Flex Wheeler
When you start talking about the stars of bodybuilding with a capital.then almost immediately recall the American Flex Wheeler.To date, Flex – perhaps the most popular professional bodybuilder planet.laurelled victor major tournaments.spoiled media attention and caressed with love.often passing into idolatry hundreds of thousands of fans of bodybuilding.But is it really so cloudless was his way to fame and success?
Kenneth Martin Wheeler was born on August 23, 1965 in Fresno, California campus.When Wheeler was two, his parents separated: "My father pulled into Auckland, and his mother…I do not remember what happened to her…"In essence,.Kenneth worked grandmother raising.which he retained the brightest memoirs: "If it is not.I now would not be in the world.or would I have been in any gang.or would deal with what some other unseemly deeds."
Fresno was considered to be extremely restless place.it is literally flooded the gang of teenagers.but because it is not surprising.that 9-year-old Kenneth opted not football.and martial arts – toekvondo.Karate and Kung Fu.In this field he had plenty of success.and.they say.that because of his attachment to martial arts came to call themselves Wheeler Flex.which translated to English means "flexible" (though.another meaning of the word corresponds to the Russian "tense"."Posing" or something like that) but when in 1989 he had to choose between karate and bodybuilding.He chose bodybuilding."My coach in karate.with whom I still maintain close relations.I said.I myself have to make choices.And I did it: the day after.I won the title of "Mr. California".I spent my last fight.Sure.Now I can not afford to show that.to which I was able to then in terms of ownership by various methods.but I can always protect yourself."
Bodybuilders are not born
By American standards, the title of "Mr. California" – is already seriously.But do not think that the Flex was born with an already bulging muscles.It's hard to believe.but by the end of high school, he does not even weigh 45 kg.and the college is one of the greatest bodybuilders of our time out.barely topping 60 pounds! "The basis of my diet then consisted of three products: tuna.bread and bananas.I just got the gate from this Tuna.and I seize it with bananas! "However, this diet worked," one hundred ".Flex and cost to train harder podnalech.as immediately came the results: within four years of intense performances, he has managed to become the champion of the United States in the heavyweight division and get a professional card.Surely.it could be done in the past.so much pain were strong contenders: Mike Matarazzo.Flex which gave the competition, "Mr. USA" 1991.and especially Kevin Levrone.costing Wheeler at U.S. National Championships in the same 1991.
The following year, Flex has been impossible to stop.He became "Mr. USA".knockout of the strongest heavyweights at the time of America.including Chris Duffy and Mike Francois.Not having to become a professional.He won two tournaments outright, "Ironman" and "Arnold Classic".putting himself on his knees Lee labradite.His muscles are legends.And in fact.it seems.that figure in Flex is simply no flaws: huge hands and hips.extremely finely detailed spin.a tiny waist.The aesthetics of its composition is fascinating.but this is too little.to reign on the throne of the "Olympia".By coincidence this is the year Britain's Dorian Yates announced the pursuit of "mass" (which is the victim of a few years later he became).and at the "Mr. Olympia" 1993 Wheeler have to settle for second place.At about the same increase in Flex though markedly superior to Yates in the aesthetics of the addition.but he yielded almost 20 kilograms (99 pounds for Flex vs. 116 – for Dorian)."To compare Wheeler and Yates – the same as comparing apples and oranges.Come sort things out – which is better? "- Shrugged judge.Nevertheless, the future seemed cloudless Flex.He became insanely popular in the circles Kachkovskii.his photo never left the pages of popular magazines on bodybuilding.Sponsors lined up.to offer him a lucrative advertising contracts.But everything changed in an instant.
The main test
At 2 am on June 9, 1994 placid existence Flex broken in car crash.At the same time Wheeler lucky enough.Firstly.therefore.that rushing at a speed of 250 km / hour, he was still alive.Although severely injured – an injury of the cervical vertebrae.Second, Flex was able to quickly recover from the accident, I'll no transactions.Third: contrary to the predictions of doctors, he was able to return to the big bodybuilding.In this accident, of course, was a severe test for the.One of the surprises for Wheeler was that.that jewel of the empire of all time Vader disease has never visited the hospital, none of the functionaries veyderovskih.But Vader hastened to cut a contract with a disability champion at 75%! Flex remembers.out.to recover the amount of the contract to its original level.It took almost two years.Only after he won in brilliant style "Night of Champions' 96, he believed in the final…
Return to system
In early 1995 the news spread Kachkovskii circles: Wheeler, in the form.he intends to act and to regain championship status.Although.Flex that's still not managed to restore the former Conditions by.he managed to win two tournaments starting in Miami Beach and Sauze.beating in the process, Aaron Baker.Lee Priest.Patrick Lynn.Darrema Charles and a dozen other strong pro.However, the most serious challenge – "Arnold Classic" – it was ahead of.Despite the fact that Flex has managed to circumvent this competition such luminaries as Lee Labrado (which.by the way.then put the greatest weight in his career).Charles Klarmonta.the former simply stunning in form.Andreas Münzer and many other.he still lost to the local audience favorite, Mike Francois.at the peak of a career.But then.fall followed by dip in the "Olympia": suddenly disappeared somewhere relief turned to 8th place.and.Judge obviously felt sorry for the ex-champion Aaron Baker.Ronnie Coleman and Charles Klarmont looked much more interesting in terms of the form.Attempts to get even with their rivals during the tour postoolimpiyskogo "Grand Prix" run out the problems with the kidneys, and hospital beds.Point.
