BODYBUILDING – NO LONGER A SPORT?
Who Destroyed Bodybuilding in Lithuania?
Today, the crisis of bodybuilding is openly discussed not only in Lithuania but throughout the world. For many people it has already become obvious why this sport has lost its authority, popularity, and athletic value. Only a few know the real actors behind this process, but today we can calmly look back at history and facts.
The global turning point came around 1990, when professional wrestling magnate Vince McMahon attempted to take over professional bodybuilding and transform it into a commercial entertainment show. At that moment, bodybuilding began rapidly moving away from the principles of traditional sport.
Soon afterward, many of the most famous female professional bodybuilders left the sport forever, including Corinna Everson. This was a clear sign that bodybuilding was fundamentally changing.
Another major blow came in 1998, when the International Olympic Committee refused to recognize the IFBB federation and, consequently, did not recognize bodybuilding as an Olympic sport. From that moment it became clear that bodybuilding had lost any realistic chance of being considered a fully legitimate sport. Although IFBB federations in some countries still receive government funding, in many cases this continues more out of inertia than because of genuine sporting value.
The Situation in Lithuania
For decades Lithuania was one of the strongest bodybuilding nations in Eastern Europe. Today, however, its influence on the international stage has practically disappeared. The bodybuilding community knows very well who is responsible for this situation.
For many years, the Lithuanian IFBB federation publicly attacked other organizations, accusing their athletes of using doping substances. Yet statistics speak for themselves — IFBB athletes themselves have repeatedly appeared in doping scandals, and the list of such cases seems endless.
Because of the current IFBB policies, many real bodybuilders have left the federation. Those who remain usually compete in events where doping control is either weak or purely symbolic.
This was clearly visible at this year’s Lithuanian IFBB Championship in Kėdainiai. Any experienced observer could easily notice that there were practically no athletes on stage representing the idea of natural bodybuilding.
The situation in regional competitions is even more disappointing. At a recent event in Šiauliai, only four bodybuilders and six women of questionable athletic quality participated. This demonstrates not growth, but a deepening crisis.
Alternative Directions
Meanwhile, the level of athletes competing in NAC championships remains relatively high, with some competitors displaying truly international-level conditioning. However, even there the number of participants remains limited.
The international WFF-WBBF federation has chosen a completely different direction. For many years, the federation has been developing original fitness and aesthetic sport disciplines while searching for new formats and audiences.
A few weeks ago, WFF-WBBF competitions held in Klaipėda attracted as many as 289 athletes. This proves that an alternative path may have real potential.
Interestingly, various international organizations are increasingly copying WFF-WBBF ideas. Recently, IFBB organized its first exhibition aerial acrobatic fitness competition in Spain — a discipline that has long existed within the WFF-WBBF system.
When there are no original ideas of your own, copying others becomes the only option.
Can Bodybuilding Recover?
Today, classical bodybuilding worldwide has nearly reached rock bottom. The number of competitors is declining, public interest is fading, and sporting credibility continues to disappear.
However, this does not mean everything is lost.
There are new directions, new disciplines, and a new understanding of aesthetic physical culture. A more modern model must be developed — one that appeals to younger generations, preserves athletic value, and is not confined to the outdated structure of traditional bodybuilding.
The road will not be short, and it will not be easy.
But time will tell — perhaps we will succeed.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
GREAT ORGANIZATION.
GREAT DATES.
As 2028 approaches, the International WFF–WBBF Federation is preparing to commemorate a significant milestone – the 60th anniversary of its international activities. During this period, the organization has grown into a global sports movement, bringing together members from 141 countries across all continents.
Despite the challenges that have affected the world in recent years – including the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and other international developments – the Federation has maintained active operations, consistently promoting initiatives in sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living. Our mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and physical abilities to participate in sporting activities while strengthening international cooperation in this field.
