1997 Arnold Classic - Flex Wheeler's Winning Comments & Reflections
1997 Arnold Classic
Flex's Winning Comments & Other Off-The-Wall Reflections
There was a time when getting words out of Flex Wheeler was like getting Shawn Ray to shut up, but in 1997 his lips were a-flexing as he gave his soundbite sentiments following his second Arnold victory.
“Going into the show I was focused on Kevin Levrone. [In a highly controversial decision Levrone beat Wheeler at the previous year’s Arnold, but this time he came in too heavy and slipped to his worst ever pro placing, 8th.] But he was out of the running so I focused on beating Nasser El Sonbaty as I knew he would come in strong. At 224lbs, I was a little bigger than at the Ironman a week earlier. I was confident in the way I looked, totally confident in my condition – wasn't confident in the outcome."
“ I felt really happy pumping up, because I couldn't see anybody dialed in like I was. Nasser was bigger than me at 285 pounds, but I felt I had in him in various body parts and in condition. I saw that Nasser was tight in the hams and glutes but not so much in the front thigh and back. Shawn Ray confirmed that impression. That's why during the contest I kept flexing my thigh next to Nasser’s and made a big production of comparing my back with his.”
“My only crisis in the run-up was Valentine's Day. I had a case of food poisoning and ended up in the hospital at 9 PM. They let me out at five the next morning.”
“I trained with Shawn Ray (who wasn’t competing) and he pushed me harder than I've ever been pushed. I have never received so much support from a training partner. He did everything I did. Even though he wasn't preparing for a contest, he did all the cardio I did. Of course, he talked crap at me all the time while I kept my mouth shut.” Apropos his training partnership with Shawn, Flex hoped to extend it as both he and Shawn prepared for the 1997 Olympia. However Shawn was adamant that he would never workout with anyone preparing for the same contest. In the end Shawn finished 3rd at the Olympia and Flex withdrew due to that pesky Ninja attack.
OFF-THE-WALL MOMENTS FROM ’97 ARNOLD
LOOKED LIKE NASSER HAD BROUGHT HIS LUNCH
The thought when 285 pound Nasser stood next to 224 pounds Wheeler.
THE GENUFLEX
When FLEX WHEELER was announced as the winner of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, he dropped down on one knee.
LIKE KIM KARDASHIAN BEING DENIED SELFIES
Many competitors remain uncomfortable with the diuretic test. (The 1997 Arnold staged diuretic testing and Alq Gurley, B.J. Johns, Gunter Schlierkamp and Max Shamaya failed.)
NOT A DRY THIGH IN THE HOUSE
Is the diuretic testing hurting conditioning?
SIZE OR SIGHS?
It is said some women judges voted for Flex Wheeler over Nasser El Sonbaty because the former had a “prettier” body.
SORT OF A REVERSE ROCKET LIFTOFF
During his routine, Flex Wheeler went into a slo-mo into full splits against the soundtrack of a countdown.
STILL WENT HOME WITH THE JEWELS
See previous item.
DID THEY MEAN 20TH CENTURY FOX?
IFBB President Ben Weider presented Arnold Schwarzenegger with an award for the Greatest Bodybuilder of the 20th Century.
THE BURLEY GURLEY?
Al Q Gurley at 240 pounds was 16 pounds heavier than his last contest in 1994.
THIS WAS JUST AFTER SEEING A BATMAN PROMO SHOWING ARNOLD AS MR.FREEZE
Arnold Classic emcee Clint Richards introduced IFBB judge Asher Frig as Asher Fridge.