The inception of the NPC Wheelchair Nationals. traces back to the granting of authority by NPC & IFBB Professional League President, Jim Manion, to Promoter Frank Dalto.
This significant step marked the emergence of the first NPC Wheelchair Nationals., spurred by Frank’s deeply personal connection as his nephew navigated life in a wheelchair.
Victor Konovalov wins the NPC Wheelchair Nationals from 1995-1998.
Daria Alinovi wins the 1996 NPC Wheelchair Nationals
Reggie Bennett wins the 2001 NPC Wheelchair Nationals.
Carlo Trenti wins the 2002 NPC Wheelchair Nationals.
Colt Wynn wins the 2003 NPC Wheelchair Nationals.
Victor Konovalov wins the 2004 NPC Wheelchair Nationals. This is his 4th time winning.
Greg Grose wins the 2005 NPC Wheelchair Nationals.
Colt Wynn wins the 2006 NPC Wheelchair Nationals.
Nick Scott made his debut at the 2006 NPC Wheelchair Nationals, sparking his passion for the sport. He envisioned global success for Wheelchair Bodybuilding.
Wheelchair Bodybuilding, Inc. (WCBB), a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status, was founded by Nick Scott. WCBB aimed to create more opportunities for wheelchair and adaptive athletes, promoting growth.
The first website for wheelchair bodybuilding was created, connecting athletes from around the world.
Nick started speaking more to raise essential funds for the development of Wheelchair Bodybuilding, aiding the sport in growing and reaching a wider audience.
The NPC USA Wheelchair Championship was introduced, further solidifying the sport’s expanding reach.
Jeff Snell wins the 2006 NPC USA Wheelchair Championship.
Victor Konovalov wins the 2007 NPC Wheelchair Nationals for the 5th time, making him the Amateur Wheelchair Bodybuilder athlete with most wins.
Johnny Quinn wins the 2007 NPC USA Wheelchair Championship.
Cynthia James (CJ) added her competition, the NPC “CJ Classic” Figure, Fitness & Bikini Championships, in conjunction with the 26th Annual NPC Sunshine Classic Bodybuilding Championships and the 15th Annual NPC Wheelchair Nationals.
Colt Wynn wins the 2008 NPC Wheelchair Nationals.
Approval was obtained to organize the first IFBB Professional League Wheelchair Bodybuilding Competition, a significant advancement in the sport’s progression.
Jason Greer wins the 2008 NPC USA Wheelchair Championship.
Nick went to the 2008 Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend to try to get sponsors for the first IFBB Professional League Wheelchair Bodybuilding Competition.
Mick Skinner from Bodybuilding.com wanted Bodybuilding.com to be the title sponsor and also signed Nick Scott as an Official Sponsored Athlete.
Mick Skinner from Bodybuilding.com arranged for the company to fly Nick to expos and events to represent Bodybuilding.com. Mick saw value in Nick’s vision and wanted to help him succeed. This gave Nick the opportunity to interact with different companies, Owners, CEOs, and Executives.
Because of this, Nick got the opportunity to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger. This meeting became a very important and critical moment for the sport.
The IFBB Professional League granted IFBB Pro Cards and IFBB Professional League status to past Overall Champions of NPC Wheelchair Nationals and NPC USA Wheelchair Championship. They also approved specific international wheelchair athletes who met particular requirements.
International Athletes Approved
The 2011 NPC USA Wheelchair Championship became the first Official Wheelchair Bodybuilding Competition to offer the Men’s Overall Winner the coveted IFBB Pro Card.
Harold Kelley emerged as the pioneering Men’s Overall Champion at the 2011 NPC USA Wheelchair Championship.
Fallon Turner wins the Women’s 2011 NPC USA Wheelchair Championship.
After three years of dedicated effort, Nick Scott successfully organized the first IFBB Professional League Wheelchair Bodybuilding Competition at the 2011 IFBB Houston Pro.
Harold Kelley wins the 2011 IFBB Houston Pro and clinched victory as the first IFBB Pro Wheelchair Champion.
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Jim Manion, President of NPC & IFBB Professional League, asked Nick Scott to choose between being an athlete or a promoter due to potential conflicts of interest.
Nick Scott accepted Jim Manion’s offer and officially retired on stage at the 2015 IFBB Dallas Pro. Nick Scott sacrificed his career as an athlete to help pave the way for the future of the sport. Nick Scott became the Official Voice for the sport of Wheelchair Bodybuilding for the NPC and IFBB Professional League.