The Federation's history is closely linked with Lithuania and its contribution to the development of international sport:
• In 1967, the international tournament “Amber Prix” was established in Lithuania. In 2027, the event will celebrate its anniversary in Klaipėda.
• In 1968, the International Athletic Gymnastics (Bodybuilding) Federation was founded in Lithuania and coordinated the development of this sport in numerous countries.
• During challenging historical periods, the Federation faced various restrictions; however, its community successfully preserved sporting traditions and ensured the continuity of its activities.
• Following 1991, the Federation actively expanded its participation in the international sports movement, developing cooperation with sports organizations and institutions in many countries.
• Since 1999, special attention has been devoted to children's sports through the “Fit-Kid” programs and to the development of sports opportunities for persons with disabilities.
• In 2004, fitness model competitions were introduced into the Federation's event program, attracting broad international interest.
• Since 2024, the Federation has further intensified its activities in fitness, physical activity, and wellness, promoting sport as a means of improving public well-being and quality of life.
The results achieved in recent years confirm the relevance of these activities and the growing public interest in them. In 2026, approximately 300 athletes from various countries participated in the professional “Universe” competition held in Klaipėda, while the European Amateur Championship in Croatia attracted more than 2,000 participants.
Throughout its history, the Federation has sought constructive cooperation with national and local authorities, sports organizations, and public institutions. In many countries, our events have been recognized as a meaningful contribution to promoting physical activity, strengthening international relations, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. In recent years, the Federation's work has received attention and recognition in Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Estonia, India, and other countries.
The forthcoming 60th anniversary represents not only an important historical achievement for our organization but also an opportunity to once again emphasize the importance of sport in strengthening public health, international cooperation, cultural dialogue, and social unity.
We look forward to continuing meaningful cooperation and to contributing, through joint efforts, to the promotion of sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living on an international scale.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
W.F.F. – International / W.B.B.F. – International
International Amateur "UNIVERSE" Championship
Overview of Overall Winners
(2000–2026)
During the twenty-seven-year period from 2000 to 2026, the W.F.F. – International / W.B.B.F. – International Amateur "UNIVERSE" Championship has established itself as one of the world's most prestigious events in amateur bodybuilding, fitness, and aerobic fitness. The results achieved over these years reflect not only the highest level of athletic excellence but also the significant contribution of many nations to the development of these sports.
Throughout this period, Overall Winner titles were won by athletes representing more than twenty countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The highest number of victories was achieved by athletes from Russia, while Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Argentina, and Slovakia also ranked among the most successful nations. In recent years, Lithuania and Poland have emerged as the leading countries in the Championship.
In the Men's Overall category, Alexander Nevsky (Russia–USA) achieved an exceptional record by winning the Overall Champion title three consecutive times (2010–2012). This remains a unique achievement in the history of the Amateur "UNIVERSE" Championship.
In the Women's Overall category, Marina Burinskaja (Latvia), Yamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina), and Olga Bogacz (Poland) each won two Overall titles. Olga Bogacz became the most recent repeat champion by securing consecutive victories in 2025 and 2026.
In the Aerobic Fitness Overall category, Jolanta Mileriūtė (Lithuania) and Alina Olefirenko (Ukraine) each captured the Overall title twice, becoming the most successful athletes in this discipline.
Lithuanian athletes have demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the history of the Championship. During the 2000–2026 period, they won Overall titles in all three divisions—Men, Women, and Aerobic Fitness. Particularly impressive were the recent achievements: Gintarė Staliulionytė won the Aerobic Fitness Overall title in 2024, Marija Steponavičiūtė in 2023, Akvilė Šarkaitė in 2022, Karina Radziabova in 2021, and Piotr Ševčenko became the Men's Overall Champion in 2026. These results confirm the strength of the Lithuanian bodybuilding and fitness school and its ability to prepare athletes capable of competing successfully at the highest international level.
