2008 INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT "AMBER PRIX"
Klaipėda, Lithuania, 2008
In 2008, alongside the international “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipėda, the organizers of the global WFF–WBBF federation were actively working on staging the traditional “Universe” competition in Vilnius, as well as the WBBF World Professional Championship. At the same time, the WFF World Professional Championship, featuring substantial prize money, was again organized in Prague at the Žofín Palace by Czech businessman Martin Kuta.
Following a meeting between the leaders of the WFF-WBBF Federation and the Minister of Sport of the Republic of Poland, Zbigniew Pacelt, Bydgoszcz businessman Jerzy Gotowski took the initiative to organize the WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in his city.
This important decision became a significant step in strengthening the Federation’s international recognition and promoting the development of bodybuilding and fitness sports throughout Europe. The organization of the event brought together the efforts of the city authorities, the business community, and sports organizations, while the championship itself became one of the most important WFF-WBBF sporting events of the year.
The World Amateur Championship held in Bydgoszcz gathered athletes from numerous countries and further reinforced the Federation’s position in the international sports arena.
“Amber Prix”
The 2008 "Amber Prix" competition took place in the sports hall of LCC International University.
On the occasion of the event, former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl presented the people of Klaipeda with a unique collection of original photographs of his protégé, then Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as a documentary film depicting Schwarzenegger’s life journey and athletic career.
The photographs were displayed in an exhibition held on the premises of LCC International University, while the documentary film was screened for the large audience gathered to watch the competition.
The official opening ceremony was attended by members of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, representatives of national and municipal institutions, and other distinguished guests. The event was filmed by a production crew from the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), which had arrived from Vilnius.
During the 2008 “Amber Prix” tournament, both living and deceased veterans were honored. After the competition, heads of foreign delegations visited the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, and also attended a press conference held at the ELTA news agency.
On the occasion of the event, a historical trilingual magazine (10,000 copies) and 3,000 copies of the competition DVD were published. These materials were distributed free of charge at various international events around the world.
A total of 293 athletes from 21 countries participated in the event: Argentina, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, and Ukraine.
Results
(only first three places)
FIT-KIDS DIVISION
Girls up to 8 years
1. Marcelina Porożyńska (Poland)
2. Maja Dembowska (Poland)
3. Karolina Młot (Poland)
Girls up to 10 years
1. Nikola Szydłowska (Poland)
2. Natalia Janta (Poland)
3. Ugnė Klumbyte (Klaipeda, Lithuania)
Girls up to 12 years
1. Klaudia Korpan (Poland)
2. Paulina Rocławska (Poland)
3. Aleksandra Dudáková (Slovakia)
Girls up to 14 years
1. Miriama Zigálová (Slovakia)
2. Stanislava Dolinská (Slovakia)
3. Kateryna Bezrodna (Ukraine)
Girls up to 16 years
1. Joanna Kwiatkowska (Poland)
2. Oksana Didukh (Ukraine)
3. Sylwia Kaczmarek (Poland)
Boys up to 10 years
1. Anton Florija (Vilnius, Lithuania)
Boys up to 14 years
1. Dmytro Girya (Ukraine)
AEROBIC FITNESS
Up to 18 years
1. Anita Bekus (Poland)
2. Radvile Jokubauskyte (Klaipeda, Lithuania)
3. Marta Noska (Poland)
Up to 21 years
1. Alina Olefirenko (Ukraine)
2. Agata Czerkawska (Poland)
3. Daria Shumarova (Ukraine)
Women – Category I
1. Natalia Bocian (Poland)
2. Ivana Sokolova (Slovakia)
3. Elena Tarasova (Russian Federation)
Women – Category II
1. Marija Deksne (Latvia)
2. Irina Nikitina (Klaipeda, Lithuania)
