The retired IFBB bodybuilder Flex Wheeler has many accolades under his name. The former Mr. California went pro in 1993 when he won the first of his four Arnold Classic titles. His numerous Classic winnings, Ironman Pro trophies, and Mr. Olympia runner-up titles eventually cemented his name in the history of bodybuilding. Though he had to get rid of his leg to save his life, the legend has a fascinating success story behind his accomplishments.

Recently, Wheeler talked about the situation that catapulted him to bodybuilding, in an interview. Growing up in an undistinguished background, the American legend had to go through tough situations in life. Despite suffering from dyslexia, the bodybuilding icon excelled in martial arts and wanted to dabble with something more crucial. This dabbling finally became the prowess that got him recognition around the world.

Flex Wheeler and his surroundings

Though Wheeler is widely known for his acumen in the fitness fraternity, the path was not always so smooth. In a recent interview with Digital Muscle TV, the “Sultan Of Symmetry” talked about the difficulties he faced during his childhood that ultimately lead him to bodybuilding. He started off by talking about poverty as the main reason that encouraged him to be a bodybuilder. Wheeler added, “I’m dyslexic and I don’t have the ability to be a rocket scientist or a doctor, so I just kind of took what I had and ran with it.”

While sharing how he was an amateur initially, the icon stated, “I truly didn’t know anything. I wasn’t a historian of the sport, I hadn’t seen tournament magazines or anything like that. So, I was just so green, I had no idea what it was or what it meant to win the Arnold Classic. Because I wasn’t a historian at the time.”

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Having had a difficult time during the formative years of his life, the Sultan was able to shine through, although he was once poverty-stricken and suffered from dyslexia since childhood. Although it hit the bottom when the doctors diagnosed him with critical kidney disease, leaving the legend to face the biggest fear in his life.

The Sultan of Symmetry once faced a do-or-die moment

Wheeler was suffering from Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis since 1999. It’s a rare kidney dysfunction that creates obstacles for the kidneys to remove waste. As his kidneys were unable to filter the blood, it impacted the blood flow to his legs. Henceforth, the condition led to the amputation of his leg.

It was a huge turning point for the Ironman Pro winner. He thought his career would come to an end without a leg. But, the positivity of the legend was such that he conquered all the adversities with a smile and still stands with his head held high.

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Doesn’t his courage and self-reliance inspire you too? Comment below.