The 2026 Championship once again confirmed the dominance of the Baltic States and Poland. The Overall Champions were Piotr Ševčenko (Lithuania), Olga Bogacz (Poland), and Weronika Schreiber (Poland). Their victories reflect the current trends in international amateur bodybuilding and fitness and demonstrate the growing competitiveness of athletes from this region.
Conclusions
• During the period from 2000 to 2026, the Amateur "UNIVERSE" Championship maintained its position as one of the most prestigious international events in amateur bodybuilding, fitness, and aerobic fitness.
• Overall Champions represented more than twenty countries, demonstrating the truly international character and global reach of W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International.
• Although Russian athletes accumulated the highest number of Overall titles, the last decade has clearly been marked by the rapid rise of Lithuania, Poland, and the other Baltic countries.
• Alexander Nevsky remains the only athlete in Championship history to win the Men's Overall title three consecutive times.
• Lithuanian athletes have established an outstanding legacy within W.F.F. – International / W.B.B.F. – International by consistently winning Overall titles across different divisions and strengthening the international prestige of the organization.
• The results of the 2026 Championship confirm that the Baltic States and Poland are currently among the strongest regions in international amateur bodybuilding and fitness.
INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR "UNIVERSE" CHAMPIONSHIP
OVERALL WINNERS
(2000–2026)
Year Men Overall Winner Women Overall Winner Aerobic Fitness Overall Winner
2026 Piotr Ševčenko (Lithuania) Olga Bogacz (Poland) Weronika Schreiber (Poland)
2025 Toru Fukutomi (Japan) Olga Bogacz (Poland) Nina Jachimkowska (Poland)
2024 Maris Sveiduks (Latvia) Jelena Bitineva (Latvia) Gintarė Staliulionytė (Lithuania)
2023 Aleksej Lapsin (Estonia) Anna Sobolewska Kucharska (Poland) Marija Steponavičiūtė (Lithuania)
2022 Dmitrij Antonov (Russia) Marija Sivkova (Russia) Akvilė Šarkaitė (Lithuania)
2021 Roman Polshin (Estonia) Hanna Skytta (Finland) Karina Radziabova (Lithuania)
2020 Michail Malek (Russia) Olesia Kondratova (Vietnam) Alisa Klimova (Russia)
2019 Nikolaj Vorobjov (Russia) Alisa Klimova (Russia) Farreyra Maryangeles (Argentina)
2018 Golap Rabha (India) Evelina Stulginskaitė (Lithuania) Nerina Broggia (Argentina)
2017 Freddy Gaston Van Puenbroeck (Belgium) Willeke Marles Hoornaert (Belgium) Julija Gerasimova (Russia)
2016 Marosz Kanas (Slovakia) Yamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina) Marieta Zigalova (Slovakia)
2015 Andrej Rumiancev (Estonia) Julia Glazyceva (Russia) Nikola Szydlowska (Poland)
2014 Andrzej Rak (Poland) Valentina Kozlovskaja (Belarus) Viktoria Kildiashova-Rang (Russia)
2013 Andrzej Brzezinski (Poland) Dalvaniza Aquino (Brazil) Miriam Zigalova (Slovakia)
2012 Alexander Nevsky (Russia–USA) Yamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina) Julija Grisanova (Belarus)
2011 Alexander Nevsky (Russia–USA) Fernanda Youglar (Argentina) Klaudija Korpan (Poland)
2010 Alexander Nevsky (Russia–USA) Tracey Lee Gottschalk (South Africa) Alina Olefirenko (Ukraine)
2009 Aleksandr Vladimirov (England–Lithuania) Irina Valette Fedoruk (France) Lenka Borutova Cervena (Czech Republic)
2008 Dayo Audi (England) Fernandez Alexandra Ximena Aguiar (Uruguay) Alina Olefirenko (Ukraine)
2007 Roman Dubovickij (Russia) Irina Riabova (Russia) Zaneta Balsewicz (Poland)
2006 Rosalia Dutra de Campos* (Argentina) Antonio Osta* (Uruguay) Silvia Malachovska (Slovakia)
2005 Aleksandr Baldin (Russia) Rachel Kauppila (Finland) Jolanta Mileriūtė (Lithuania)
2004 Konstantin Zacharov (Russia) Marina Burinskaja (Latvia) Jana Vodickova (Czech Republic)
2003 Jurij Karsetjan (Latvia) Ripert Marie-Pierre Dominique (France) Sirvanian Renata Kevork (Bulgaria)
2002 Franco Carlotto (Switzerland) Irina Zincenko (Russia) Julija Kukina (Latvia)
2001 Mindaugas Kvasys (Lithuania) Svetlana Pugacheva (Russia) Jolanta Mileriūtė (Lithuania)
2000 Massimo Monaco (Italy) Marina Burinskaja (Latvia) Romina Paoli (Italy)
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
THE 2008 WFF-WBBF “UNIVERSE” IN VILNIUS.