3. Vilma Asijaviciene (Marijampole, Lithuania)
Men
1. Andrius Smaguris (Vilnius, Lithuania)
2. Mikhail Glazunov (Russian Federation)
3. Piotr Grinevich (Belarus)
Women's Masters
1. Erzsébet Herczog (Hungary)
2. Elena Odentsova (Ukraine)
3. Svetlana Galkina (Russian Federation)
ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES DIVISION
Wheelchair Category
1. Petar Milenković (Serbia)
2. Arturas Krutulis (Marijampole, Lithuania)
3. Genadij Zametaskin (Kaunas, Lithuania)
General Disability Category
1. Nikolaj Mironov (Vilnius, Lithuania)
FITNESS MODEL
Category I
1. Lenka Maková (Slovakia)
2. Aušra Tasiukeviciute (Kaunas, Lithuania)
3. Weronika Krajewska (Poland)
Category II
1. Roberta Burokaite (Kaunas, Lithuania)
2. Ksenija Dunderski (Serbia)
3. Juste Matulyte (Kaunas, Lithuania)
Category III
1. Eva Martinková (Slovakia)
2. Jadwiga Krizanovska (Latvia)
3. Sylwia Kaczmarek (Poland)
Category IV
1. Rita Elksniņa (Latvia)
2. Aleksandra Sizonova (Klaipeda, Lithuania)
3. Veronika Juhaseva (Slovakia)
WOMEN'S SPORT FITNESS
Juniors up to 16 years
1. Brigita Vecerskaite (Palanga, Lithuania)
2. Vaida Grebliauskaite (Kaunas, Lithuania)
3. Aleksandra Ivanova (Bulgaria)
Juniors up to 18 years
1. Radvile Jokubauskyte (Klaipeda, Lithuania)
2. Juste Matulyte (Kaunas, Lithuania)
3. Anita Bekus (Poland)
Youth up to 21 years
1. Zita Satkauskaite (Telsiai, Lithuania)
2. Alina Olefirenko (Ukraine)
3. Lenka Maková (Slovakia)
Women – Category I
1. Oksana Rumyantseva (Russian Federation)
2. Nataša Maksimović (Serbia)
3. Nora Loranen (Finland)
Women – Category II
1. Oksana Usachova (Russian Federation)
2. Kristina Serksnaite (Kaunas, Lithuania)
3. Tatiana Dudneva (Russian Federation)
Women – Category III
1. Jamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina)
2. Irina Pateshkina (Russian Federation)
3. Kirsi Marika Tuominen (Finland)
Women – Category IV
1. Monika De Jesus Bolaños (Mexico)
2. Odeta Vaisnoriene (Vilnius, Lithuania)
3. Natalia Lysenko (Ukraine)
Women – Category V
1. Ilona Kokos (Vilnius, Lithuania)
2. Irina Fedoruk (Belarus)
3. Andrea Koflach (Austria)
MEN'S SPORT FITNESS
Juniors up to 16 years
1. Rokas Kasperavicius (Kaunas, Lithuania)
2. Deividas Savickas (Vilnius, Lithuania)
3. Valdas Miseikis (Klaipeda, Lithuania)
Juniors up to 18 years
1. Edgaras Linortas (Kaunas, Lithuania)
2. Tadas Tumbortas (Kaunas, Lithuania)
3. Lukás Palaga (Slovakia)
Youth up to 21 years
1. Erik Tóth (Slovakia)
2. Deividas Ignatavicius (Vilnius, Lithuania)
3. Mantas Stankevicius (Kaunas, Lithuania)
Men – Category I
1. Anton Yezhov (Russian Federation)
2. Alexey Chigarov (Russian Federation)
3. Artur Sinickij (Vilnius, Lithuania)
Men – Category II
1. Vadim Gushchin (Russian Federation)
2. Jukka-Pekka Nousiainen (Finland)
3. Deniss Gladkijs (Latvia)
Men – Category III
1. Leonid Filatov (Russian Federation)
2. Roman Polsin (Estonia)
3. Dmytro Strelnikov (Ukraine)
Men – Category IV
1. Darius Buksnaitis (Sakiai, Lithuania)
2. Davyd Tukhtayev (Russian Federation)
3. Nikolaos Giannakis (Greece)
Men – Category V
1. Arvydas Miseikis (Klaipeda, Lithuania)
2. Sergej Kiriuchin (Vilnius, Lithuania)
3. Predrag Milosević (Serbia)
Men – Category VI
1. Vladimir Polyakov (Russian Federation)
2. Normunds Jurans (Latvia)
3. Eduard Larin (Russian Federation)
Men – Category VII
1. Vitalijus Kuzmycius (Vilnius, Lithuania)
2. Aleksandr Shevtsov (Estonia)
3. Alexey Tarasov (Russian Federation)
OVERALL CHAMPIONS
Women's Overall Champion: Jamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina)
Men's Overall Champion: Darius Buksnaitis (Lithuania)
International Activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation in the Context of Europe's Geopolitical Developments
The year 2018 was a period in which international cooperation acquired particular importance throughout Europe. Following the events in Ukraine in 2014 and the beginning of Russia's military aggression against the country, many international public, academic, and sports organizations sought to preserve and strengthen their cooperation with Ukraine. Such relations were regarded not only as a form of professional collaboration but also as an expression of moral support for the country's society, cultural institutions, and academic community.
