Bodybuilding is a world full of opportunities and hardships. Many come into the sport to achieve and sacrifice a lot to get to the top. Despite the struggles, the legends love it. Flex Wheeler is a classic example of this. The iconic bodybuilder was the champion of the ‘Arnold Classic’ and has been praised by legendary bodybuilders like Ronnie Coleman. In a conversation [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnmYFLcikKQ] with 4x Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, Flex Wheeler talked about his journey and his initial days. He mentioned his flaws and ups and downs in a candid chat. The star also recounts specific incidents that transformed his perception and helped him navigate through his bodybuilding journey. Shattered after He Was Diagnosed with the Disease That Led to His Leg Amputation in 2019 [https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-bodybuilding-news-it-can-kill-me-right-bodybuilding-legend-flex-wheeler-was-left-shattered-after-he-was-diagnosed-with-the-disease-that-led-to-his-leg-amputation-in-2019/] FLEX WHEELER RECALLS CRITICISM Flex Wheeler was popular, not just for being an IFBB professional. The former Arnold Classic winner built up a body that fans still remember and admire. His first-ever win in 1993 came from his perfectly sculpted physique, which brought in respect from rivals as well. Speaking of one such win, Flex opened up about how one of the judges changed his perception of the sport. He recalled, “I remember after the honor classic a judge coming up to me telling me, yeah you won this but that physique never can stand next to Dorian you better get better”. [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/WhatsApp-Image-2022-09-24-at-4.39.04-PM.jpeg] Naturally, the icon didn’t initially understand. Back then, he thought that the only way he could get better was ‘in his coffin’. Although he now knew that his potential at that time was at the 90 percentile at best. The legend admitted to taking the criticism in a different way. Keeping in mind the physiques of reigning champions like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman, Flex decided to try and achieve their figures instead of building up on his. Legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/us-sports-news-here-are-five-bodybuilders-who-gave-better-biceps-than-legendary-arnold-schwarzenegger/] The champion has come a long way since then. From finding his own style and potential to earning the title of ‘Sultan of Symmetry’, Flex Wheeler is a cherished legend in today’s time. As he gears up for his Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement award in 2023, we look back at how the superstar has inspired many. 

In a podcast, bodybuilding legend and Arnold Classic winner Flex Wheeler talked
about his journey and a judge's words that transformed him.

Radha Iyer is working as a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a
Master's degree in Media and Communications from Pandit Deendayal Energy
University. Radha has worked as a content writer for over a year. She is an avid
reader and loves to be surrounded by nature. Her background in journalism helps
her stay on track with the trends and pick up on what's hot. Radha keenly
follows the Olympics and admires the likes of great gymnasts like Simone Biles.

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“Only Way I’m Gonna Get Better Is in the Coffin”: Flex Wheeler Recalls Judge
Once Claiming He Can’t Win Against Dorian Yates

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Playing Football”

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Jaw-Dropping Physique in a Nike Ad

Out of all the competitions in the world, bodybuilding stays apart as a unique one. Athletes train for years to perfect their bodies and develop muscular mass. Likewise, athletes who train for competitions are understood as bodybuilders. In professional competitions like the Mr. Olympia event, bodybuilders stand on the stage, posing for various parts of their bodies. Judges rank them based on their symmetry, muscularity, size, conditioning, posing, and stage presentation. There are various competitions in bodybuilding but the Mr. Olympia contest stands apart from the rest.

[caption id="attachment_1155128" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1155128 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-3238896.jpg" alt="Arnold Schwarzenegger" width="1920" height="1278" /> circa 1966: Austrian-born bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger points one hand out as he flexes his torso on Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2>History of bodybuilding</h2>
Old Greeks became the inspiration for people to start bodybuilding. After that, modern competitions came up from various theatrical acts and other circus acts. They held the first <a href="https://www.britannica.com/sports/bodybuilding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contest</a> in 1903 in New York. The winner of the competition was Al Treloar and dubbed "The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World." Significantly, organizers saw potential in that and the start of the Mr. America contest showcased some of the best talents. The rise of various bodybuilders across the globe saw the Mr. Universe event come into place and it became the main event for over 25 years. But, the late 1970s saw Joe Weider come up with a grand plan and create the Mr. Olympia contest.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1081968 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/lou-ferrigno-arnold-schwarzenegger.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
<h2>Mr. Olympia contest</h2>
The contest that captured the minds of fans was the Mr. Olympia contest under the International Federation of Bodybuilding &amp; Fitness. Weider helps these bodybuilders to earn money by competing in events. They held the first competition on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City. Larry Scott won the first two titles. Moreover, the bodybuilders with the highest number of titles are Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. In the meantime, to make their entry into the market, the famous documentary, Pumping Iron, saw the buildup to the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest. It helped athletes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu.
<h2>Famous bodybuilders</h2>
There are several bodybuilders to grace the grand stage. But some bodybuilders achieved greatness with their astonishing bodies.
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Arnold Schwarzenegger: </strong></li>
</ul>
The Austrian bodybuilder is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. The Austrian Oak is a seven-time bodybuilding champion and became an influential personality in the business. He then transitioned himself to various acting roles, became an investor, and was elected as the Governor of California. Some of his movies like Terminator 2, Commando, Twins, and Conan the Barbarian are some of his classics.
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Ronnie Coleman:</strong></li>
</ul>
Dubbed to be the greatest bodybuilder of all time, Ronnie Coleman put his life and soul into the sport. He is an eight-time Mr. Olympia winner and became the most dominant bodybuilder in the business. Netflix released a documentary featuring his life in the bodybuilding industry. His size and conditioning stood apart from everyone else. A true champion who wore his heart on his sleeve.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1036377 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ronnie-coleman.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Lee Haney:</strong></li>
</ul>
Like Coleman, Lee Haney became an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion. He dedicated his body to the sport and was one of the most exciting bodybuilders on stage. Haney had a humongous waist size of 32.5 inches. Therefore, Haney deserves a special mention for his performances.

&nbsp;

Bodybuilding

Out of all the competitions in the world, bodybuilding stays apart as a unique one. Athletes train for years to perfect their bodies and develop muscular mass. Likewise, athletes who train for competitions are understood as bodybuilders. In professional competitions like the Mr. Olympia event, bodybuilders stand on the stage, posing for various parts of their bodies. Judges rank them based on their symmetry, muscularity, size, conditioning, posing, and stage presentation. There are various competitions in bodybuilding but the Mr. Olympia contest stands apart from the rest. circa 1966: Austrian-born bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger points one hand out as he flexes his torso on Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) History of bodybuilding Old Greeks became the inspiration for people to start bodybuilding. After that, modern competitions came up from various theatrical acts and other circus acts. They held the first contest in 1903 in New York. The winner of the competition was Al Treloar and dubbed &#8220;The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World.&#8221; Significantly, organizers saw potential in that and the start of the Mr. America contest showcased some of the best talents. The rise of various bodybuilders across the globe saw the Mr. Universe event come into place and it became the main event for over 25 years. But, the late 1970s saw Joe Weider come up with a grand plan and create the Mr. Olympia contest. Mr. Olympia contest The contest that captured the minds of fans was the Mr. Olympia contest under the International Federation of Bodybuilding &amp; Fitness. Weider helps these bodybuilders to earn money by competing in events. They held the first competition on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City. Larry Scott won the first two titles. Moreover, the bodybuilders with the highest number of titles are Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. In the meantime, to make their entry into the market, the famous documentary, Pumping Iron, saw the buildup to the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest. It helped athletes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu. Famous bodybuilders There are several bodybuilders to grace the grand stage. But some bodybuilders achieved greatness with their astonishing bodies. Arnold Schwarzenegger:  The Austrian bodybuilder is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. The Austrian Oak is a seven-time bodybuilding champion and became an influential personality in the business. He then transitioned himself to various acting roles, became an investor, and was elected as the Governor of California. Some of his movies like Terminator 2, Commando, Twins, and Conan the Barbarian are some of his classics. Ronnie Coleman: Dubbed to be the greatest bodybuilder of all time, Ronnie Coleman put his life and soul into the sport. He is an eight-time Mr. Olympia winner and became the most dominant bodybuilder in the business. Netflix released a documentary featuring his life in the bodybuilding industry. His size and conditioning stood apart from everyone else. A true champion who wore his heart on his sleeve.  Lee Haney: Like Coleman, Lee Haney became an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion. He dedicated his body to the sport and was one of the most exciting bodybuilders on stage. Haney had a humongous waist size of 32.5 inches. Therefore, Haney deserves a special mention for his performances. &nbsp;

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In a podcast, bodybuilding legend and Arnold Classic winner Flex Wheeler talked about his journey and a judge's words that transformed him.

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“Only Way I’m Gonna Get Better Is in the Coffin”: Flex Wheeler Recalls Judge Once Claiming He Can’t Win Against Dorian Yates

https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-bodybuilding-news-only-way-im-gonna-get-better-is-in-the-coffin-flex-wheeler-recalls-judge-once-claiming-he-cant-win-against-dorian-yates/

“Only Way I’m Gonna Get Better Is in the Coffin”: Flex Wheeler Recalls Judge Once Claiming He Can’t Win Against Dorian Yates

Flex Wheeler recalls criticism