The History of a Tournament and an Era in International Fitness.
On November 22, 2008, Vilnius hosted the WFF-WBBF “Miss & Mister Universe” international tournament. Today, this event should be regarded not simply as another competition on the federation’s calendar, but as a historical document of its time — evidence of what international fitness and bodybuilding looked like at the end of the first decade of the 21st century.
To understand the significance of the 2008 tournament, it is not enough to list its winners and medalists. Behind the results lies an entire era: the expansion of international sport, the development of new competitive categories, the growth of masters’ and junior competitions, the evolution of fitness beyond traditional bodybuilding, and the formation of international connections between sporting organisations from different countries.
It is precisely in this broader context that the Vilnius “Universe” acquires its historical significance.
2008 — Sport on the Threshold of a New Era
The year 2008 represented something of a boundary between two eras.
On the one hand, international bodybuilding already had a long-established history, strong traditions, recognised names and well-developed schools.
On the other hand, fitness was changing rapidly.
Aesthetic physique, physical conditioning, athleticism, stage presentation and different forms of fitness were becoming increasingly important on the international scene.
This is why the structure of competitions at the end of the 2000s is particularly interesting from a historical perspective.
It reveals the transition from the concept of bodybuilding as a relatively narrow sporting discipline towards a broader understanding of fitness and physical culture as an entire system of competitive disciplines.
The WFF-WBBF model reflected this development.
The 2008 “Universe” was a characteristic example of this era.
Vilnius in the International WFF-WBBF System
The decision to hold the “Universe” in Vilnius was not accidental.
By that time, Lithuania had already become one of the important centres of WFF-WBBF international activity. International championships and tournaments were being held in Klaipėda, Trakai, Panevėžys and other Lithuanian cities.
A particularly important event was the traditional international “Amber Prix International” (“Gintarinis prizas”) tournament in Klaipėda.
The 40th anniversary edition received state support. This significantly expanded the possibilities for organising the event: inviting foreign teams and delegations, providing television and media coverage, and producing multilingual promotional and video materials.
As a result, a broader international sporting environment was developing — one in which Lithuania became a regular meeting place for athletes, coaches, judges, organisers and sports representatives from different countries.
The Vilnius “Universe” should therefore be viewed as part of this wider system.
The International Map Preserved by the Tournament
The results protocol itself is of particular historical value.
It includes representatives of Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Slovakia, Denmark, Venezuela, Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, Belarus, Poland, Bulgaria, Greece, Finland, Estonia, Germany, England, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Serbia, France and other countries.
This was no longer a local sporting meeting.
It was an international map of fitness at the end of the 2000s.
Its foundation consisted largely of countries from Eastern and Central Europe, but alongside them were representatives of Western Europe and South America.
The geographical diversity is important in itself.
Russia and Ukraine.
Latvia and Belarus.
Poland and the Czech Republic.
Germany and England.
Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil.
Different sporting traditions, training schools and concepts of the ideal physique met on one stage.
This geography is what makes the protocol historically significant.
