Carla Dunlap
1983 World Professional Bodybuilding Champion
Carla began her athletic competition at the age of ten. Her first sport was gymnastics.
Carla then expanded her scope to include speed swimming and synchronized swimming.
After graduating college she continued to compete in synchronized swimming events,
winning the gold medal in the 1977 Junior National Team Championships and a bronze
medal at the inaugural National Sports Festival in 1978. She was about to retire
from competitive swimming in 1979 when, at the suggestion of sports writer Steve
Wennerstrom, Carla decided to enter the upcoming "Best in the World" women's
bodybuilding contest. Although she had never trained for the sport, Carla placed
fifth in a field of 45 entrants. In March of 1980, Carla began to train seriously
as a bodybuilder. She continued her winning ways by taking the next three major professional
championships, making her the Grand Slam winner of 1983. A consistent top placer,
Carla then proceeded to add to her collection of titles including the 1984 and 1988
World Professional Mixed Pairs title with partner Tony Pearson.
| EVENT |
PLACE |
POINTS |
MONEY |
EVENT WINS |
| 1984 Women's Final |
7 |
16 |
$1,600 |
None |
| TOTALS |
16 |
$1,600 |
0 |