2010–2026. THE WORLD’S BEST PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES.
W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International “Pro Universe”: An Analysis of Overall Winners.
17 Years of Professional Bodybuilding History: Champions, Countries, and Outstanding Athletic Achievements
Introduction
The period from 2010 to 2026 reflects the international diversity of professional bodybuilding, the achievements of athletes from different countries, and the ability of individual competitors to reach the highest levels of success over many years.
The list of overall winners of the “Pro Universe” competition, associated with the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) and the World Bodybuilding Federation (W.B.B.F. – International), includes male and female champions from 2010 through 2026.
These results offer an opportunity to examine not only the winners of individual years but also broader trends, including repeat championship titles, the geographical distribution of victories, and changes in leadership over time.
1. Men’s Category: Outstanding Champions and Their Achievements
The list of men’s overall winners for 2010–2026 records 17 victories by athletes representing eight countries: Slovakia, France, India, Russia, Estonia, South Africa, Poland, and Iran.
One of the most prominent athletes of this period is Maros Kanasz of Slovakia. His name appears among the overall winners for 2016, 2023, and 2026. Three victories across a decade demonstrate sustained competitiveness and the ability to return to the top position in different years.
Rahul Joshi of India became an overall winner in 2018 and 2024. His achievements highlight the contribution of Indian athletes to the international professional bodybuilding scene.
Russian athletes have also made a significant contribution. Dmitrij Antonov, Michail Malek, Nikolaj Vorobjov, and Jevgenij Klockov secured first place in different years. Their achievements demonstrate that Russian representatives were competitive across several periods rather than only in a single year.
Estonia has also been represented by several notable champions. Roman Polshin, Andrej Rumiancev, and Aleksandr Sevcov occupied the top position in different years. Poland was represented among the overall winners by Andrzej Rak and Andrzej Brzezinski.
In 2017, John Leslie of South Africa won the title, while Ali Imani of Iran emerged victorious in 2011. These achievements broaden the geographical picture of the competition beyond its strong European representation.
In 2025, the title was won by Mickael Louvel of France, while Maros Kanasz of Slovakia returned to the top in 2026. The results of these two years demonstrate the changing national representation at the highest level of competition.
2. Women’s Category: Champion Diversity and Sustained Competition
The history of women’s overall winners is equally diverse internationally. The list for 2010–2026 contains 17 victories, with champions representing eight countries: Poland, Latvia, Russia, Finland, Lithuania, Argentina, Belarus, and Brazil.
Svetlana Pugacheva of Russia is one of the most prominent champions of this period. According to the supplied list, she won the title in 2017 and 2024. Her achievements demonstrate that athletes can return to the highest position even after several years.
Hanna Skytta of Finland became an overall winner in 2019 and 2021. These results distinguish her among the competitors and highlight Finland’s presence in this category.
The list of women’s champions from 2010 to 2016 reveals a broad geographical distribution of victories. Russia was represented by Liudmila Kolesnikova and Julija Glazyceva, Lithuania by Jolanta Mileriute, Belarus by Valentina Kozlovskaja, Argentina by Yamila Toledo, and Brazil by Dalvaniza Aquino and Crecky Chaves.
This diversity demonstrates that the women’s overall title was won in different years by athletes from various European and South American countries.
In 2018, Asta Butkute of Lithuania won the title. In 2022, the winner was Maria Sivkova of Russia, followed by Anna Sobolewska-Kucharska of Poland in 2023. These results add further names to the history of the competition and underline the continuing level of competition.
In 2025, Jelena Ivanova of Latvia claimed the title, while Olga Bogacz of Poland became the 2026 winner. These recent results once again highlight the role of Central and Eastern European athletes in international professional bodybuilding.
3. National Representation: The International Geography of Professional Bodybuilding
The lists of overall winners in the men’s and women’s categories demonstrate broad international representation.
Among men, Slovakia, Russia, Estonia, India, and Poland are particularly prominent. Among women, Russia, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Brazil, and other countries have made their mark.
The contribution of athletes from Central, Eastern, and Northern Europe is especially noticeable. Representatives of Slovakia, Poland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland have won titles in different years.
