Flex Wheeler took the bodybuilding world by storm in the 90s. Earning the nickname ‘Sultan of Symmetry,’ Wheeler’s physique continues to inspire every new generation of bodybuilders. However, the bodybuilding icon never felt satisfied in his skin despite climbing to the top of his sport. Earlier, the 57-year-old veteran bodybuilder shared a clip from his 2020 interview with Patrick Bet David. During the interview, Wheeler opened up about his mental health.

Before earning worldwide fame and challenging some of the best bodybuilders on stage, Flex Wheeler faced bullying. By the time he turned 11, the four-time Arnold Classic winner attempted suicide. While martial arts and bodybuilding saved his life, Wheeler never felt satisfied or comfortable in his bodybuilding career, or before that.

Insecurities constantly hounded Flex Wheeler

The Sultan of Symmetry shared an Instagram video with the caption, “Get to know the real Flex Wheeler.” In the clip, Wheeler confessed his mental state during his bodybuilding prime. During the interview, Bet David put a photograph of the Iron Man Pro winner on the table. Then 57-year-old pointed to it and said, “You would think this guy just thinks he’s pristine.”

However, the three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up said that would be far from the truth. “I was never happy,” he told Bet David. “I never walked on stage and thought I was good enough, always uncomfortable,” the bodybuilding icon said. While part of it might have been the zeal to improve, most of it was due to insecurities.

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The 57-year-old felt insecure in every way conceivable. “No matter what I wore, what I dressed in, my car, am I standing straight, somebody looking at me? Since the first time, I tried to commit suicide when I was 11 or 13, never comfortable,” he said. However, after suffering for decades due to a rare kidney disease and losing part of his leg, Wheeler got a different perspective.

Wheeler found a new purpose

“For the first time in my life, I’m fully comfortable,” the then-54-year-old said. Battling against chronic kidney disease made the five-time Iron Man Pro winner realize the value of life. “The man upstairs loved me enough to bless me,” said Wheeler. Instead of chasing glory, the iconic bodybuilder wants to help others live better.

“I Want To Do Bigger and…”: Flex Wheeler Finds a New Life Purpose After Winning Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award

While the former Arnold Classic champion can no longer compete on the stage, he has no regrets. Instead, Flex Wheeler focuses his time on coaching others. From helping athletes to the elderly train and live better, the Sultan of Symmetry is happy to have found a new purpose in life.

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