feature-image
feature-image

Flex Wheeler stunned the bodybuilding world when he made his pro debut in 1990. From the beginning, Wheeler showcased unmatched symmetry, proportions, and shape. While he didn’t win a Mr. Olympia, he won four Arnold Classic titles, and many fans call him an uncrowned Mr. Olympia. Forced to retire from bodybuilding two decades ago, Wheeler has gone through numerous health scares and survived life-threatening complications. Now a bodybuilding and transformation coach, Wheeler shared the story of another survivor on Instagram.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

Earlier, ‘The Sultan of Symmetry’ uploaded an Instagram story praising the resilience of one of his clients. He narrated her inspiring story and had a message for his fans.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

A story about never giving up

In his Instagram story, Flex Wheeler addressed his fans. “Hey, I want to talk to you about one of my clients. One of my clients I’m very privileged to be working with,” said the five-time Ironman Pro winner. Wheeler said the name of his client is Shanae Miller. “Mother of one, wife, and survivor of cancer,” added the bodybuilding icon.

ADVERTISEMENT

“She had stage four cancer and just went through chemo,” said the three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up. Wheeler explained how despite having cancer, Miller didn’t give up. He even showed a short clip of Miller working out. “She joined Flex Wheeler’s coaching and haven’t given up,” said Wheeler, praising her resilience.

“She’s a world-class athlete, a world-class sprinter back in high school,” he mentioned. He also said that Shanae “could have been a world-class Olympian if she wanted to,” in his Instagram story. After narrating his client’s inspiring story, ‘The Sultan of Symmetry’ conveyed a message to his nearly 850,000 Instagram followers.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE | Despite Arnold Schwarzenegger Hailing Him GOAT, Flex Wheeler Details Vulnerable Moments: “Was Highly Embarrassed Because…”

“There’s no excuse in life. There’s no giving up. Keep fighting. Remember, you’re investing in the most important thing that you ever have invested in, and that’s your health,” the former champion said. Despite facing numerous health-related challenges, including losing part of his leg, Wheeler himself hasn’t given up.

ADVERTISEMENT

A bodybuilding icon honored for his contribution and resilience

Since being diagnosed with the rare kidney disease, Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, Flex Wheeler has overcome many setbacks. After numerous surgeries, an amputation, and a kidney transplant, the former champion has overcome the adversities that came his way. 

ADVERTISEMENT

While he still struggles with many issues, Wheeler has found a new purpose in life. At the Arnold Classic 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger honored his favorite bodybuilder with a lifetime achievement. “Everything that I’ve done wrong, everything that I’ve done right, all of it led me to the man that I am and I am thankful for all of it,” he said while receiving the award.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch this story | From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Chris Bumstead – Here Are the Top 5 Most Aesthetic Bodybuilders to Ever Compete in Mr. Olympia

What did you make of Shanae Miller’s inspiring story and Flex Wheeler’s message of never giving up? Write your thoughts in the comments.

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Sagnik Bagchi

3,368 Articles

Sagnik Bagchi is a Senior Writer at EssentiallySports, covering collegiate and Olympic sports through opinion‑driven storytelling. His volleyball reporting often spotlights program shifts and leadership changes, including Harper Murray’s evolving role and John Cook’s candid retirement reflections at Nebraska. With nearly four years in sports media, Sagnik has contributed across key beats, from the Paris 2024 Newsbreak team to behind‑the‑scenes coverage of the NHL Playoffs. An English Literature postgraduate, Sagnik’s versatility spans bodybuilding, US sports, and Olympic disciplines. As a former Senior Bodybuilding Writer, his work earned recognition from IFBB Pro Greg Doucette. His adaptability and consistency have resulted in a place in EssentiallySports’ Journalistic Excellence Program, where selected writers work with industry mentors to refine their reporting and analytical skills.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Simar Singh Wadhwa

ADVERTISEMENT