At the same time, the lists include athletes from other regions, including India, Iran, South Africa, Argentina, and Brazil. This allows the history of “Pro Universe” to be viewed as an international sporting phenomenon bringing together representatives of different bodybuilding traditions.
It is important to emphasize that the lists record only the winners. They do not show the total number of participants, the number of athletes representing each country, or the results achieved by other competitors. Therefore, the geographical distribution of winners cannot be directly equated with the overall strength of bodybuilding in each country.
4. Repeat Victories: What Do They Tell Us About the Athletes?
One of the most interesting aspects of this analysis is the identification of athletes whose names appear more than once among the overall winners.
Men’s category:
• Maros Kanasz (Slovakia) — 2016, 2023, and 2026.
• Rahul Joshi (India) — 2018 and 2024.
Women’s category:
• Hanna Skytta (Finland) — 2019 and 2021.
• Svetlana Pugacheva (Russia) — 2017 and 2024.
Repeat victories are significant because they identify athletes who have managed to become overall winners more than once.
However, the years of victory alone cannot establish the length of an athlete’s career, the methods used in preparation, or their physical advantages. A more comprehensive assessment would require detailed competition results, athlete biographies, and information about participation in other events.
5. 2020–2026: Trends in Recent Years
Since 2020, the men’s and women’s categories have experienced changes in their overall winners.
In the men’s category, Michail Malek of Russia won in 2020, Roman Polshin of Estonia in 2021, Dmitrij Antonov of Russia in 2022, and Maros Kanasz of Slovakia in 2023.
In 2024, Rahul Joshi of India claimed first place, followed by Mickael Louvel of France in 2025 and Maros Kanasz of Slovakia in 2026.
In the women’s category, Marina Vlasova of Russia won in 2020, Hanna Skytta of Finland in 2021, Maria Sivkova of Russia in 2022, and Anna Sobolewska-Kucharska of Poland in 2023.
Svetlana Pugacheva of Russia became the winner in 2024, Jelena Ivanova of Latvia won in 2025, and Olga Bogacz of Poland took the title in 2026.
These results show that athletes from different countries have occupied the top position in recent years. In the men’s category, Marosz Kanasz’s return to the top in 2026 stands out, while the women’s category demonstrates a succession of different champions.
Nevertheless, determining whether these changes indicate increasing competitiveness would require an examination of the results of other competitors, participation numbers, and the composition of each competition.
6. Why Does the History of Overall Winners Matter?
The overall winner title distinguishes the athlete who achieves the highest overall position at a particular competition.
Historical lists of this kind are important for several reasons.
First, they help document sporting history. Preserving athletes’ names, years of victory, and countries of representation helps reconstruct the development of professional bodybuilding.
Second, they help assess the consistency of athletic achievement. Repeat victories highlight athletes who have managed to reach the highest position on multiple occasions.
Third, they demonstrate the international character of the sport. Champions from different regions and countries appear in the lists, showing that the history of the competition is not limited to one nation or one sporting tradition.
Fourth, they provide a foundation for further research. Combining lists of overall winners with competition results, participant numbers, weight categories, and athlete biographies would make it possible to produce a more detailed statistical review of professional bodybuilding.
Conclusion
The list of “Pro Universe” overall winners from 2010 to 2026 documents 17 years of professional bodybuilding history, highlighting both athletes with multiple victories and new champions.
In the men’s category, Maros Kanasz of Slovakia stands out, with his name appearing among the winners three times. Rahul Joshi of India has also claimed the title twice.
In the women’s category, Hanna Skytta of Finland and Svetlana Pugacheva of Russia stand out for their repeat victories.
Overall, the analysis demonstrates broad international representation and changes in the countries represented at the highest level of competition. At the same time, it illustrates that a list of overall winners represents only one part of sporting history. A more comprehensive assessment of competitiveness would also require results from other participants.
The history of W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International “Pro Universe” is a record of athletic achievements, champions, and international representation that deserves to be systematically documented, preserved, and analyzed.
Information Source
More detailed information about the activities of W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International, competitions, and historical results is available on the official international website, www.wff.lt, particularly in the federation’s international forum topics.
2006–2026 European Professional Championship.
Champions, International Competition and Historical Trends.
