Flex Wheeler, a known name in the bodybuilding world, never managed to win a Mr. Olympia title in his career. However, Wheeler was in close contention for several titles he competed for. He presented tough challenges to other legends of the sport, like Shawn Ray, Dorian Yates, and Ronnie Coleman. Despite having multiple challenges to face, Wheeler made his career a legendary one.

As mentioned, other than the challenges presented by the opponents, Wheeler had his own set of challenges to deal with. Flex had to face health issues since his teenage. Moreover, in 2000, he was diagnosed with FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis), which eventually led to his leg amputation in 2019.

Flex Wheeler had to choose between a leg and his life

Amidst facing all the problems since the age of 14, Wheeler led a healthy life later in his adult days. He made an impeccable and one of the most aesthetic physiques in bodybuilding history. But as time passed, he started to have problems. In 2000 doctors confirmed a disease that is known to be one of the deadliest kidney diseases.

However, doctors were amazed by the way Flex’s body was handling the condition. But in 2019, eventually, the kidney collapsed, and his body had blockages in arteries and was provided with two options by the doctors. Unfortunately, the only way to lead life forward was to amputate the leg. With a broken heart, Flex decided to do the necessary.

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‘The Sultan of Symmetry’ Flex Wheeler Recently Argued the Only Way He Could Have Got “Better Was in the Coffin”

When the surgery was successful, and he took his first step with the prosthetic leg, he didn’t forget to thank the Lord. He uploaded an Instagram post in 2019 and captioned it, “SO IT BEGINS 🙏🏾… THANK YOU JESUS 🙏🏾💪🏾🙏🏾… My First Step 👊🏾.”

Flex has achieved a lot in his career

As mentioned earlier, Flex discovered kidney disease when he was only fourteen. However, he never backed out from the challenges that life presented to him. Even after facing the issues, he made his physique one of the most aesthetically pleasing ones in the bodybuilding world.

And in his prime, his impeccable physique led him to several victories, such as a 5-time Ironman Pro winner, and a 4-time Arnold Classic winner. He has also won the Night of Champions, France Grand Prix, South Beach Pro Invitational, and Hungarian Grand Prix. 

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Flex Wheeler has had to fight against kidney disease for his survival for almost his whole life now. He worked hard and became one of the fittest bodybuilders in the world. Eventually, he lost one of his legs to save his life.