Bodybuilding icon, Flex Wheeler’s life hasn’t been a bed of roses. Despite being a notable athlete in the bodybuilding industry, his personal struggles, mainly encircling his health, have been a constant setback for him. Unfortunately, in 2019, news surfaced that Wheeler had to be rushed to the hospital, and his right leg, below the knee, was amputated. Rising above the hurdles, the pro now sustains a mindful and aware lifestyle. He never fails to enlighten the community with the greatest motivations from alike individuals. Similarly, he shared an Instagram story that featured a specially-abled person, who’s working hard and effortlessly going about his day. 

The update was posted with a perceptive note attached to it, expressing his thoughts on the man’s endeavor. He presented the video in a rather inspirational way, relating to it with gratification. 

Flex Wheeler acknowledges a unique feat

As Wheeler’s Instagram story revealed, the 57-year-old athlete reshared a snippet that portrayed a double amputee crossing a stone-clad bridge over a stream with two stool-like instruments, acting as supports for his legs. If that was not astonishing enough, moments later, the man was seen chopping off wood in the forest while expertly using the sickle. He then tied the chopped wood and carried it back on his shoulder, retracing his path over the bridge. An eye-opening moment for many. 

Evidently, the G.O.A.T. bodybuilder was one of them, as he wrote in his story, “I truly have no words for this video or no excuse for not doing anything I need to do on a day-to-day basis.” He perceived the video on a self-reflective note, hinting at his life as an amputee, and was encouraged to gear up on his daily “basic” tasks. 

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The marvelous glimpse of not letting human limitations hinder one’s regular life is a depiction of iron will and zeal for life. Besides, Wheeler’s leg amputation, the athlete has also undergone an overwhelming number of surgeries throughout his career that also impacted his mental health. 

Flex Wheeler narrates his darkest times

Talking to London Real in 2018, the four-time Arnold Classic winner once described his experience with the surgeries, especially during his kidney transplant. “I ended up having, long story short, nine surgeries in 11 weeks that I almost died from and I was just…this blood-curdling pain I ever experienced at that time,” he said. 

He was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, FSG. Therefore, to rescue him from the spiraling state, his leg had to be amputated. Soon after his surgeries, he was battling depression and anxiety. Thus, he revealed, “They took me from my hospital bed and put me into a mental institution on the other side of the hospital because I was just gone.” 

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An inspiration in himself, Wheeler makes sure that the sports community is aware of the everyday struggles of specially-abled individuals. And also that they don’t mean to compromise on their usual lifestyles, despite the challenges.