For most bodybuilders, Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of success. He carved a path for younger generations to follow and channelized his interests to become one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. However, others stepped up. One name that comes to mind is Ronnie Coleman. Winning eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles, fans imagined Arnold to play a significant role in his stardom. But, there was another legend who etched into his mind.

To some, he is a myth, while for others, he defined modern bodybuilding. Despite not winning any Mr. Olympia titles, Kenneth Flex Wheeler stays on top as the finest bodybuilder in the sport. Even Arnold mentioned his impact, and Coleman described how he was the best he faced. Therefore, Flex Wheeler deserves special mention. 

Ronnie Coleman names his idol!

Coleman started bodybuilding at age 24, and he had an all-natural body. During those times, bodybuilders had the liberty to take steroids. For starters, Coleman never used steroids in the beginning. Seeing the advantages, he started taking them as it was legal for bodybuilders to use them. Nonetheless, Flex Wheeler introduced him to various aspects of bodybuilding that propelled him to achieve greatness. 

He said, “That’s one of my best friends in the world. He taught me everything I know.” Conditioning went hand in hand, and he became toned more than most bodybuilders. At a time, Coleman kept a body fat percentage of 0.33%. The level on the playing field was apparent as he dominated Mr. Olympia’s contests from start to finish. 

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“Not Going to Die for This Sport”: Bodybuilding Legend Ronnie Coleman Almost Ditched His Mr. Olympia Competition to Save His Life Back in 2001

The effect Flex Wheeler had on Coleman was immense. He was a four-time Arnold Classic winner and had a symmetrical body that was second to none. To add another purple feather to his cap, Wheeler shifted his attention to martial arts after bodybuilding. 

Sultan of symmetry!

At his peak, Wheeler weighed 225-253lbs and stood at 5’7″. He had 24″ arms and a 56″ chest, while his tremendous ability to do splits earned him the moniker, ‘Flex.’ Managing only a second-place finish in the 1993 bodybuilding contest, he won various other competitions. He was a five-time Ironman Pro winner, four-time Arnold Classic winner, and has won the France Grand Prix, South Beach Pro Invitational, Night of Champions, and Hungarian Grand Prix.

People cannot underestimate the influence Wheeler had on other bodybuilders. Coleman, a legend himself, understood the ins and outs of bodybuilding from Flex. He propelled Coleman to chase his dreams and reach far greater heights he never imagined. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Flex Wheeler deserves a special mention for his dedication to the sport. Flex for the win! 

WATCH THIS STORY- Mr. Olympia Legends Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Ronnie Coleman Body Comparison