Nonetheless, Wheeler did not lose heart.and in March next.1996 "Classic", he was very good: no such relief in 1993.but very large (approximately 105 kg) and juicy.After the execution of arbitrary programs Flex was 100 percent sure that I won.However, the judges decided otherwise, giving the first place Kevin Levrone.Great.but not specifically raised in the opinion of experts Levrone looked almost worse.What Paul Dillet.who finished third.not to mention the Flex.but.is known.after a fight with his fists do not wave.After two months of flex in an attempt to rehabilitate himself, stated in a tournament in Toronto and…finish second after stroke who received the bad Ronnie Coleman.This was payback for the arrogance: in the tournament Wheeler came up with too smooth thighs and glutes.for which he was immediately punished.True.then everything fell into place.and at competitions, "Florida Pro" and "Night of Champions" Wheeler celebrates victory.but the "Olympia," he again failed: the fifth and fourth on the stage in the protocol after the disqualification Sonbaty.Ironically, perhaps the most gifted bodybuilder in the history of bodybuilding In 1996 th was even farther from the coveted statuettes Sandova.than it was in 1993.
Failure hardened Wheeler and forced to make some conclusions RaE-.He rejected the idea of competing in a set of "mass" with such monsters as Sonbaty or Dillet.focusing on improving muscle relief.In the spring of 1997 and this tactic paid off: being 29 pounds lighter Sonbaty (other sources say the difference was even more lethal: 96 kg to 130 Flex in a Sonbaty) Wheeler, easily and naturally won the second of his career title "Arnold Classic ".at the same time to get even with Mike Francois.was merely the third.About Flex again talked about as a real contender for the title of "Mr. Olympia".which has been held for five consecutive years Yates.However, at the podium, "Olympia" Flex was never released…
Great hoaxer?
The decision not to act on Wheeler "Olympia".taken just before the tournament.has generated an enormous amount of speculation and rumors.The official version of Flex injured hand.entered into a fight with robbers.who tried to open his car.But evil tongues alleged.that psychologically unstable Wheeler simply afraid to compete with newly Yatsom.to keep his championship status.quietly sit on the throne of King bodybuilders.which.Again, according to rumors.is about to be freed.By the way.something like that said about the car accident in 1994: that.Flex himself had fabricated the whole story in order to add an entry in popularity.By the way, another dark page in the biography of the Wheeler – the sensational story of the implants.Not differ.Like most black athletes a powerful development of the calf muscles.Flex has begun appearing on the podium with calves.resembling the cannonballs.Guardian of morality and love of truth Kachkovskii Shawn Ray immediately sounded the alarm, and even allegedly insisted on.to leg X-rayed to check Wheeler.However, the verification has failed to reveal anything criminal…
It is not easy to be a favorite
By the time.when Yates made a sensational statement.that will not defend his title (and it sluchilost the summer of 1998).Wheeler was the main favorite in the race for the title of "Mr. Olympia".At that there were objective reasons: the fall of 1996, he was not aware of lesions.failing in that time a few times to beat the great and terrible Nasser Al Sonbaty.finished at the "Olympia" -97 second.With.According to experts.at tournaments, "Ironman" and "Arnold Classic" Flex was so good.that this form it has been recognized standard.and even Sonbaty.caustically rakritikovavshy year earlier small size Wheeler.This time some compliments lavished.The remaining contenders Flex: Ray, Levrone, Dillet seriously perceived.
Surely.this lack of a clear anticipation of competition and a major victory in my life played a bad joke with flex.and "Olympia" – 98 he was mercilessly Ronnie Coleman bit."After seeing their photos after the event, I realized that I lost the case because he was not in his best form.However, before the start I was 100 percent sure.that even this form will be enough for victory."- Admitted later Wheeler.However, he made several admissions.from which the fans of bodybuilding neposvyaschzennyh certainly stirred the hair on the head: "Before the" Olympia "-98 I was too relaxed.occasionally missed a workout and diet violated.What puzzled their coaches: Charles Glass and Chad Nichols.They could not understand why I did not improve…"
Before the "Olympia" -99 experts were agreed that the chances of Coleman and Wheeler could be estimated as 50 to 50.But in fact it was not so: everyone knows.that in order.to defeat the reigning champion.need to be stronger on the head.However, Wheeler believed that the way it really was.Go to the "Olympia" -99 he was preparing in earnest, putting it in his heart and soul and strength.Grueling workouts and strict diet to bear fruit: in Las Vegas, Flex said on being more than seven pounds heavier than the.than in New York.putting about 112 kg.At the same time Wheeler was rather vividly! Especially notable was the progress Wheeler shoulder girdle: its delta and hands were simply appalling! But while.precious time was lost – one is fascinated by the name of Colman.with udi resignedly put Texas Ranger first in four rounds vseh.Yes, and Coleman also did not stand still for a year and training is also hung on a 7 kilo.but "how he could win all the rounds in Flex.including round proportions.in which Wheeler invincible? ".- Resented Charles Glass.- "After all proportion – it is such a thing.which either have.or it is not.Year of training could not change the Coleman so that he dominated in the proportions.The opinion is shared by Glass himself Wheeler: "I respect infinitely Ronnie and I think its great athlete.but at the "Olympia" -99 it should have become only the second.However, the judges decided otherwise, forgetting, apparently, that the competition consists of four rounds.About round proportions, I do not speak.but Coleman could get around me in any round of posturing? Everybody knows.that this component much stronger than I.After the tournament, I was approached and told the judge.Coleman put that first because.that it was massive I.But being here any round of posing? To listen to them.so the competition consists of one round of the comparison of proportions and three – assessing muscle…"
The train has left?