Within this context, the visits of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, to Ukraine assumed a broader significance. They extended well beyond cooperation in the field of sport. Meetings with university leaders, representatives of public organizations, historical orders, and Cossack associations demonstrated a commitment to maintaining international dialogue, expanding cultural cooperation, and strengthening civil society partnerships.
Lithuania and Ukraine share historical ties dating back to the period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Over the centuries these political, cultural, and social connections have evolved into a modern partnership based on mutual support for democracy, statehood, and European integration. In this respect, the activities of Lithuanian public organizations in Ukraine represented a natural continuation of longstanding bilateral cooperation.
Relations with Poland were equally significant. Lithuania and Poland are linked by a common historical heritage originating from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Following the restoration of Lithuanian independence, both countries became strategic partners within the European Union and NATO. Consequently, cooperation between Lithuanian and Polish public organizations acquired importance not only in the fields of culture and sport but also as a contribution to broader regional cooperation and European integration.
Dr. Edmundas Daubaras' visit to Poland in 2018 represented a continuation of this longstanding partnership. His participation in international events and the presentation of the historic Order of Saint Stanislaus symbolized recognition of many years of dedicated work in promoting cooperation among public organizations throughout Europe.
It is important to emphasize that the World WFF-WBBF Federation based its international activities on the principles of what is commonly referred to as public diplomacy or people-to-people diplomacy. Such initiatives complement official interstate relations by creating opportunities for cooperation among universities, sports organizations, cultural institutions, historians, and non-governmental organizations. International sporting events thereby become not only venues for athletic competition but also platforms for cultural dialogue, professional networking, and the strengthening of mutual understanding among nations.
It is therefore significant that the international distinctions conferred upon Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in 2018 recognized not athletic achievements but his contribution to international public activities. This demonstrates that the work of the World WFF-WBBF Federation was appreciated by its international partners in a much broader sense—as a long-term contribution to international cooperation, academic exchange, preservation of historical heritage, and the promotion of dialogue among the peoples of Europe.
Viewed from a historical perspective, the events of 2018 constituted an important stage in the international development of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. Over several decades, the Federation evolved from an international bodybuilding organization into a broad platform for international public cooperation. Its activities expanded beyond the promotion of bodybuilding and fitness to include partnerships with universities, academic institutions, public organizations, and organizations dedicated to preserving Europe's historical and cultural heritage. This development was the result of consistent long-term efforts that significantly strengthened the Federation's international prestige and recognition across numerous European countries.
Special Focus on the International Activities of the WFF–WBBF Federation in 2018
Expansion of International Activities in Europe
The year 2018 marked an important stage in the international development of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Throughout the year, the organization actively expanded its international relations in Europe while strengthening cooperation with academic institutions, public organizations, and cultural partners. Representing the Federation at numerous international events, its President, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, participated not only in sports-related activities but also in academic, public, and historical initiatives.
Official visits to Ukraine and Poland became significant milestones in the Federation's international activities during 2018. During these visits, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received several prestigious international public and historical distinctions in recognition of his long-standing contribution to international cooperation, the development of sport, and public service.
Visits to Ukraine
During 2018, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras visited Ukraine on several occasions. Meetings were held with university leaders, representatives of public organizations, officials of historical orders, and leaders of Ukrainian Cossack organizations. These meetings focused on strengthening international cooperation in the fields of culture, history, sport, and public activities.
Award at Lviv University
In January 2018, during an international scientific conference held in Lviv, Professor Yaroslav Kmit, Rector of the historic Ukrainian Stavropigion University, presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the university's highest distinction—the Order of Merit.
The award was conferred in recognition of his active international public service, long-term cooperation, and significant contribution to the development of international relations among various public organizations. The prestige of this distinction is reflected by the fact that, during the same period, it was also awarded to Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Ukraine, one of Ukraine's most prominent religious and public figures.
The Order of Hetman Ivan Sulima
In March 2018, during another visit to Ukraine, a ceremonial event was held at the Greek Catholic Church in Lviv, where the leadership of the Ukrainian Cossack League presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the Order of Ukraine Hetman Ivan Sulima.
