Kenneth “Flex” Wheeler hasn’t graced a stage in years but his dedication to training hasn’t gone anywhere. The bodybuilding legend inspired fans recently on Instagram after pushing through pain during a leg workout on Sept. 10, 2023.
Described by Arnold Schwarzenegger as one of the greatest bodybuilders he’d ever seen, Flex Wheeler made the Men’s Open division his playground in the 1990s. Displaying a jaw-dropping level of conditioning, balance, proportions, and symmetry, fans and veterans of the sport assumed he would one day claim the coveted Mr. Olympia title.
Even though his Olympia-winning aspirations were destroyed by divisional kingpin Ronnie Coleman, Wheeler’s passion for competing saw him conquer some of the sport’s biggest names en route to earning four Arnold Classic victories.
Having dealt with numerous injuries and a harrowing car accident, Flex Wheeler is no stranger to the darker side of the sport. In 2019, a medical emergency prompted doctors to remove his right leg. Despite the sensitive topic, “The Sultan of Symmetry” has been open with fans about his struggles with the aim of helping other amputees who have suffered in silence.
Leg day training can be daunting for some, but for Flex Wheeler, it’s an opportunity to inspire at the age of 58. He wouldn’t wish an amputation on his ‘worst enemy’ but uses it today as fuel to keep him moving forward in the gym in spite of obstacles.
58-yo Flex Wheeler Smashes Set of Leg Press w/ Amputated Leg
During the workout, it was evident Wheeler was battling with pain. At one point, the bodybuilding icon even grabbed the hamstring of his amputated leg. However, that didn’t stop him from firing off 20 reps before completing his set.
“HAPPY SUNDAY GN WORLD
–
Your are loved” Flex Wheeler shared.
Fans of bodybuilding immediately took to the comment section, inspired by the four-time Arnold Classic champ’s work ethic, perseverance, and grit.
Wheeler joined Dennis James and Milos Sarcev for an appearance on The Menace Podcast recently, where he addressed his health. He explained that he used growth hormone and EPO (Erythropoietin) while receiving dialysis for his failing kidneys before officially exiting from the sport.
In March, Wheeler was honored by Schwarzenegger with the 2023 Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award. After praising him as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, Schwarzenegger thanked Wheeler for his ongoing contributions to the sport.
RELATED: ‘Unbreakable’ Flex Wheeler Talks Kidney Condition and 2023 Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award
Following years of wear and tear, Wheeler continues to prove his legacy with non-stop training. Even when the odds seem insurmountable, Wheeler’s never-give-up attitude defined his career and turned him into one of the most iconic bodybuilders of his generation.
Published: 11 September, 2023 | 2:14 PM EDT
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