Flex Wheeler is no ordinary man. Starting from a humble background, the legendary bodybuilder eventually went on to achieve some incredible feats. Though he never won the Mr. Olympia title, he registered four Arnold Class wins. His dominance on stage was hard to miss.

Braving multiple hurdles, the young boy from Fresno crafted a legacy that impressed the other bodybuilding legends. In 2007, when Flex sat down for an interview with Yesterday & Today, the retired bodybuilder had much to share.

Flex talked about his ’97 Arnold  Classic win

Wheeler is an uncrowned bodybuilding legend. He came three times closer to winning the Mr. Olympia title but missed the mark by a few points. He may not have secured the win, but he made sure to mark his presence. His dominance was such that he was fondly hailed as the, “The Sultan of symmetry.”

When the interviewer, Rod Labbe, said, “I read that Arnold himself was quite enamored of your abilities.” Flex had a lot to tell. He quickly replied, “At the ’97 Arnold Classic, he called me the best bodybuilder in history – in front of everyone at the seminar before the competition. I was flabbergasted.”

Read More: Four-Time Arnold Classic Champion Flex Wheeler Once Struck an Iconic Bodybuilder’s Signature Pose to the Amazement of Fans – ‘Thought I Could Do It Too’

Top Stories

Everything You Need to Know About Mr. Olympia’s Sole Owner Jake Wood, Who Also Brought Ms. Olympia Back

“A Six-Foot-Five, 265-Pound Giant From Brooklyn”: Despite Being Touted as “Bodybuilding’s New Wunderkind” in 1973, Lou Ferrigno With His Hulk-Like Physique Was Still Unable to Stop Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Juggernaut of Olympia Wins

“Raising a Future Olympic Gold Medalist”: 6-Year-Old’s Unreal Strength and Athleticism Blows the Minds of Fitness World

?You Made Me Cry?: Despite Being Former Rivals, Jay Cutler Reveals Being Emotional by Ronnie Coleman Act

Retired for Almost Four Decades Now, Bodybuilding Legend Tom Platz Gives His Take on Modern Bodybuilding

For Flex, what was dream come true! Getting recognized by a man that he held with such high regard was undeniably special. Even Arnold showered his praises on Flex. The Terminator star was greatly impressed by his poses.

What did Arnold say about Flex Wheeler?

For Arnold, Flex was no ordinary man. “Don’t Think I Have Seen in History of Bodybuilding,” quoted Arnold, when he was asked to share his views on Wheeler. The seven times Mr. Olympia Champion was all praises for him for the indomitable spirit that he displayed.

Arnie applauded him for his statuesque and symmetrical physique. The difficulties were very many, be it his near-death experience or working hard to beat competitors like Dorian Yates; success never came easy for Flex. Regardless of the situation, he kept believing and pushing himself for the better.

Watch This Story: Here Are Five Bodybuilders Who Gave Better Biceps Than Legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger