1954-
Carla Dunlap was born and raised in Newark where she competed in swimming and gymnastics and attended Maple Avenue School and the Arts High, graduating in 1971, when she was voted Most Athletic, along with Larry Hamm, now a Newark activist. She lived at 63 Scheerer Ave.
In 1973, she won the AAU solo synchronized swimming competition and in 1977 won the Junior National Team Championships. In 1974, the Newark City Council passed a resolution in her honor stating she had won eight medals and was now synchronized swimming state champion.
She finally gave up the swimming career in 1979 saying, “12 years is a long time to be soaked in chlorine”.
After swimming, she became a bodybuilder and has won multiple championships. Her wins include Ms. Olympia 1980, two National Championships, a world championship and two Mixed World Pair competitions. She said, “The key is finding something you enjoy.” She’s also been part of multiple films and TV shows including Pumping Iron II and ESPN’s Bodyshapers.
Bibliography
Kukla, Barbara Newark City of Champions
“Newark’s Carla Dunlap is unusual athlete” Jersey Journal May 17, 1985
Tolvin Jeff, “Nereid Girls synchronized…” Star Ledger May 19, 1973
Wiser, Christina, “Stare all you want” Star Ledger Jul 5, 1985
Whitlow, Joan “Variety is the spice of athletic training” Star Ledger Jun 10, 1990
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089852
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0281421
Winner’s Smile Star Ledger Apr 30, 1967
http://www.carladunlap.com/home.php
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