In 1999 Wheeler discovered that he had Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, a form of kidney disease. Despite press speculation as to the cause of the failure, Wheeler pointed out that the condition is hereditary; not self-inflicted. Flex announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding in 2000, but continued to compete until 2002. He received a kidney transplant in 2003. Flex Wheeler is also an accomplished martial artist in five disciplines: Shorin-Ryu, Shotokan, Chinese Kung-Fu,Tae Kwon Do/Olympic Kukkiwon(black belt) and KempKwon-Do (2nd degree black belt). In 2005, he won the Championship Challenge Fight at the Arnold Classic, making Flex the first and only athlete in history ever to win the top title of theevent’s bodybuilding and martial arts divisions.
In 2009, Flex was honored as being one of the first inductees into Joe Weider’s IFBB Bodybuilding Hall of Fame. Flex Wheeler is also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for his still unmatched victories in the Arnold Classic competition - 4 of them. In fact, Arnold Schwarzenegger had this to say about him, “Flex is one of the best bodybuilders of all time…I’ve found him to be an extraordinary athlete. He is a winner.” Although he is retired from competition, Flex Wheeler still remains highly active in the industry as a managing partner in the sports nutrition company All American EFX. The company is recognized and respected as one of the fastest growing sports nutrition brands in both the U.S. and internationally.