Bodybuilding legend Flex Wheeler’s battle with a severe Covid-19 infection continues. The 56-year-old is currently being treated in a Florida hospital and has kept everyone updated with his condition through social media.
A recent social media video posted on Flex Wheeler’s Instagram account shows the retired bodybuilder struggling with respiration. Wheeler detailed the nature of his battle in a lengthy caption. Although confident in coming out victorious, Wheeler admitted that he is in the middle of the biggest fight of his life.
While it is common for the lungs to be most affected in severe Covid-19 cases, reports have shown that the risk of Acute Kidney Injury is significantly higher in patients with pre-existing kidney diseases. Flex Wheeler has battled with hereditary kidney disease in the past and revealed that both organs are severely compromised at the moment. Elaborating further on how the infection has taken him out of his element, Flex Wheeler stated that he does not have enough energy to go about necessary daily activities.
“I’m still here putting up the fight of the Century. Seems like that’s becoming more and more of the norm for over the last two decades. Lungs are showing more Covid damage. Kidney has taken a beating and function is declining.”
Get Fitter, FasterLevel Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“I ’m exhausted and barely have any energy to even get out of bed to even go to the toilet. Everything it’s such a major chore.”
Flex Wheeler’s condition can get fans around the world worried about his health. However, the unrelenting struggle has barely affected Wheeler’s mindset. The spirited warrior went on to promise that he will not give up on his recovery under any circumstances. Wheeler concluded the caption with an appeal to not feel sorry for him.
“I’m weak, I’m exhausted, I’m overwhelmed. But I’m not broken‼ I have a spirit in me that doesn’t allow me to quit. I have a spirit in me at won’t allow me to give up. EVER NO MATTER WHAT.”
“I don’t want any of you for one second to feel sorry for me. Because I’m right where I need to be. Exactly right where I need to be in this moment in time.”
Wheeler has been through several health battles in the past and this will also end up being another hard-fought victory for the bodybuilding legend.
The news of Flex Wheeler’s Covid-19 infection came as a bit of a surprise. Since he retired from professional bodybuilding in 2003, Wheeler has attended early every Mr. Olympia event. However, his absence at the 2021 Mr. Olympia raised questions about his whereabouts. Answering those questions, Wheeler revealed that he had been hospitalized due to a Covid-19 infection.
A brief history of Flex Wheeler’s past health struggles
Flex Wheeler is no stranger to health battles as the bodybuilding legend has survived several life-threatening scenarios. Back in 1994, Wheeler met with a near-fatal car accident that threatened a premature ending to a young and promising bodybuilding career. The accident left Wheeler with possible life-long paralysis and depression stemming from it. However, Wheeler built himself ground up and went on to become one of the most successful bodybuilders of his era.
Doctors diagnosed Wheeler with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a hereditary kidney disease, in 1999. Flex Wheeler underwent a kidney transplant in 2003, the year of his retirement, to treat the condition. There is speculation that Flex Wheeler might have sustained injuries in martial arts practice that he focused on post-retirement from bodybuilding.
The accumulation of damage in the car accident, pre-existing kidney disease, and martial arts led to circulatory vascular system problems and Wheeler underwent the partial amputation of his right leg in 2019.
Flex Wheeler went on to have a magnificent bodybuilding career despite his health struggles and became known as one of the best bodybuilders of all time. Fitness Volt wishes a speedy recovery and good health to the ‘Sultan of Symmetry’.
Flex Wheeler Competition History:
- 1993 Ironman Pro Invitational – 1st
- 1993 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic – 1st
- 1993 Mr. Olympia – 2nd
- 1993 Grand Prix France – 1st
- 1993 Grand Prix Germany – 1st
- 1995 Ironman Pro Invitational – 1st
- 1995 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic – 2nd
- 1995 South Beach Pro – 1st
- 1995 Mr. Olympia – 8th
- 1995 Grand Prix Spain – 5th
- 1996 Ironman Pro Invitational – 1st
- 1996 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic – 2nd
- 1996 Night of Champions – 1st
- 1996 Canada Pro Classic – 2nd
- 1996 Florida Cup Pro – 1st
- 1996 Mr. Olympia – 4th
- 1997 Ironman Pro – 1st
- 1997 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic – 1st
- 1997 San Jose Pro Invitational – 1st
- 1998 Ironman Pro Invitational – 1st
- 1998 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic – 1st
- 1998 Mr. Olympia – 2nd
- 1999 Grand Prix England – 2nd
- 1999 Pro World – 2nd
- 1999 Mr. Olympia – 2nd
- 2000 Mr. Olympia – 3rd
- 2000 Hungarian Grand Prix – 1st
- 2000 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic – 1st
- 2000 Ironman Pro Invitational – 2nd
- 2002 Mr. Olympia – 7th
- 2003 Ironman Pro Invitational – 3rd
- 2017 Mr. Olympia Classic Physique – 15th
Catch comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analyses, and complete Arnold Classic results at our Arnold Classic coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/arnold-classic
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
Praying for you to get well soon
Praying for you my brother may God continue to grace you with his presence on this earth…you are truly a fighter!
You are truly a fighter…may God continue to grace your presence on this earth praying 🙏 for your total healing in Jesus name Amen!
You keep on holding onto God’s hand. Don’t allow Satan to make you give up. God is a miracle worker and you keep saying that. Stay strong will pray for you.😇😇😇😇