Flex Wheeler was among the most prominent bodybuilders of his time. Flex became known for his muscular yet almost perfectly proportional physique. Competing against all-time greats like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman, Flex gave them a run for their money. However, Flex never won the Mr. Olympia title. Despite that, many fans regard him as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
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When David Robson asked Flex to explain his thoughts of never winning an Olympia in an interview in 2019, the Arnold Classic winner was candid with his answer.
Flex Wheeler didn’t like losing
During an interview with bodybuilding.com, Flex Wheeler answered many questions about his life and competitive bodybuilding. David asked Flex how he felt when many consider him the greatest bodybuilder of all time. He also inquired if Wheeler regretted not winning a Mr. Olympia title despite all the love from bodybuilding fans.
“Obviously I have regrets. I am a predator when it comes to competing. I love to win, hate to lose.”, said the four-time Arnold Classic winner. However, the bodybuilding icon expressed that he felt “everything happens for a reason” and looked at the admiration of fans as a compliment.
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Flex said he knows winning a Mr. Olympia title is a void he can’t fill and feels disappointed. However, Flex also said he feels “greatest satisfaction” knowing how many fans see him. “There are even some Mr. Olympia’s who aren’t even considered the best in the world.”, said Wheeler.
Flex finished second at the Mr. Olympia contest three times. However, the bodybuilding icon won the Arnold Classic title four times. He held the record for most Arnold Classic titles for nearly 15 years before Dexter Jackson broke it.
The Bodybuilding icons’ opinion on current bodybuilders
David also asked Flex if the quality of the physique has deteriorated compared to the 90s. “The Sultan of Symmetry” said it had gone down compared to when he was in his prime. Flex said many current bodybuilders wouldn’t beat the likes of Shawn Ray, Chris Cormier, Kevin Levrone, and more.
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Flex’s rival Ronnie Coleman echoed the same sentiment a few years ago. However, Ronnie took it a step further and said even some of the best bodybuilders of today would struggle to make it to the top five in the 90s.
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Watch this story – 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman Disclosed the Amount of Money He Spent on Bodybuilding Competitions During His Career
Fans still love Flex Wheeler, even though it’s been almost two decades since his retirement. “The Sultan of Symmetry” has had a lasting impact on the bodybuilding world.