Hercules 1977 – present
We are ecstatic to have rebranded one of the most historical and well known bodybuilding events in New York’s history! Former Vice President and promoter of INBF Hercules Charlie Carollo began running this event in 1977 with his wife Laura until his retirement from the WNBF in 2013. The event is now rebranded and forever known as the Hercules Charlie Carollo Legacy Classic.
Who is Charlie Carollo? In many ways Charlie and Laura were the faces of the WNBF because of their heavy involvement in events in and around the New York area. Charlie and Laura promoted INBF trademarked events Hercules and Naturalmania, as well as helping promoters in other states. Laura and Charlie also were in charge of the drug testing procedures at shows which set the tone for the respect and integrity of our drug testing policies today.
In 2014 Bob Bell, Tina Smith, and Nancy Andrews took on the new leadership of the WNBF and were fortunate enough to have Charlie and Laura in attendance of 2014 Worlds in Boston.
Charlie had a huge heart and he wanted everyone to win their shows. He was incredibly encouraging to all athletes and he always gave great advice which helped athletes be their best. Charlie always provided the best awards for competitors, and he tried to keep costs down for athletes to give more opportunities to naturals. I myself remember Charlies words after the 2001 WNBF Pro International in New York “enjoy competing and meeting so many great people in the WNBF Bob, just remember you can’t compete forever”.
We want to also acknowledge former INBF competitor and professional designer Trevor Dawson for his work on rebranding the one and only Hercules!
Where is Charlie and Laura now? They are both enjoying retired life in New Jersey, and Bob is in regular contact with Charlie and still asking him for his advice in many areas. Charlie is still interested in the ever evolving sport of natural bodybuilding and he continues to present great ideas of how to make the WNBF better.
Bob Bell
Owner & Vice President