W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International
Introduction
The European Professional Bodybuilding Championship, organized by the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) and the World Bodybuilding Federation (W.B.B.F. – International), has brought together athletes from different countries for more than two decades. The list of overall winners from 2006 to 2026 provides an opportunity to examine the development of professional bodybuilding, the diversity of participating countries, and the achievements of athletes who have made their mark on the history of the championship.
An analysis of the results reveals several important trends: repeated victories by certain competitors, the emergence of new champions, the growing geographical diversity of the participants, and the importance of different weight categories in shaping the competition.
1. Men's Bodybuilding: Champions from Different Countries
The men's results from 2006 to 2026 demonstrate the international nature of the championship. Athletes representing various countries have earned top positions, reflecting the broad geographical reach of professional bodybuilding.
Among the champions listed are Alexander Baldin, Mikhail Malek, Maroš Kanas, Andrei Rumyantsev, Jorg Fuchs, Raimundas Urbanavicius, Maris Šveiduks, Dainius Dzikevičius, Vidmantas Malakauskas, and Aleksejs Petkevics.
The diversity of winners suggests that the championship has not been dominated exclusively by athletes from a single country. Instead, its history reflects competition among athletes with different sporting backgrounds, training approaches, and competitive experience.
The results also demonstrate that success in professional bodybuilding depends on a combination of factors, including muscle development, symmetry, proportions, conditioning, stage presentation, and preparation for a specific competition.
2. Women's Bodybuilding: Champions and Consistency in Performance
The women's results are an equally important part of the championship's history. Athletes such as Martina Fric, Marina Vlasova, Hanna Skytta, Evelyn Dirocie, Oksana Filimonova, Marieta Zigalova, and Evelina Pranauske feature among the names associated with the competition's winners.
The range of champions highlights the international character of women's bodybuilding and the contribution of athletes from different countries to the development of the sport.
Women's competitions also demonstrate the importance of consistent preparation and the ability to maintain a high competitive standard. Achieving success requires not only physical development but also balanced proportions, symmetry, muscular definition, and effective stage presentation.
The results over the years provide a basis for examining how athletes' performances and competitive opportunities have evolved within the championship.
3. Repeated Victories as an Indicator of Sporting Excellence
One of the most significant aspects of championship statistics is the recurrence of certain athletes' names. Repeated victories can indicate a competitor's ability to maintain a high level of performance over time.
However, winning more than once is not simply a matter of physical characteristics. It also reflects discipline, experience, long-term planning, and the ability to adapt training and preparation to the demands of competition.
Repeated success can also contribute to an athlete's reputation within the sport. Competitors who consistently achieve strong results may become important reference points for future participants and help establish the championship's sporting legacy.
At the same time, every edition of the championship presents a new competitive challenge. The arrival of new athletes, changes in competitive form, and differences in preparation ensure that the outcome cannot be taken for granted.
4. Weight Categories and the Assessment of Results
Weight categories are an important feature of bodybuilding competitions. They allow athletes to compete against others within an appropriate competitive classification and provide a framework for assessing different physiques.
When analysing championship results, it is essential to distinguish between winners of individual weight categories and overall champions. These achievements are related, but they are not necessarily equivalent.
A category victory demonstrates that an athlete achieved the highest result within a particular division. The overall title, where awarded through a separate comparison, represents a further distinction among competitors who have already succeeded in their respective categories.
This distinction is important when evaluating historical records. Accurate comparisons require an understanding of the competition format and the titles awarded in each year.
The results should therefore be interpreted in the context of the relevant categories and judging procedures rather than by treating every category winner as an overall champion.
5. Geographical Diversity and International Competition
The championship's history illustrates the international reach of professional bodybuilding. The presence of athletes from different countries shows that high-level competition is not confined to a single national sporting system.
Geographical diversity contributes to the championship in several ways. It broadens the range of athletic backgrounds represented, creates opportunities for competitors to measure themselves against international rivals, and helps strengthen connections between bodybuilding communities.
International competition also provides a valuable basis for comparing preparation methods, presentation styles, and approaches to physique development. These exchanges can contribute to the broader evolution of the sport.
The list of winners should therefore be viewed not merely as a record of individual achievements, but also as a reflection of the championship's role in bringing together athletes from different parts of Europe and beyond.
