C.T. Fletcher has conquered persistent health issues and still carved out a legendary career in powerlifting. In a recent Bradley Martyn’s Raw Talk podcast, Fletcher looked back on competing as a natural bodybuilder and opened up on his heart transplant.
As a prolific powerlifter who held records in bench pressing and strict curling, C.T. Fletcher is not only revered for his strength but remains a beloved member of the fitness community. In addition to his accolades as an accomplished lifter, Fletcher routinely tested himself as a natural bodybuilder. The multi-talented legend has also taken on several acting roles throughout the years.
Fletcher has unfortunately been hampered by several health issues. Fans have watched from the sidelines as he grappled with a heart attack and an operation to replace his aortic valve. Now, with recovery and longevity top priorities for the 64-year-old star, he talked about competing naturally and escaping death twice.
C.T. Fletcher Opens Up On Competing Naturally as a Bodybuilder and Surviving Heart Surgeries
Fletcher admits he found success as a natural bodybuilding talent but would get ‘laughed off the stage’ if he participated in any enhanced shows.
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“Yes [I was natural], oh yeah, 100 percent,” said Fletcher. “Yeah [I had a world record curl]. People need to take a look at, nobody believes this when I tell guys, but all they have to do is take a look at me even when I was supposedly in great fantastic bodybuilding state, I would not win any contest. I would not win.
I won in the Natural Athletic Bodybuilding Association, it was natural back then. I could do okay against natural guys, but if I was to compete in a contest that didn’t have that, they would laugh me off stage.”
Even though Fletcher boasted next-level strength, he never understood why people assumed he took steroids.
“I had a vein in my right bicep and that was it. ‘Oh, he’s got to be on steroids.’ Because I had a pretty good vein in my right bicep,” said Fletcher. “Yeah [I was strong] I guess but I don’t think it’s really unheard of for some guys to be stronger than other guys.”
As for his health, Fletcher shared that heart problems are genetic in his family.
“2018 [I had a heart attack]. Yeah, yeah I sure did. In 2005, I had, they replaced my aortic valve. Everybody on my mom’s side of the family have had heart issues. My mom, all nine of her brothers and sisters passed away from heart problems. My older brother I was telling you about earlier passed away from heart problems. We are genetically inclined for heart problems.”
He recounted his open-heart surgery in 2005 which replaced his aortic valve.
“Yeah, 2005 I had my first open-heart surgery, they replaced my aortic valve and it was doing pretty good. It lasted all the way up until 2018.”
“I survived the aortic open-heart surgery replacing the aortic valve with a metal valve that lasted me 13 years until I had the heart attack in 2018.”
In 2018, Fletcher suffered a heart attack and received a life-saving transplant.
“Only thing I know about her [the woman who gave me her heart for transplant surgery],” pauses Fletcher. “Yeah, I have a woman’s heart, I found out. The doctor was not supposed to tell me. I know that she was close to my age. That’s the only thing I know about her. I wrote a letter to the family and never got a response but, you know.”
While the side effects of his medication have presented challenges, Fletcher has taken the adversity in stride.
“Yeah, a bunch of prednisone, they give you you know, a ton of medication. The side effects of that medication sucks! Yeah.”
“Yeah, I’m not going to be running no marathons or wrestling Bradley Martyn, but you know, I’m still here,” shared C.T. Fletcher.
Lastly, he reflected on what it takes to achieve greatness in weightlifting, emphasizing the necessity of obsession.
“Obsession. To be great at anything Bradley Martyn, obsession is a necessity,” shares Fletcher. “If you want to be the best, I mean not the runner-up or the close contender – if you want the top pedestal to be number one in anything obsession is a necessity. A lot of people say it’s a bad word or you shouldn’t be obsessed, it’s just pick your obsession right.”
“Obsession, I think it’s God-given myself. That type of personality, that type of drive, you can’t teach it.”
Even though C.T. Fletcher has been dealt a rough hand, he never lets his health hold him back from enjoying life. He recently hosted the C.T. Fletcher’s Iron Wars VIII, which saw powerlifting phenom Larry Wheels complete a 700-pound deadlift for 21 singles.
C.T. Fletcher’s story of struggle and triumph stands as a testament to his mental toughness. As he navigates health challenges with resilience, he continues to inspire and lead within the fitness community.
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