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“Not All of Us Are Dumb, Dr*g Addicts”: Bodybuilding Legend Once Broke the Stereotype Against the Sport

Published 11/09/2022, 9:45 AM EST

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Kenneth “Flex Wheeler” is a retired American legendary bodybuilder. Having won the championships four times, he was once the record holder of the Arnold Classic title. Flex’s physique and brilliant career have made bodybuilding icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman describe him as one of the greatest bodybuilders ever.

Bodybuilding is a sport with a fair share of stereotypes and rumors attached to it. However, Flex once debunked such stereotypes and commented how they are not true for every bodybuilder.

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Flex Wheeler shares his opinion on bodybuilding stereotypes

During a casual discussion, interviewer Don Lemmon asked Flex many questions regarding his personal life and bodybuilding. As a veteran in the industry, Lemmon asked Flex to share something that the common people may not know.

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To this question, Flex replied that although many bodybuilding stereotypes are often true, it does not apply to every athlete. According to Flex, not every bodybuilder is a drug addict, dumb, or has no personality.

He said, “Some people forget that while many stereotypes are true concerning bodybuilders, not all of us are dumb, drug addicted, egomaniacs with no personality or anything. But, I am just as guilty at times at stereotyping too.”

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

The earlier mindset of most people revolving around bodybuilders was not very positive. However, this is gradually changing, and people’s perspectives toward the sport are converting.

Various achievements of Wheeler

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Flex started his work career as a police officer, but his love for bodybuilding made him a full-time professional athlete. Although Flex participated in various Mr. Olympia competitions, he never won the title. But, he was placed second in the 1993 Mr. Olympia.

via Getty

However, due to his longing health issue and kidney failure, Flex had to retire from bodybuilding in 2003. He also had to undergo a right leg amputation due to these issues.

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Watch This Story: Protein shakes, egg whites, bacon, bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman spent 136875 on the same breakfast for 25 years

Flex continues to train young bodybuilders, despite their weakening health.

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Written by:

Soumya Bontra

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Soumya Bontra is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has been working as a sports journalist and writer for the past two years. Soumya has a Bachelor’s in Mass Media.
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Edited by:

Rupak Kumar Jha