6. 2023–2026: The Most Recent Chapter in the Championship's History
The results from 2023 to 2026 represent the latest period covered by the supplied list. These years form an important part of the championship's continuing history and provide a snapshot of more recent competitive outcomes.
The inclusion of different champions across the period highlights the ongoing nature of international competition. Established athletes and new contenders contribute to an environment in which results are determined by performance at each championship.
Recent results can be particularly useful when examining changes in the competitive field. Nevertheless, a meaningful assessment of long-term trends requires more than a comparison of winners alone. It should also consider participation levels, category structures, competition formats, and the consistency of the available records.
The 2023–2026 period should therefore be understood as the latest stage in a longer sporting history rather than as a definitive indication of future outcomes.
7. The Value of Historical Statistics
A list of champions covering 2006–2026 is valuable not only as a record of achievements but also as a source for analysing the development of the championship.
Such records make it possible to identify repeated victories, trace the changing composition of the group of winners, and examine the international distribution of successful athletes.
Historical statistics can also help recognize athletes whose achievements have contributed to the championship's reputation. At the same time, statistical conclusions must be drawn carefully. A list of winners alone cannot fully explain the level of competition in a particular year or establish which era was the most competitive.
For a more comprehensive assessment, the winners' list could be supplemented with information about the number of participants, judging criteria, category changes, and the full rankings from each championship.
The distinction between recorded facts and broader interpretation is essential to maintaining an objective view of the championship's history.
Conclusion
The history of the W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International European Professional Bodybuilding Championship from 2006 to 2026 reflects two decades of international competition, individual achievement, and continuing development in professional bodybuilding.
The results highlight champions from different countries, the importance of repeated success, and the role of weight categories in organizing competition. They also demonstrate why historical statistics should be considered within the context of the championship's rules and structure.
Ultimately, the championship's significance lies not only in the names of its winners but also in its ability to bring athletes together, provide a platform for high-level competition, and preserve a record of the sport's development over time.
Source: The supplied list of W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International European Professional Championship overall winners, 2006–2026.
For further information, visit the official website: www.wff.lt.
WFF-WBBF PRESIDENT IN GDAŃSK.
OFFICIAL RECEPTION AT GDANSK CITY HALL.
International Federation Leadership Meets the Mayor of Gdańsk Ahead of the 2015 World Championship.
In June 2015, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World Fitness Federation – World Body Building Federation (WFF-WBBF), paid an official visit to Poland as part of the Federation's international preparations for the forthcoming 2015 WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in Gdańsk.
The visit brought together the leadership of the World Federation, representatives of the Polish national federation and municipal authorities of Gdańsk. A central objective of the meetings was to coordinate preparations for the international championship and strengthen cooperation between the WFF-WBBF and its Polish partners.
HISTORIC GDANSK – HOST CITY OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Gdańsk, one of Poland's most historic cities and an important European port, was selected to host the WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in 2015.
The forthcoming championship represented a major international undertaking, requiring close coordination between the World Federation, the Polish national federation and the host city.
During his official visit, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a series of meetings devoted to the organization of the championship, the reception of international delegations, sporting arrangements and cooperation with local authorities.
Particular attention was given to ensuring that the World Championship would be organized at an international level appropriate to the status of the WFF-WBBF and its participating national federations.
OFFICIAL MEETING WITH THE MAYOR OF GDANSK
One of the most significant events of the visit took place on June 22, 2015, when Dr. Edmundas Daubaras was officially received at Gdańsk City Hall by Paweł Adamowicz, Mayor of Gdańsk.
The official meeting was attended by Aleksandra Kobielak, President of the Polish National WFF-WBBF Federation.
The discussions focused on the forthcoming 2015 WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship and the organizational cooperation required for the successful staging of the international event.
The meeting at City Hall demonstrated the importance attached to cooperation between international sports organizations and municipal institutions when hosting major international competitions.
For the WFF-WBBF, the meeting represented another step in the Federation's long-standing efforts to develop international sporting relations and establish cooperation with national federations, public institutions and host cities.
