“I Had Stretch Marks Everywhere” 4x Champ Flex Wheeler Paid a Heavy Price for Securing Prestigious Titles

Flex Wheeler is a legend in the bodybuilding industry. He won the Arnold Classic on his four occasions and Arnold Schwarzenegger declared himself the greatest in the sport. Regardless of his success, Wheeler’s journey was complicated enough. Growing up as a dyslexic black kid in 90s America, his Flex Wheeler was subject to bullying and ridicule from society.

Even after he became world-famous, his troubles did not end. Also, the continued use of drugs to enhance his physique and a genetic disorder caused severe complications. The situation has even reached a stage where Flex is forced to choose between his life and his feet.

Flex Wheeler received a partial amputation

In 2019, Flex underwent surgery and partially amputated his right leg. IFBB Pro said: “That’s when the doctor just stared at me and I started crying because I knew. She said, ‘We’re there.’ thankfully, tHis surgery was successful and he is now on the road to recovery.

Wheeler recently spoke with Dennis James on The Menace Podcast and admitted to using steroids. “(I) had stretch marks everywhere. They hurt so much, they were like big worms…,” he said. “I can still see them between my forearms, between my legs. They were huge, red, and terrifying.” he added.

Wheeler was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1999. To his disappointment, his doctor was unable to determine the cause of the problem from the test results. Afterwards, the athlete noticed that he had gained over 30 pounds over his weight and that his hands, feet and genitals were swollen. In 2020, Wheeler revealed that a very rare disease called segmental glomerulosclerosis affects people’s blood circulation. After undergoing a kidney transplant in 2004, Wheeler was under constant medical supervision.

Wheeler is on the road to recovery

Flex Wheeler later decided to document his stages of recovery on social media. Also, an Instagram video of him posted by Wheeler saw him working out at the gym. with caption, “I am not denied. Let’s go.” In the video, Wheeler’s prosthetic leg was seen in action while exercising on the leg press. His admirable display of resilience has led to a worldwide following from fans.

He had a hard life. Survived from a near-death experience in a 1994 car accident to his three-time runner-up at Mr. Olympia. Flex Wheeler remains a legend in his sport. In conclusion, his life is a testament to his warrior spirit.

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Flex Wheeler retired from competitive bodybuilding in 2000. Currently, he is the face of his brand of his own luxury training his shoes.