Throughout his life, legendary bodybuilder Flex Wheeler has faced some of the toughest battles in terms of health and mental well-being. Yet, he rose like a phoenix and remained resilient. This called for a badge of honor that the Arnold Sports Festival rewarded him with this year at the Arnold Classic 2023.

In a heartwarming addressal to the audience, Flex Wheeler accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award. But the speech had a special tribute to his longtime friend, Arnold Schwarzenegger. As the crowd cheered on for the champion, let’s look at what the Sultan of Symmetry had to say about the Austrian Oak.

A heartfelt note for the Austrian Oak at the Arnold Classic

Flex Wheeler won the Arnold Classic four times before retiring due to his extensive medical needs. Having gone through over 40 surgeries, including an amputation, life hasn’t been kind to the veteran. Nevertheless, his contributions to the bodybuilding community have been top-notch, so much so that the bodybuilding community decided to honor him at the Arnold Sports Festival 2023.

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During his acceptance speech, Wheeler spent a few seconds by talking about his struggles and gratitude for his friends and family. Receiving an award of this degree, the veteran was beyond honored and elated. However, he went out of his way to mention and credit Arnold Schwarzenegger for his success.

Flex Wheeler, Who Endured ‘Probably Over 40 Surgeries’, Confessed in 2016 Why He Would Never Return to Bodybuilding

Although he never won the title of Mr. Olympia, Wheeler mentioned that Arnold calling him one of the greatest of all time was a huge honor in itself. The teary-eyed veteran told Arnold, “You truly don’t know what you mean to me. I never won an Olympia, but I have the honor of this man here calling me one of the greatest of all times, and that’s better than anything! To have the recognition, and the gratitude from your fellow colleagues…what more could you ask for.” He was thankful for the recognition from both the community and his fans, but most of all, was thankful for the Austrian Oak giving him the opportunity.

The ’97 Classic that started it all

The Sultan of Symmetry won his first Arnold Classic title in 1993. But his career-changing moment came in at the 1997 Arnold Classic when he received a wholesome compliment from the Austrian Oak himself.

In an interview, Wheeler mentioned how Arnold called him “the best bodybuilder in history.” And the veteran was flabbergasted at the compliment! Schwarzenegger being a star even back then had a huge impact on Wheeler and his success. And now with the veteran receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, life has come full circle.

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