WFF-WBBF INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION IN POLAND
The official visit of the WFF-WBBF President to Poland was not limited to a single meeting. During his stay, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras conducted a series of consultations concerning the forthcoming World Championship and met with representatives of the Polish sports community.
The President also held working meetings with Aleksandra Kobielak, whose leadership of the Polish National WFF-WBBF Federation was directly connected with the preparation of the championship in Gdańsk.
The meetings addressed practical organizational matters as well as broader questions concerning international cooperation within the WFF-WBBF movement.
A HISTORIC SETTING
During the official visit, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras stayed in a historic residence associated with Prussian Crown Prince Wilhelm II (Frederick William).
The residence was part of the historical heritage of the region and was traditionally associated with prominent European society and political life. Its historical character provided a distinctive setting for the visit of the President of the international sports federation.
The combination of the historic surroundings and the high-level official meetings added a special character to the WFF-WBBF President's visit to Poland.
BUILDING INTERNATIONAL SPORTING RELATIONS
The 2015 visit to Gdańsk reflected the broader international character of the WFF-WBBF organization.
The World Federation brought together national federations and athletes from different countries and, through its international championship program, sought to develop cooperation across national borders.
The official meeting with the Mayor of Gdańsk, together with consultations with the Polish National WFF-WBBF Federation, formed an important part of the preparations for the World Amateur Championship.
For Gdańsk, the forthcoming championship represented an opportunity to welcome representatives of the international fitness and bodybuilding community. For the WFF-WBBF, it was another major international event requiring close cooperation between the World Federation, the host national federation and the local authorities.
GDANSK – A MEETING POINT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL WFF-WBBF COMMUNITY
The June 2015 visit of WFF-WBBF President Dr. Edmundas Daubaras to Poland therefore became an important episode in the preparations for the World Amateur Championship in Gdańsk.
The official reception at Gdańsk City Hall, the meeting with Mayor Paweł Adamowicz and the consultations with Polish WFF-WBBF President Aleksandra Kobielak reflected the international scope of the forthcoming championship.
The Gdańsk meetings became part of the WFF-WBBF's continuing international history – a history built through world championships, national federations, international sporting cooperation and personal contacts between representatives of the Federation and public institutions.
Gdańsk, Poland – June 22, 2015.
An official meeting. An international championship. Another chapter in the history of the WFF-WBBF World Federation.
More information is on international page www.wff.lt
World Sport History.
PALANGA, 1998: WHEN THE WORLD OF FITNESS CAME TOGETHER ON THE BALTIC SEA.
186 athletes, 15 countries, and the first official WFF World Fitness Championship held in the Republic of Lithuania. At the time, the federation was still experimenting with categories and judging criteria, searching for its own direction. Nearly three decades ago, Palanga became the setting for a chapter that has since become part of fitness history.
The event was supported by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The chairman of the Organizing Committee was Kęstutis Skrebys, Minister of Public Administration Reforms and Municipal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. One of the main sponsors was the daily newspaper “Respublika”. The championship in Palanga was filmed by Eurosport television, which prepared an approximately one-hour report for European audiences. A report for Lithuanian national television was prepared by journalist Laima Janušonytė.
JUNE 6, 1998. PALANGA
A seaside resort, the eve of the summer season, and athletes arriving in Lithuania from across Europe.
But on that day, the most important thing happening in Palanga was neither the beach nor the summer entertainment. The city was hosting a World Fitness Championship.
186 athletes from 15 countries came together: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belarus, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, France, Slovenia, Greece, the United Kingdom, Uruguay and Italy.
This was more than just another international competition. In historical WFF sources, the Palanga event is described as the first official World Fitness Championship held in Lithuania.
Today, looking back at the championship protocols, we can see more than just names and rankings. They reflect the entire European fitness scene of that era.
FITNESS SEARCHING FOR ITS OWN IDENTITY
In the late 1990s, fitness was not yet what we know it as today.
Gym culture was growing rapidly, while attitudes toward the body, physical conditioning, and athletic aesthetics were changing. Alongside traditional bodybuilding, a new discipline was becoming increasingly visible – fitness.
The championship program included Classic Fitness and Aerobic Fitness categories.
It was an important development.
Athletes were not expected to demonstrate muscle mass alone. Body proportions, physical conditioning, aesthetics, athleticism, and overall presentation were becoming increasingly important.