This historical distinction was awarded for his outstanding international public activities, contribution to strengthening cooperation among nations, and active participation in international projects. Hetman Ivan Sulima occupies an important place in Ukrainian history as a symbol of statehood, freedom, and national identity. Consequently, the order bearing his name is regarded as one of the country's most honorable historical public distinctions.
The Order of the Crown of Christ
In October 2018, during another visit to Lviv, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received the Sovereign Knights Order of Christ the Saviour, commonly known as the Order of the Crown of Christ, during an international ceremony held in one of the city's historic churches.
The decoration was presented by the Grand Master of the international historical Order of the Brothers of Christ. It recognized Dr. Daubaras for his long-standing efforts in promoting international public cooperation, encouraging dialogue among nations, and preserving the historical traditions of Europe.
Visit to Poland
In March 2018, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras also visited Poland, where he participated in international public events and held meetings with representatives of various organizations.
During the visit, he was invested with the historic Order of Saint Stanislaw in recognition of his active international work and his contribution to the development of international cooperation.
The Order of Saint Stanislaw was established on May 7, 1765, by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last monarch of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Over more than two and a half centuries, the order has become one of Europe's best-known historical distinctions, symbolizing service to society, the state, and Christian values.
Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received the order in recognition of his long-standing efforts to strengthen international relations among public organizations, cultural and sports institutions, and to promote international dialogue.
The International Standing of the WFF–WBBF Federation
The international distinctions received in 2018 reflected not only the personal recognition of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras but also the growing international prestige of the World WFF–WBBF Federation.
By this time, the Federation's activities had expanded well beyond the traditional framework of bodybuilding and fitness. The organization actively participated in international cultural, historical, academic, and public projects while developing cooperation with universities, research institutions, historical organizations, and civic movements throughout Europe.
This broad range of activities strengthened the Federation's role as a platform for international cooperation and contributed significantly to its growing international reputation.
Conclusions
The year 2018 became one of the most significant milestones in the international history of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Official visits to Ukraine and Poland strengthened the Federation's ties with academic institutions, historical organizations, and public movements.
The international distinctions awarded to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras constituted official recognition of his many years of dedicated work while also reflecting the Federation's contribution to the development of international cooperation. They demonstrated that the Federation's activities were appreciated not only within the sporting community but also among academic, cultural, and public institutions.
The events of 2018 once again confirmed that the World WFF–WBBF Federation based its mission on more than sporting achievements alone. It consistently promoted international cooperation, encouraged dialogue among nations, supported the preservation of historical heritage, and fostered public partnership. These principles became an important foundation for the Federation's growing international prestige and now form a significant chapter in its history.
NOTHING COMES FROM NOTHING
The Emergence of Bodybuilding as a Sport
When discussing the history of bodybuilding, much attention is often given to the first strongmen, Eugen Sandow, and the physical culture movement of the early twentieth century. However, during that period bodybuilding was not yet an independent sport. There was no international governing body, no unified rules, and no official championships. It remained an activity pursued by a relatively small circle of enthusiasts.
The true emergence of bodybuilding as a sport began only when institutions assumed responsibility for its organization and international administration. For this reason, the decisive turning point in bodybuilding history occurred not in Europe, but in the United States.
Before the establishment of a governmental system for sports administration, virtually all amateur sports in the United States were governed by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), founded in 1888. One of its member organizations was the USA Weightlifting Federation, which belonged to the Fédération Internationale Haltérophile (FIH), the International Weightlifting Federation. Since the FIH was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), its decisions carried official international authority.
One of the most influential figures in American and world weightlifting during this period was Bob Hoffman (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898–1985), widely known as the "Father of American Weightlifting." Hoffman was not only a sports administrator but also an exceptionally successful entrepreneur. He manufactured sports equipment and nutritional supplements, published magazines and books, sponsored athletes, and established an international network promoting strength sports. These activities enabled him to exercise considerable influence far beyond the United States.
It was through Hoffman's initiative that, in 1947, the Fédération Internationale Haltérophile officially expanded its jurisdiction to include bodybuilding. The organization consequently adopted the name Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste (FIHC) — the International Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Federation.
The importance of this decision can hardly be overstated. For the first time in history, bodybuilding ceased to be merely an activity promoted by individual clubs or private organizers and became a discipline officially administered by an internationally recognized sports federation.
This development provided bodybuilding with an institutional foundation. It became possible to establish national federations, organize official international championships, standardize judging criteria, and pursue broader recognition within the international sports community.