Eastern Europe as One of the Centres of Development
A close examination of the results reveals the strong presence of Eastern Europe.
Russian and Ukrainian athletes appear in numerous categories and regularly feature among the medalists.
This was not accidental.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, strong traditions of physical culture, strength sports and athletic training continued to develop in the countries of the region. However, these traditions were now evolving within new national and international circumstances.
International federations became platforms where athletes from the former Soviet republics could meet competitors from Western Europe and other regions.
In this sense, international competitions of the late 1990s and 2000s became a kind of bridge between different sporting traditions of the post-Soviet and Western worlds.
The Vilnius “Universe” is one of the historical episodes that illustrates this process.
But “Universe” Was No Longer Exclusively European
At the same time, the results demonstrate that the international WFF-WBBF system was not confined to Europe.
The presence of athletes from Uruguay, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico and Brazil shows that the federation's international reach already extended significantly into South America.
These athletes were not merely symbolic participants.
They competed for medals.
And the highest women's title of the tournament went to Uruguay.
Alexandra Ximena Aguiar Fernandez became the overall women's winner.
The overall men's title went to England's Dayo Audi.
The official WFF-WBBF historical records identify these two athletes as the overall winners of the 2008 “Universe”.
Thus, the symbolic summit of the tournament was divided between two countries — Uruguay and England.
This is a highly revealing result.
Dayo Audi — A Victory at the End of a Major Competitive Career
The story of the men's overall winner adds another historical dimension to the event.
Dayo Audi later indicated that his final bodybuilding competition took place in Vilnius in November 2008, where he won the Mr. Universe title. By that point, he had already achieved British, European and world NABBA titles, as well as an IFBB professional title. The “Universe” title was the remaining major achievement he wanted to obtain before ending his competitive career.
For this athlete, therefore, the Vilnius tournament had a special personal significance.
The 2008 “Universe” was not only the culmination of his competitive career, but also its final chapter.
From a historical perspective, this transforms a simple line in a results sheet — “1st place” — into something much more meaningful.
The Uruguayan Women's Victory — Another Symbol of the Era
The story of the overall women's winner is equally revealing.
Alexandra Ximena Aguiar Fernandez's victory meant that the women's international summit belonged to an athlete from South America.
This is important because the geography of international fitness was no longer one-dimensional.
By 2008, it was no longer possible to speak of a single centre determining the development of the sport.
Different regional schools were emerging and competing.
European.
Eastern European.
South American.
International competitions allowed these schools to compare their achievements directly on the same stage.
The Revolution of Competitive Categories
The structure of the tournament itself is another important historical document.
The programme included:
Model Fitness, Fitness, Performance, Athletic, Super Athletic, Classic and Extreme.
There were also separate competitions for juniors, masters and disabled athletes.
To a modern observer, such differentiation may appear normal. Historically, however, it reflects a fundamental change in the concept of physical culture.
An athlete no longer had to fit a single universal model.
There were different forms of physical development.
Some athletes represented the aesthetics of Model Fitness.
Others represented Performance.
Others Athletic.
Others Super Athletic or Extreme.
Thus, the competitive system itself recognised the diversity of the athletic physique.
This was one of the defining characteristics of the era.
From Juniors to Athletes Over 60
The age range represented at the tournament is equally remarkable.
At one international event, athletes under 21 competed alongside athletes over 60.
Between them were the Over 40 and Over 50 categories.
This was more than simply a classification system.
It represented a model of sport as a lifelong activity.
A junior could enter the competitive system at a young age.
An adult athlete could continue competing.
After the age of 40, dedicated competitive categories were available.
After 50, there were new opportunities.
And even after 60, an athlete could step onto an international stage.
Historically, this conveyed an important message:
physical culture was no longer perceived exclusively as an activity for the young.
Disabled Athletes — An Important Part of the Picture
The programme also included a separate Disabled Sportsmen category.
The winner was France's Michael Louvel.
The existence of this category is historically significant in its own right.