Palanga in 1998 became a place where these emerging ideas of fitness were tested on an international stage.
15 COUNTRIES – ONE STAGE
The geographical diversity of the championship was impressive.
Athletes from Western, Central, and Eastern Europe met on the same stage.
Germany arrived in Palanga with a particularly strong team. Switzerland was also among the leading nations. They were challenged by athletes from Belarus, Russia, Austria, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Greece, Ukraine, and the Baltic states.
It was a period when the European sporting landscape was changing rapidly, and new international connections were allowing athletes to meet more frequently on the same stage.
The Palanga championship became one of those meeting points.
THE MEN'S STAGE – TWO DIFFERENT STORIES
The men's Classic Fitness program consisted of two categories, and each produced a different championship story.
In the first category, Valdas Slimanavičius took the victory, ahead of Belarusian athlete Sergej Kalmykov and Germany's Andreas Müller.
Behind them came athletes from Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and other countries.
The second category had a different winner – Germany.
Jürgen Koch won the category, and his name would later appear in the most important line of the championship results.
JÜRGEN KOCH – ABSOLUTE CHAMPION
Koch did not win only his category.
He was also named the 1998 men's absolute fitness champion.
This was the highest possible recognition.
Winning an individual category made him a category champion; winning the overall title made him the champion of the entire men's fitness competition.
That is why Jürgen Koch remains one of the most important names in the history of the 1998 Palanga championship.
WOMEN'S FITNESS: A GERMAN DOUBLE
While the men's victories were shared between athletes from different countries, the women's competition produced a different picture.
German athletes won both women's Classic Fitness categories.
In the first category, Mandy Kietzke took first place, with her compatriot Janine Raschka finishing second.
The second category was won by Claudia Machmor.
Germany therefore claimed both women's Classic Fitness gold medals.
But the story did not end there.
CLAUDIA MACHMOR – ABSOLUTE CHAMPION
Claudia Machmor became more than just the winner of her category.
She was named the women's absolute fitness champion.
As a result, German athletes claimed both absolute fitness titles – men's and women's – at the 1998 Palanga championship.
It remains one of the most striking statistical facts of the event.
AEROBIC FITNESS – ANOTHER SIDE OF THE SPORT
The Palanga championship was not limited to Classic Fitness.
In the separate Aerobic Fitness category, female athletes demonstrated a different type of conditioning – with greater emphasis on movement, dynamics, and elements of aerobic sport.
The winner was Tanja Baumann of Switzerland.
Second and third places went to German athletes Pia Luttenberger and Diana Partheymüller.
The result once again demonstrated the strength of German female athletes, although this time the highest step on the podium belonged to Switzerland.
Interestingly, Tanja Baumann later became one of the notable figures in aerobic fitness. Historical WFF results list her as a champion in subsequent years as well.
WHAT DO THE NUMBERS TELL US?
Looking at the championship protocol as a whole, several clear points stand out:
186 participants.
15 countries.
Two men's Classic Fitness categories.
Two women's Classic Fitness categories.
A separate Aerobic Fitness program.
Absolute men's and women's fitness champions.
It was a sufficiently broad program for a one-day event to become a genuine international fitness gathering.
GERMANY – THE CHAMPIONSHIP'S STRONGEST FORCE
When we look specifically at the highest-placed athletes, one country stands out particularly clearly.
Germany.
A German athlete won the men's Classic Fitness II category.
German women won both women's Classic Fitness categories.
Germany claimed both absolute fitness titles.
In addition, German athletes took second and third places in the Aerobic Fitness category.
Therefore, even without attempting to create an official team ranking, the results allow us to draw a clear conclusion:
At the 1998 Palanga championship, Germany was one of the most prominent and successful fitness nations.
THE EUROPEAN FITNESS MAP
Yet the story of the championship is not only a German story.
Switzerland won the Aerobic Fitness gold medal.
Belarus had high-level athletes in the men's competition.
A Slovenian athlete became runner-up in one of the men's categories.
Representatives of Greece, Russia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Austria, Latvia, Estonia, France, and Italy also contributed to the international competition.
This was not a celebration belonging to one country alone.