At that time, the AAU–FIHC structure directed by Bob Hoffman represented the world's strongest bodybuilding organization. Organizations operating outside this system—including the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB), founded by brothers Joe and Ben Weider—faced considerably greater difficulties in organizing international competitions and expanding worldwide. This demonstrates that during the late 1940s the FIHC, rather than the IFBB, was the principal international authority governing bodybuilding.
Bob Hoffman's primary objective was not commercial success but the official recognition of bodybuilding as a legitimate sport. He pursued this goal consistently by working within the established international sports structure.
1947 – The First Official Mr. Universe Contest
Even before bodybuilding received international recognition, the AAU had organized the annual Mr. America contest since 1939, making it the most prestigious amateur bodybuilding championship in the United States. Nevertheless, no official world bodybuilding championship yet existed.
In 1947, on Bob Hoffman's initiative, the first international Mr. Universe contest in bodybuilding history was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in conjunction with the World Weightlifting Championships under the patronage of the FIHC.
Immediately before the competition, the FIHC Congress adopted a historic resolution officially assigning the federation responsibility for governing international bodybuilding and organizing regular international bodybuilding championships. This moment may therefore be regarded as the official beginning of international competitive bodybuilding.
The first overall Mr. Universe title was won by the distinguished American weightlifter and bodybuilder Steve Stanko, one of Bob Hoffman's closest protégés. His victory represented far more than an individual sporting achievement—it symbolized the birth of a new internationally organized sport.
Conclusion
Histories of bodybuilding often emphasize its early physique stars, famous performers, or the later rise of the IFBB. Historical documentation, however, demonstrates that the institutionalization of bodybuilding began in 1947, when the Fédération Internationale Haltérophile officially incorporated bodybuilding into its jurisdiction and became the Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste (FIHC).
For this reason, 1947 should be regarded as the birth year of international competitive bodybuilding as an officially governed sport. From that moment onward, bodybuilding possessed an internationally recognized governing body, official world championships, and the organizational framework necessary for development as an independent sport. Regardless of the emergence of later organizations and their subsequent rivalry, the future growth of bodybuilding rested upon the institutional foundation established through Bob Hoffman's initiative in 1947.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
HONORARY DOCTORATE – DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA
The Highest International Recognition of a Lifetime of Achievement
In June 2013, Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.), paid an official visit to the city of Lviv, Ukraine.
Lviv, one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities, is renowned for its rich history, remarkable architectural heritage, and long-standing academic traditions. It was in this distinguished setting that an event of special significance took place—one recognizing Edmundas Daubaras' decades of international leadership and achievement.
Upon his arrival, the President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. was officially welcomed by a delegation of the City of Lviv, which escorted him to the apartments of the prestigious Leopol Hotel.
The highlight of the visit was the solemn ceremony held at Lviv Stavropigion University, one of Ukraine's oldest institutions of higher education, whose origins date back to 1788. In recognition of more than three decades of outstanding international organizational, sporting, and public activity, the University's Academic Council conferred upon Edmundas Daubaras the honorary academic title of Doctor Honoris Causa (Doctor of Sciences, D.Sc.).
This distinction is among the highest academic honors awarded in recognition of exceptional contributions to society, international cooperation, science, sport, and culture.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives of the academic community from Ukraine and neighboring countries. Among them were Professor Dr. Yaroslav Kmit (Ярослав Кміт), Rector of Lviv Stavropigion University and Vice President of the International UNESCO Programs Implementation Center, as well as Professor Viktor Idzio (Віктор Ідзьо), Rector of Moscow University, Academician of the International Eurasian Academy, and Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Higher Education of Ukraine, together with many other prominent scholars.
The honorary doctorate awarded to Edmundas Daubaras represented far more than personal recognition. It became an international acknowledgment of the global W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. movement, to whose development and worldwide expansion he devoted a substantial part of his life. Over the years, the organization united dozens of countries, organized numerous international championships, and established close cooperation with academic institutions, public organizations, and governmental bodies throughout the world.
Conclusion
The conferral of the honorary title Doctor Honoris Causa upon Edmundas Daubaras marked an important international recognition of his lifelong work and achievements. This distinguished academic honor confirmed that his decades of dedication to the global development of fitness and bodybuilding, the promotion of international cooperation, and the strengthening of international sports organizations had earned recognition not only within the sporting world but also from the academic community. It remains one of the most significant acknowledgments of Edmundas Daubaras' contribution to the history of international sport.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
Indian Athletes Have Developed a Strong Affection for the “Amber Prix” Tournament
Athletes from a number of Asian countries actively participate in the activities of the International WFF-WBBF Federation. Among the most prominent are India, Pakistan, and Turkey, while Egypt has also become increasingly active in recent years.
