“I Want To Do Bigger and…”: Flex Wheeler Finds a New Life Purpose After Winning Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award

Flex Wheeler is among the greatest bodybuilders who never won a Mr. Olympia title. Wheeler’s mix of muscularity and aesthetics was unlike any other bodybuilder of his era, earning him the nickname ‘The Sultan of Symmetry’. While the rare kidney disease forced the bodybuilding legend to retire early, he has persevered despite severe health problems. Recently, the 57-year-old won the Lifetime Achievement award at the Arnold Classic 2023 for achieving excellence in bodybuilding, persevering through hardship, and his contribution to the sport.

However, the four-time Arnold Classic winner spoke of finding a new purpose in a recent Instagram video. While Wheeler will always be remembered as a bodybuilding legend, he wants to leave behind a different legacy.

A legacy beyond bodybuilding

In his recent Instagram video, Flex Wheeler said he has gone through “many metamorphoses” throughout the course of his life. However, despite facing hardships, the 57-year-old wants to continue moving forward. “The truth is I don’t really care about, you know, any accolades from bodybuilding,” said the three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up.

“Forget GOAT, forget Sultan of whatever, forget about the accolades from before. What I’ve done is not who I am now. Bodybuilding is what I did, it’s NOT WHO I AM.” Wheeler wrote in the caption. The five-time Ironman Pro winner revealed he wants to be remembered for helping people. “I’m starting over from scratch,” wrote the bodybuilding legend.

Wheeler said his goal is to help “Amputees or people with disabilities. Guys and gals over 50. Parents and grandparents.” Instead of basking in the glory of his decorated bodybuilding career, “I want to do bigger and better things for people like me,” said Wheeler.

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The four-time Arnold Classic winner also revealed how he is working toward achieving a legacy beyond bodybuilding. The 57-year-old disclosed he found a new purpose through coaching. While he works with some athletes, Wheeler also works with people who want to improve their quality of life. “I want my legacy to truly be about… I cared about people,” said Wheeler.

Already making a difference

‘The Sultan of Symmetry’ is already making a difference in the lives of others. Recently, the 57-year-old coach helped the mixed martial artist William Knight prepare for UFC Vegas 69. While every fighter dreams of getting into the biggest MMA promotion in the world, earning a shot at stepping inside the octagon is no easy task.

One of the most difficult challenges for a mixed martial artist is cutting weight. However, with Flex Wheeler’s assistance, William Knight made it to the big stage. After the official weigh-in, Wheeler took to Instagram and wrote about finding “a more profound respect,” for professional fighters.

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The bodybuilding legend has already found success as a coach. There is little doubt that Flex Wheeler won’t succeed in his quest to help others.