Flex Wheeler Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Kenneth "Flex" Wheeler
Bodybuilder
Wheeler in 2023
Personal info
Nickname	The Sultan of Symmetry
Born	(1965-08-23) August 23, 1965 (age 59) Fresno, California, U.S.
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight	contest: 212–240 lb (96–109 kg) off season: 265–275 lb (120–125 kg)
Professional career
Pro-debut	IFBB World Amateur Championships, 1990
Best win	IFBB Arnold Classic, 1993, 1997–1998, 2000
Predecessor	Vince Taylor
Successor	Kevin Levrone (1994) Ronnie Coleman (2001)

Kenneth "Flex" Wheeler, born on August 23, 1965, is a famous American retired professional bodybuilder. He was known for his amazing muscle symmetry and shape. Flex Wheeler won the Arnold Classic competition four times, which was a record at the time. Even the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger called him one of the greatest bodybuilders he had ever seen. Another bodybuilding champion, Ronnie Coleman, said that Flex Wheeler was the best bodybuilder he ever competed against.

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Flex Wheeler's Life Story

Growing Up and Early Days

Flex Wheeler grew up in Fresno, California. He had a challenging childhood and faced many difficulties. He also had dyslexia, which made school tough for him. However, he was very good at sports.

Flex started training in martial arts when he was young. He later discovered weight training and began bodybuilding as a teenager. He always said he was a "martial artist first, a bodybuilder second." His nickname "Flex" came from his incredible flexibility; he could even do a full split!

Bodybuilding Journey

After working briefly as a police officer, Flex Wheeler decided to focus completely on becoming a professional bodybuilder. He first competed in 1983. By 1989, he won his first major trophy at the NPC Mr. California Championships.

In 1993, he almost won the 1993 Mr. Olympia competition, finishing in second place. Flex won the Ironman Pro five times and the Arnold Classic four times. He also won other big competitions like the France Grand Prix and the Night of Champions.

Flex had a reputation for being very confident. He later explained that this was his way of dealing with being shy and insecure when he was younger. In 1994, he was in a serious car accident that could have left him unable to move. He felt sad and down, but he started training again from the beginning. He quickly returned to being one of the best bodybuilders.

In 1999, Flex found out he had a kidney disease called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. He said this condition was passed down in his family. Flex announced he was retiring from competitive bodybuilding in 2000, but he still competed a few more times until 2003.

He made a special return to the stage at the 2017 Mr. Olympia in the Classic Physique division. He finished in 15th place.

Life After Competing

After retiring from bodybuilding, Flex Wheeler went back to his love for martial arts. He especially enjoyed Kenp-Kwon-Do, which is a mix of different martial arts styles.

In 2003, he received a kidney transplant. A few years later, in 2005, he even performed a martial arts demonstration at the Arnold Classic. Flex also worked as a director for a sports nutrition company called All American EFX. He helped manage their athletes and appeared in their advertisements.

In October 2019, Flex had surgery to remove part of his right leg below the knee. This was because of serious blood circulation problems in his leg. He said the decision was made because his leg issues had become life-threatening.

Some doctors believe that his past health issues, like his kidney condition, leg injuries from martial arts, the 1994 car crash, and his kidney transplant, all contributed to his circulation problems over time.

Today, Flex Wheeler is a successful coach who helps people transform their bodies. He also has his own line of supplements. In September 2023, he launched his own show called the Flex Wheeler MGB Mexico Grand Battle Regional. He is also a brand ambassador for HEMPE pain gels, which he says help with his leg pain.

Flex Wheeler's Body Stats

Height: (about 5 feet 9 inches)
Off-season Weight: 125 kg (276 lb) (around 275 pounds)
Competition Weight: 109 kg (240 lb) (around 240 pounds)
Arm Size: 58cm (22.83 in)
Leg Size: 80 cm (31 in) (about 31.5 inches)
Chest size: 138 cm (54 in) (about 54 inches)

Amateur Bodybuilding Wins

1985 Teen America (Medium Tall, 1st place)
1989 Contra Costa Championship (Light Heavyweight 1st, Overall 1st)
1989 California Championships (Light Heavyweight 1st, Overall 1st)
1989 Nationals (Light Heavyweight, 5th place)
1990 Junior Nationals (Heavyweight, 2nd place)
1991 USA Championships (Heavyweight, 2nd place)
1991 Nationals (Heavyweight, 2nd place)
1992 USA Championships (Heavyweight & Overall, 1st place)

Professional Bodybuilding Wins

1993 Ironman Pro Invitational (1st place)
1993 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1st place)
1993 Mr. Olympia (2nd place)
1993 Grand Prix France (1st place)
1993 Grand Prix Germany (1st place)
1995 Ironman Pro Invitational (1st place)
1995 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (2nd place)
1995 South Beach Pro (1st place)
1995 Mr. Olympia (8th place)
1995 Grand Prix Spain (5th place)
1996 Ironman Pro Invitational (1st place)
1996 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (2nd place)
1996 Night of Champions (1st place)
1996 Canada Pro Classic (2nd place)
1996 Florida Cup Pro (1st place)
1996 Mr. Olympia (4th place)
1997 Ironman Pro (1st place)
1997 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1st place)
1997 San Jose Pro Invitational (1st place)
1998 Ironman Pro Invitational (1st place)
1998 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1st place)
1998 Mr. Olympia (2nd place)
1999 Grand Prix England (2nd place)
1999 Pro World (2nd place)
1999 Mr. Olympia (2nd place)
2000 Mr. Olympia (3rd place)
2000 Hungarian Grand Prix (1st place)
2000 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic (1st place)
2000 Ironman Pro Invitational (2nd place)
2002 Mr. Olympia (7th place)
2003 Ironman Pro Invitational (3rd place)
2017 Mr. Olympia Classic Physique (15th place)

Flex Wheeler facts for kids