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THE WNBF - A PROUD TRADITION

In 1990, a new era of bodybuilding dawned. The Pro Natural Mr. Universe was contested in Minneapolis, Minn. becoming the first WNBF competition. Thanks to the vision of WNBF President Mr. Cheh N. Low, natural bodybuilders now had an opportunity to move out of the amateur ranks and compete for prize money in a drug-free arena.

Since then, the WNBF has awarded more than $1 million dollars in prize money to dedicated athletes around the world. Every WNBF bodybuilder, figure competitor and Ms. Fit Body participant is polygraphed and provides samples for urinalysis before every WNBF competition.

These procedures reinforce the WNBF policies requiring athletes be seven years drug-free prior to the event. A strict banned substance list clearly defines what is banned. Not only are anabolic steroids, prescription diuretics and growth hormone illegal for use in WNBF competition, but many over-the-counter supplements as well.

With affiliates in Switzerland, Italy, Australia, Germany, Japan, Canada and the Caribbean, the WNBF is a worldwide organization. Several events are held in cooperation with the U.S. Military at bases throughout the United States, Germany, Iraq and Korea.

The natural bodybuilding movement has grown in recent years and drugfree athletes are receiving more exposure and opportunities than ever. This would not have been possible without the WNBF laying the foundation 20 years ago.

Prior to the formation of the WNBF, natural athletes received little media coverage and even less interest for product endorsements. Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness magazine provided the natural movement with a voice and covered drug-free events at a time that no one else would.

Now, many WNBF athletes have attained paid sponsorhips with major supplement companies, appeared on network television and have been the subject of film documentaries – things not possible before 1990.

The legacy of the WNBF will be that it reshaped the bodybuilding world and created an arena for those who chose to compete naturally, without compromise. And that legacy continues to grow.

Charlie Carollo

WNBF Vice-President 

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