Well.everyone is entitled to his opinion.but in our opinion.Flex explicitly enumerates: Yes.it is considerably sporsgressiroval last year.but it was not enough for victory.Yes, and he.slightly poostav.somewhat changed his tone: "I still believe.that should have won.but.Having examined the photos from the competition.I was unpleasantly surprised: I thought.that was much more saliently."In fact,.Flex was on the podium, "Olympia" is much closer to third place.which eventually got his old friend Chris Cormier.than the first.This year, Cormier and raged at all, being able to beat the Flex on the "Ironman" -2000.And the fact.that Cormier will not participate in the "Olympia" -2000 can turn the latest "Olympia" of the twentieth century into an empty formality and dull, with full otsutstvii intrigue.because the probability of winning Wheeler believe today, only the most ardent of his poklonniiki.But.you never know.possibly.lucky-loser still has time to flex to jump on a departing train?
Outside of bodybuilding
Unlike most other elite pros.many of whom are not even married.Flex boasts.that he – a happy husband and father.Flex has three children: son of Kennen marriage with his first wife Levita.and daughter Nia and son Darius from his second marriage with former model Madeline.Flex loves to wear bright flashy clothes and expensive cars.Usually it has no car park at least 3 – 4 cars.among which a couple must "clever," "Mercy" or BMW.in rooms which flaunts a modest inscription "Flex".But.even if Wheeler "cuts" through the city on an expensive car.This does not mean.that he is doing very well: "No one really knows.Who is Flex Wheeler.Sometimes I can kahzatsya happy.in fact unhappy.and sometimes I think about.my pockets full of money.although I really at this point in the shallows.Surely.this is because.that people can not.and.likely.just do not want to know.what lies behind the armor of my muscles."- Says the Flex.However, for the money.then there is clearly Flex cry poverty: despite the fact that at the moment it does not have a contract with Weider.Wheeler's poor can not be called.Seminars.guest posing.training video courses.and most importantly – a contract with the well-known manufacturer of sports nutrition company "Bio-chem" – the foundation of its financial well-being.We are all handsome Wheeler.what can only dream of: kick-ass muscles.external appeal.money.There is not enough itself is small – the title of King of bodybuilding…
All competitions Flex Wheeler:
1989:
"Mr. California" – a place less than 90 kg,
"U.S. National Championships" – 5 th to 90 kg
1990:
U.S. Junior Championships – 2nd place up to 90 kg
1991:
"Mr. USA" – 2nd place over 90 kg
"U.S. National Championships" – 2nd place over 90 kg
1992:
"Mr. USA" – 1st place over 90 kg and the absolute primacy
1993:
"Ironman Pro Inviteyshnl" 1st place
"Arnold Classic" – 1st place
"Mr. Olympia" – 2nd place
"Grand Prix of England" – 2nd place
"Grand Prix of France" – 1st place
"German Grand Prix" – 1st place
1995:
"Sauze Beach Pro Inviteyshnl" – 1st place
"Florida Pro Inviteyshnl" – 1st place
"Ironman Pro Inviteyshnl" 1st place
"Arnold Classic" – 2nd place
"Mr. Olympia" – 8th place
"Grand Prix of Spain" – 5th place
1996:
"Ironman Pro Inviteyshnl" 1st place
"Arnold Classic" – 2nd place
"Toronto Pro Cap" – 2nd place
"Florida Pro Inviteyshnl" – 1st place
"Night of Champions" – 1st place
"Mr. Olympia" – 4th place
1997:
"Ironman Pro Inviteyshnl" 1st place
"Arnold Classic" – 1st place
"San Jose Pro Inviteyshnl" – 1st place
1998:
"Ironman Pro Inviteyshnl" 1st place
"Arnold Classic" – 1st place
"Mr. Olympia" – 2nd place
1999:
"Mr. Olympia" – 2nd place
"The World Cup among the pros" – 2nd place
"Grand Prix of England" – 2nd place
2000:
"Ironman Pro Inviteyshnl" – 2nd place
"Arnold Classic" – 1st place
"Hungarian Grand Prix" – 1st place