Jim Lorimer, the co-founder of the Arnold Sports Festival, and Bob Lorimer, the President, approved Nick Scott’s offer to bring the Pro Wheelchair Competition to the 2016 Arnold Classic.
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International Athletes Approved
A groundbreaking moment unfolded at the 2016 Arnold Classic as the inaugural Pro Wheelchair competition took place. History was made.
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International Athlete Approved
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In early 2018, Olympia accepted the addition of the Pro Wheelchair Competition to the 2018 Joe Weider’s Olympia Weekend in September. After many years, the dream became a reality, and Wheelchair Olympia is now official.
Jack McCann officially retired at the 2018 Wheelchair Olympia. He is one of the original Wheelchair Athletes who competed at the 1994 NPC Wheelchair Nationals and one of the most successful wheelchair bodybuilders across different weight divisions as well as the Masters Division. He is the first Canadian to earn his IFBB Pro Card and IFBB Professional League status in the Wheelchair Division.
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International Athlete Approved
For the first time in history, international wheelchair athletes were allowed to compete in a competition to earn and obtain their IFBB Pro Card and IFBB Professional League status. That first competition was the 2019 Toronto Pro Qualifier.
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Jen Pasky-Jaquin was presented with her IFBB Pro Card by the President of Olympia LLC, Dan Solomon, during the 2020 Wheelchair Olympia event. This achievement solidified Jen’s position as the first female wheelchair athlete to attain the IFBB Professional League status.
The IFBB Professional League granted IFBB Pro Cards and IFBB Professional League status to past Women’s Overall Champions of NPC Wheelchair Nationals and NPC USA Wheelchair Championship.
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All Wheelchair Pro Qualifiers around the world now allow international competitors to compete, and the winner earns their IFBB Pro Card and IFBB Professional League status.
Three new Wheelchair Pro Qualifiers have been added:
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The introduction of new Wheelchair Bodybuilding Rules marked a significant evolution, reaffirming the sport’s commitment to progress.
Chief Photographer for the NPC, NPC Worldwide, and IFBB Professional League, has continuously ensured comprehensive coverage for Wheelchair Athletes. His commitment spans from the inaugural 1994 NPC Wheelchair Nationals to the present day.
He has consistently ensured that these athletes receive due recognition in the NPC News Online Magazine and online coverage, often featuring past NPC Wheelchair Nationals champions on the cover. Without his invaluable contributions, the exposure and growth of the sport would not have reached the remarkable position it holds today.
Vice President of the NPC, NPC Worldwide, and IFBB Professional League is carrying forward his grandfather’s legacy. Tyler Manion has maintained and expanded the support for the Wheelchair Division. Through his vision and leadership, the Wheelchair Division has expanded even more around the world in 2023, increasing the number of wheelchair athletes competing.
President of the NPC, NPC Worldwide, and IFBB Professional League is the cornerstone of Wheelchair Bodybuilding’s existence. Even after nearly 30 years, his support for the Wheelchair Division and its athletes continues.
His visionary outlook on the Wheelchair Division has transformed, enabling wheelchair athletes from around the world to compete on the biggest bodybuilding stages, turning their dreams into reality. Without Jim Manion’s support and approval, none of this would have been possible.
Nick Scott relocated to San Antonio, Texas, to become involved in real estate and support the growth of the sport. This strategic decision will help generate passive income, which, in turn, will contribute to strengthening the sport and ultimately covering travel expenses for wheelchair and adaptive athletes.
In October 2018, Nick’s primary reason to relocate was his mother’s 15+ years of battle with cancer and her need for warmer weather. On February 22, 2021, the battle with cancer was over, marking the passing of Nick’s beloved mother.
The real estate venture, will be branded as “SES” (Sylvia Erna Scott) with Angel Wings, aims to honor Nick’s mother. Her love and belief in him drove Nick’s efforts to do whatever it took to make the sport of Wheelchair Bodybuilding a global success.
This enduring legacy envisions a future where, even after Nick’s eventual passing, his mother’s love and her angel wings will continue to fund the dreams of all wheelchair and adaptive athletes.
“Power without a purpose is meaningless and worthless. A purpose that is firm can change the impossible to the possible.”