybuilders like Lou Ferrigno, Jay Cutler, and Flex Wheeler have established their names in the bodybuilding community.

Despite all the bullying he faced in his childhood, Flex Wheeler rose to stardom. The bodybuilder was a trained martial arts expert who went on to pursue bodybuilding. But he wasn’t perfect, of course. The Sultan of Symmetry revealed how he had some physical limitations that would bother him often.

Flex Wheeler would keep tripping on his feet

In a candid conversation in 2019 about his childhood and introduction to body aesthetics, Flex Wheeler revealed how various challenges set him back. He recalled the first time he saw Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon; he made up his mind to learn and pursue martial arts. But as fate would have it, things didn’t go as planned. Before he became the ‘King of Symmetry’, he realized he had some physical limitations.

While talking about certain sports and his involvement, Flex clarified that he was bad at most sports. Be it football or basketball, the bodybuilder was no good. And he attributed it to some issues. He explained, “I sucked at all of them, I was a late bloomer…I was short I had big feet”.

Read More: Legend Flex Wheeler Devised a Way to “Annihilate” His Bullies as He Couldn’t “Hit People on the Street,” Revealed in 2020

Later, it turned out; the athlete had limited movement due to his disproportionate body. While bodybuilding served him well, sports didn’t work out for Flex. Constantly tripping over his feet and not being able to perform well was enough for the champion to switch lanes.

Flex’s relationship with martial arts and Bruce Lee

After facing bullying for a while, when Flex Wheeler saw the opportunity to learn karate under Bruce Lee himself, he grabbed it. To date, the athlete credits Bruce Lee for all his success. In fact, the martial arts legend helped him choose bodybuilding over martial arts as his professional career.

Since his retirement, Flex Wheeler has gone through multiple health issues. Due to severe kidney problems, the champion even faced amputation. However, he makes sure to stay active and maintain his body anyway. While he faced poverty throughout his childhood, Flex is now rich in experience, wisdom, and a wide variety of physical combat skills.

Watch this story: A quick look at the genesis of the bodybuilder who received the title ‘Uncrowned Mr. Olympia’