The international tournament demonstrated that the sporting stage could belong not only to athletes representing an idealised physical model.
It could also provide space for people with different physical abilities.
Within the history of fitness, this reflects the gradual expansion of the very concept of participation in sport.
“Universe” as a Social Model of Sport
The 2008 results protocol should therefore be read as more than a list of placements.
It is effectively a social map of sport.
Within it we find:
• youth and maturity;
• men and women;
• professional and amateur competition;
• aesthetic fitness and athletic development;
• classic and extreme categories;
• athletes without disabilities and athletes with disabilities;
• Europe and South America.
All of these elements were brought together within one international competition.
This is one of the defining historical characteristics of the “Universe”.
2008 as the Peak of a Particular Period
The year 2008 becomes even more interesting when viewed in a broader historical sequence.
Official WFF-WBBF statistics show that overall “Universe” winners in different years came from a wide range of countries, including Russia, Latvia, Finland, Argentina, Uruguay, France, South Africa, England and others.
In 2008, the women's overall title went to Uruguay and the men's title to England.
This allows us to draw a broader conclusion.
The “Universe” was not a competition dominated by one national school.
It was an international system in which the geography of champions continually changed.
That is why the historical value of the tournament lies not only in its individual results, but in the broader process it represents.
Vilnius as a Meeting Point of Sporting Traditions
In 2008, Vilnius stood at the intersection of several major developments.
On one side was the strong tradition of Eastern European strength and physical culture.
On another was the growing international importance of fitness.
There was also the expanding participation of Western European athletes.
At the same time, South American competitors were increasingly visible on the international stage.
And finally, the concept of participation was becoming broader, encompassing juniors, masters and athletes with disabilities.
For this reason, the significance of Vilnius cannot be reduced simply to the fact that the tournament took place there.
For a particular moment in history, the city became a meeting point for different currents within the international sporting movement.
History Cannot Be Read Through Medals Alone
If we remove all the names from the 2008 protocol and leave only its structure, we still see an extraordinarily important historical picture.
We see dozens of countries.
We see several continents.
We see numerous categories.
We see different generations.
We see fitness developing beyond traditional bodybuilding.
We see an attempt to create an international system in which different forms of physical culture could exist side by side.
This is the tournament's most important historical legacy.
A medal is the result of one day.
A protocol is a document of an era.
Historical Conclusion
The 2008 WFF-WBBF “Universe” in Vilnius was not simply an international tournament. It was a reflection of a transitional period in the history of international fitness and bodybuilding.
It was a time when established sporting traditions remained highly influential, while a new form of international fitness was emerging — more diverse, more specialised and geographically more open.
Eastern Europe retained a strong position.
Western Europe was actively participating in international competition.
South America was becoming increasingly visible.
The boundaries of a competitive athletic career were expanding.
New categories were emerging.
Women's fitness was developing.
Disabled athletes were being incorporated into competitive programmes.
And the overall titles could travel from Vilnius to Uruguay and England.
This is the historical significance of the 2008 “Universe”.
It does not tell us only who won.
It tells us what the sport itself looked like.
What its geographical landscape was.
What its concepts of physical excellence were.
What its international community was becoming.
And, finally, what that particular moment in history looked like — a period when fitness was becoming increasingly global, diverse and open to new countries, new categories and new generations of athletes.
2008 in Historical Perspective
Today, the tournament can be regarded as one of the archival “snapshots” of its era.
Its records preserve more than statistics.
They preserve the geography of the sport.
They preserve its sporting values.
They preserve its model of international cooperation.
They preserve the understanding of what an athlete should be — and how diverse the path towards physical excellence could become.
For this reason, the 2008 Vilnius “Universe” deserves a place not only in the WFF-WBBF sporting calendar.
It deserves a place in the history of international fitness at the turn of the 21st century — as evidence of an era when the sport was becoming increasingly global, diverse and open to new countries, new categories and new generations of athletes.
