“Michael Jordan Can Still Slam…but I Cannot Do Anything”: Bodybuilding Veteran Who Survived Over 40 Surgeries Recalls Harrowing Journey at 57

The iconic Flex Wheeler is recognized as one of the most prominent bodybuilders. During his prime, the legend set the bar high with his off-the-charts physique and meticulous persona. While the champion has a hoard full of recognitions under his belt, he also has a grim medical history within his bag. Nevertheless, despite suffering from a series of medical ailments, Wheeler never gave up on his quest to remain fit and healthy. However, unlike other elite athletes who years after their retirement, still hold the physical prowess to participate in their game of play, Wheeler believes he cannot present himself again in the bodybuilding arena.

Recently, the 4x Arnold Classic reigning champion opened up about the coping mechanism that still keeps him going after 40 surgeries. More so, the champion revealed how due to his condition he can’t go back on the stage like other retired athletes. He backed up his revelation by giving the example of the basketball king, Michael Jordan. Air Jordan, 3 decades after retiring from NBA, still hits the ball in the net with outstanding finesse. However, the 57-year-old bodybuilder’s leg amputation took a horrifying toll on his body. Henceforth, Wheeler does not count himself fit to go on his beloved podium again.

Flex Wheeler shares his harrowing journey of coping with chronic medical atrocities

The 57-year-old recently appeared in an interview with Muscle and Health, where he chatted about the sheer mental toughness that helped him cope. The bodybuilder asserted, “I am sure that Michael Jordan can still slam and sue balls or anything like that but I cannot do anything as far as going back on stage”.

Read More: “I Screamed in Bed”: Bodybuilder Flex Wheeler Who Lost His Leg Recalls His Nerve-Wrecking Pain

The bodybuilder further expressed his discontent with the physical disabilities he has been suffering from, since 2019, after his leg amputation. “I’m not happy with how I look now”, added the Sultan of Symmetry. Wheeler then added, “When I was at the top of my game, I truly believed every step I took would crack the concrete because I was such a force of nature. And now, I look quite different“.

Wheeler continued, “I’m an extreme person, so all I see in myself now is imperfection”. However, the 57-year-old found a mechanism to cope with the pain that still sometimes causes him discomfort. Mentoring the next generation with do’s and don’t of the fitness and health industry now became Wheeler’s forte as he believes, “I can lend a great ear because I’ve been through the bowels of hell of getting in shape”.

Wheeler always came back stronger after every setback

After suffering from a rare kidney disease for decades, the bodybuilder eventually had to undergo leg amputation surgery in 2019. Now, at 57, the iconic bodybuilder has trounced his chronic ailment, but the kidney ailment caused major harm to his body. Nevertheless, the bodybuilder now doesn’t wish to make a comeback in the bodybuilding arena. “I can’t even relate to the sport anymore because it’s changed so much“, added Wheeler.

While a series of surgeries and a kidney transplant have taken Wheeler’s physical prowess, he became mentally more robust by giving a tough fight to his disease. Now, he is mentoring the next generation of fitness enthusiasts by providing his valuable tutelage to them. He indeed came back even stronger. Don’t you think Wheeler’s mental toughness is what fuels him to keep going? Give us your thoughts in the comment section below.

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