Bodybuilding legend Flex Wheeler in latest personal battle after losing part of his right leg during emergency surgery
- The four-time Arnold Classic winner has battled health issues and was involved in a near-fatal car accident in 1994
- The 54-year-old American is said to be in good spirits and will release a statement in the next few days
Twenty-five years after being involved in a near-fatal car collision and years after suffering other serious health issues, US Hall of Fame bodybuilder Flex Wheeler is facing yet another personal battle.
Reports from the US say the 54-year-old had part of his right leg amputated after complications during emergency surgery last week. The reason for the surgery is unclear, but his latest setback has shocked many of his fans.
Although he never won the Mr Olympia contest – the world’s most prestigious bodybuilding competition – he was runner-up in it three times (1993, 1998 and 1999) and he is ranked among the best bodybuilders ever, with his legendary symmetry taking the sport to a whole new level in the 1990s.
Wheeler has yet to make a formal statement but reports suggest he intends to speak on his condition in the next few days. He is maintaining a positive outlook and remain in good spirits, according to his team.
Just two years ago he made an astounding comeback from retirement to place 15th at the Mr Olympia Classic Physique. News of his amputation also came less than a month after he celebrated the birth of his grandson, Messiah Amir Bell.
Before starting his bodybuilding career, the Californian trained in martial arts as a teenager, becoming a competent taekwondo player before a serious leg injury forced him to quit the sport.
Kenneth “Flex” Wheeler is a four-time winner of the Arnold Classic. He won the last of his Arnold Classic titles in 2000.