We first met Indian bodybuilders in 2008 at the WFF-WBBF “World Grand Prix” held in Greece. Closely following the activities of the international federation, Indian organizers staged the first WFF-WBBF India National Championship in 2010 and invited the federation’s leaders to attend. Since then, our cooperation has continued to grow, and we have participated in various events in India on as many as nineteen occasions.
Over the years, Indian athletes have become regular participants in the prestigious “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Many of them have won titles in their respective categories, while two Indian representatives, Dharminder Singh and Navtej Singh, achieved an exceptional distinction by becoming Overall Champions of the tournament.
The success of Indian athletes once again highlights the growing strength of bodybuilding in India and the close ties that have been established with the international WFF-WBBF community.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES
61 YEAR OF LITHUANIAN BODYBUILDING
On May 17, 2025, the 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding (1965–2025) was solemnly celebrated in Gargždai, on Lithuania's Baltic coast. It was the only official commemorative event in the Republic of Lithuania dedicated to this important milestone in the nation's sporting history.
The anniversary celebrations continue. In May 2027, Klaipėda will host another historic event—the 60th International "Amber Prix" Tournament, one of the world's oldest continuously organized international bodybuilding competitions.
However, 2026 is also a landmark year. It marks a series of important anniversaries of events that have shaped not only the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding but have also left a lasting impact on the international development of the sport.
Anniversary Milestones
1946 – 80 Years Ago
The IFBB commercial company was established in Canada, later after 1971 becoming one of the world's most influential bodybuilding organizations.
1966 – 60 Years Ago
Vilnius hosted the first international bodybuilding competition ever held in the socialist world. This historic event opened a new chapter in the development of bodybuilding throughout Eastern Europe.
1976 – 50 Years Ago
Despite the official prohibition of bodybuilding in socialist countries, Edmundas Daubaras organized a public bodybuilding competition in Telšiai. At that time, he was the only bodybuilding organizer in the Soviet Union to openly undertake such an initiative.
1986 – 40 Years Ago
On the initiative of Edmundas Daubaras, the process of establishing the official USSR Bodybuilding Federation was launched. A meeting held at his home brought together Vladimir Dubinin, Vladimir Shubov, and Arkadiy Kashansky, leading to the official founding of the Federation in Kubinka in 1987.
1996 – 30 Years Ago
Klaipėda hosted the first European Bodybuilding Championship in the history of Lithuanian sport. Organized by Edmundas Daubaras, the championship received official support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
2006 – 20 Years Ago
Vilnius hosted the second World Professional Bodybuilding Championship in the history of Lithuanian sport, organized by Edmundas Daubaras. The championship received official support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
2016 – 10 Years Ago
Leading the organizing committee Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized the World Professional Bodybuilding Championship in Kaunas.
2026
The international WFF–WBBF events held in Klaipėda brought together 289 athletes from numerous countries, once again confirming Lithuania's position as an important center of international bodybuilding.
Lithuania's Contribution to World Bodybuilding
For more than six decades, Lithuania has repeatedly played a significant role in the international history of bodybuilding. The country hosted the first international bodybuilding competition in the socialist world, organized European and World Championships, and established Klaipėda as a permanent venue for major WFF–WBBF international events.
Equally important is the fact that Lithuanian enthusiasts preserved the traditions of bodybuilding even during the years when the sport was officially prohibited. Competitions continued to be organized despite political restrictions, and after Lithuania regained its independence, the country emerged as one of the most active organizers of international bodybuilding events.
Conclusions
The anniversaries celebrated in 2026 remind us that the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding is far more than a record of sporting achievements. It is a story of determination, vision, organizational leadership, and international recognition.
These milestones provide an opportunity to honor the pioneers, organizers, and athletes who built the foundations of Lithuanian bodybuilding and to pass this remarkable legacy on to future generations.
Looking ahead to the 60th International "Amber Prix" Tournament in 2027, it is evident that Lithuania continues to write new chapters in bodybuilding history. The achievements of the past six decades have become an integral part not only of Lithuania's sporting heritage but also of the history of international bodybuilding.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
