Carla Dunlap

Carla Dunlap, one of the pioneers of female bodybuilding, helped pave the way for all of us. She was one of the stars of “Pumping Iron II”, directed by my friend George Butler.
Carla’s Stats: Born: Newark, NJ on October 22, 1954, Height: 5′3″, Weight: 126 lbs, Hair/Eyes: Brown.

In 1979, Dunlap decided to enter the “Best in the World” bodybuilding contest at the suggestion of Steve Wennerstrom. She had never trained for bodybuilding, but still placed fifth among 45 entrants. She started training seriously for bodybuilding the following March, and was soon competing successfully in top level amateur contests. She won the NPC Nationals in 1981 and 1982. Her most successful year of competition was 1983 when she won three pro shows, including the Ms. Olympia contest (she had lost the Ms. Olympia to Rachel McLish by two points in 1982). In addition to her individual accomplishments, Dunlap won the World Professional Mixed Pairs title in 1984 and 1988 with Tony Pearson. Dunlap is the only female bodybuilder to have competed in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. In January, 1999, Dunlap was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame.