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The field of bodybuilding demands a lot of sacrifices. However, it changes those who come in as aspiring bodybuilders into motivated and inspiring champions. Certain gems, like Ronnie Coleman, Kai Greene, and Flex Wheeler, have been a constant ray of hope amidst the difficult roads in the sport of bodybuilding. In fact, Flex Wheeler is an example of how to persevere despite being dragged down by life.

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Flex Wheeler had an interesting journey throughout his career as a bodybuilder. The champion started off as a martial artist and trained under Bruce Lee. He then went on to pick up bodybuilding professionally. However, his life before and after bodybuilding has been quite different, according to his friends. Let’s find out why.

Flex Wheeler was a beast back when he was young

Flex had a difficult childhood. Apart from being bullied, the champion also faced poverty. He grew up learning martial arts under Bruce Lee, which helped him stay fit. However, he once recalled how he was a beast back then, in terms of his behavior. In an interview, he talked about his friends and his life before bodybuilding.

via Getty

While the champion is now quite amicable, it wasn’t the case back when he was young. Flex confessed, “they wouldn’t tell me back then because I was a different type of uh beast back then, but they tell me now – ‘man you know Flex and you were hard to deal with man. You were hard to be around with back in the days.”

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Read More: “I Wish I Loved Myself More”: Bodybuilding Legend Who Struggled With Dyslexia as a Child Once Revealed He ‘Tried to Kill’ Himself Several Times

Considering how Flex Wheeler went through physical and emotional troubles since childhood, the legend was a beast to handle. However, he came through with his bodybuilding career. While his troubles never ended, he still proved himself in the biggest stage.

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After his retirement from the sport, Flex went through some serious health issues. He had trouble in his kidneys and was on the verge of losing his life. He survived but ended up with an amputated leg. Hearing about such hardships might invoke a sense of sadness among his fans. But the star never gave up and is now vocal about his struggles. He continues to be an inspiration for many.

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