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“I Miss You Buddy”: Years After Losing His Leg Due to Critical Medical Issues, 57-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Makes a Heartbreaking Confession

Published 05/31/2023, 10:15 AM EDT

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In the world of bodybuilding, Flex Wheeler has left an indelible mark on the sport with his incredible physique and relentless dedication. However, his journey has not been a bed of roses. A few years ago, Wheeler had to undergo a leg amputation. The news sent shockwaves throughout the bodybuilding community and beyond. Yet, in the face of adversity, Wheeler became an inspiration, showcasing resilience and determination throughout his journey. But however strong Wheeler must have been, there are low points in every person’s life. And in a recent Instagram story posted by Wheeler, he expressed his grief and revealed that he misses his leg.

So what’s the latest update by the ‘Sultan of Symmetry’ all about? Let’s get into the details.

What was the Instagram story posted by Wheeler?

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Wheeler has been a victim of multiple diseases and health problems since his teenage years. He was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) which ultimately called for a leg amputation. With a shattered heart, Wheeler had to go through with the surgery. Years after this incident, Wheeler has learned to live with this but still misses his previous self at times.

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Recently, Wheeler posted a picture of him from a bodybuilding competition on his Instagram story. The caption of the story read“Me) I miss you Buddy. My right leg) I miss you more.”

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During this saddening time, the support of loved ones is the only motivation that can help an individual. Wheeler has been open about the fact that his friends and family were super supportive during all this time and always had his back. Entities from even outside the bodybuilding community came forward and offered their help and support. One such entity who was there for Wheeler was NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal.

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Shaquille O’Neal offered to help Wheeler financially

Wheeler revealed previously that during this dark phase of his life, he received a call from Shaq, who was eager to help him out. O’Neal said on the call, “Hey don’t worry about it. Big man got you covered”. Wheeler replied, “What do you mean?” O’Neal responded, “I will pay for everything”. Wheeler also disclosed that the duo were not even friends and only knew each other through mutual contact. 

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Wheeler also revealed that the time when Shaq offered him help was the same time when O’Neal himself had lost his sister to cancer. O’Neal tried to help Flex while dealing with his own grief which surely meant a lot to Wheeler.

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Written by:

Sarthak Khanna

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One take at a time

Introducing Sarthak Khanna, a sports writer at EssentiallySports who specializes in Bodybuilding and other American sports. Sarthak found his calling in bodybuilding both as a writer as well as a practitioner of the sport. Gawking at the sight of some of the most aesthetic physiques, the experience was similar to what Mentzer once acknowledged as an “immediate emotional recognition.
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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa