Flex Wheeler – A Look at Flex Wheeler’s Challenges
A renowned professional bodybuilder, Kenneth “Flex” Wheeler has been a long-time contributor to the sport. He has won the Arnold Classic four times and is one of the most famous competitors in the world today. However, he has faced many hardships in his career. One of them was a partial leg amputation and a chronic kidney disease.
Kenneth “Flex” Wheeler’s career
Flex Wheeler has faced a lot of challenges throughout his life. He was abused and bullied as a child, he has also had suicidal tendencies and health problems.
When he was a child, he dreamed of becoming a martial artist. He eventually started training in Kemp-Kwon-Do, a combination of Tae Kwon Do and Aikido. During this time, he was referred to as “Flex”.
At age 18, Flex decided to take bodybuilding up as a career. He was a police officer for a few years, before he made his professional debut.
In the early 1990s, Flex won several major bodybuilding titles. Among them were the Florida Cup Pro, the San Jose Classic and the Arnold Classic.
In 1994, he was involved in a near-fatal car accident. After recovering, he returned to the gym.
Flex has won a number of martial arts tournaments while competing in bodybuilding. One of his goals is to compete in Hollywood movies.
Chronic kidney disease
As a bodybuilder, Flex Wheeler had many health problems. Among them was a serious car accident that almost claimed his life. His leg was also amputated. After a long and painful recovery, he devoted himself to the martial arts. However, after nearly twenty years, his kidneys started to fail.
Several years ago, he was lucky enough to receive a kidney transplant. He returned to the competition circuit in the early 2000s, but it was clear that his renal system was failing. In the ensuing decade, his bodybuilding career stalled. This may have been due to several factors, including a career-ending injury, depression, and drug use. A recent interview with Flex Wheeler for Ironman Magazine’s Legends of Bodybuilding series revealed some interesting facts about his health.
One of the earliest stories to come out of Wheeler’s medical history was about his amputation. Not only was his right leg amputated, but the car accident injured his arteries, veins, and venous system.
Partial leg amputation
Flex Wheeler has been battling a number of health issues in recent years. In his time in the pro bodybuilding arena, he had to face a number of complications, including a kidney transplant, as well as a leg injury that was likely to be permanent.
Despite his struggles, Flex has been a constant source of inspiration for those in the fitness community. He has inspired millions of athletes, both young and old, to get into the best shape of their lives. However, his medical bills have become astronomical. With a hefty bill approaching $150,000, it’s no wonder that he’s been unable to raise the funds for a successful recovery.
For a while, amputation was a plausible option. However, the process is expensive and involves a lot of pain. In addition, missing limbs may cause depression.
The leg injury that affected Flex Wheeler was a big one, and is believed to have been caused by a car crash. This incident, along with a kidney disease, resulted in a partial amputation of the right leg.
Personal life
If you’re a fan of bodybuilding, you’re familiar with Flex Wheeler. This former professional bodybuilder has been in the sport for more than 30 years. He’s earned several titles, including the Classic Physique title.
Aside from being a famous figure in the world of bodybuilding, Flex Wheeler is also known for his impressive flexibility. In fact, Arnold Schwarzenegger named him one of the best bodybuilders of all time.
Before becoming a professional bodybuilder, Wheeler worked as a police officer. But it wasn’t long before he discovered weight training and became interested in it.
Flex Wheeler started competing in bodybuilding competitions at the age of 18. His first competition was in 1983. Despite not winning his first competition, he went on to win numerous other titles. Known for his amazing flexibility, he was nicknamed “The Sultan of Symmetry.
However, he has faced many challenges in his life. Among the most significant are a near death car accident in 1994 and kidney disease. After he was diagnosed with kidney disease, he had to undergo a kidney transplant.