It was a snapshot of the European fitness scene of that period.
PALANGA, A CITY THAT BECAME PART OF HISTORY
Today, the results of the 1998 championship may look like a simple archival table.
A name. A country. A placing.
But behind those numbers lies much more.
At the time, fitness was still developing its international identity. Athletes from different countries were learning to compete according to common criteria. Organizations were establishing championship traditions. New champions were emerging.
And for one day, all of this moved to Palanga.
186 athletes from 15 countries took part in what historical WFF sources describe as the first official World Fitness Championship.
Many years later, this fact allows us to look at the event differently.
Not simply as one of many sporting events held in 1998.
But as an important moment in the early history of international fitness, when athletes from different European countries met in Lithuania and new traditions within the sport were being formed.
KEY NAMES OF THE 1998 PALANGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Jürgen Koch – Germany
Absolute men's fitness champion.
Claudia Machmor – Germany
Absolute women's fitness champion.
Mandy Kietzke – Germany
Winner of Women's Classic Fitness Category I.
Valdas Slimanavičius – Lithuania
Winner of Men's Classic Fitness Category I.
Tanja Baumann – Switzerland
Aerobic Fitness winner.
EPILOGUE
The 1998 Palanga championship took place at a time when the modern fitness industry was only beginning to take the shape we recognize today.
There were no social media platforms, athlete personal brands, livestreams, or audiences of millions online.
But there was what matters most in sport – people, a stage, competition, and the desire to be the best.
On June 6, 1998, 186 athletes from 14 countries met in Palanga.
Some of their names remained in history.
Others disappeared into the pages of archives.
But the event itself endured.
In 1998, Palanga became a place where the world of fitness came together on the Baltic Sea.
60 YEARS OF LITHUANIAN BODYBUILDING:
ATHLETES WHO LEFT A LASTING MARK ON HISTORY.
1965–2025: The history of Lithuanian bodybuilding spans six decades of hard work, outstanding personalities, memorable victories, and sporting traditions that have reached far beyond Lithuania's borders.
In 2025, the 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding was solemnly celebrated in Gargždai, Lithuania. This anniversary provided an excellent opportunity to look back on the journey, remember the pioneers of the sport, and pay tribute to the athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on the history of Lithuanian and international bodybuilding.
Over six decades, countries, political systems, sporting organizations, and competition formats have changed. Yet the most important things have remained the same: the determination of athletes, the dedication of coaches, and the ambition to demonstrate that Lithuanian bodybuilding can earn recognition not only at home but also on the international stage.
The history of Lithuanian bodybuilding includes numerous names and victories. However, certain athletes stand out not only for the titles they won but also because their achievements marked important milestones in the development of the sport.
Česlovas Tamulevičius and the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding
Any account of Lithuanian bodybuilding history must begin with Česlovas Tamulevičius and his contribution to the establishment of what became known as the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.
This school became an important center for the development of bodybuilding in Lithuania. It produced athletes whose results subsequently earned recognition throughout the Soviet Union. The Vilnius School influenced not only individual athletes' preparation but also training methods, approaches to bodybuilding, and standards of athletic excellence.
It was a period when bodybuilding faced considerable obstacles. Its enthusiasts had to do more than train and pursue sporting achievements; they also had to work toward gaining recognition for bodybuilding itself.
For this reason, the efforts of the sport's early pioneers deserve an important place in Lithuanian sporting history.
Valdas Aliubavičius and Leonas Pivoriūnas — Symbols of Early Victories
Among the most prominent representatives of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding were Valdas Aliubavičius and Leonas Pivoriūnas.
Both athletes demonstrated exceptional ability and achieved significant victories. Their place in the history of the early Amber Prix International competitions is particularly noteworthy: both became overall winners of the tournament.
Valdas Aliubavičius also distinguished himself by winning an official USSR bodybuilding championship. This achievement demonstrated that Lithuanian athletes could compete successfully against the strongest bodybuilders of their era and attain the highest levels of success.
The achievements of Valdas Aliubavičius and Leonas Pivoriūnas became an important part of Lithuanian bodybuilding history. Their names remain associated with the sport's early period of major victories.
Pranas Murauskas — Triumph at the Georg Tenno Memorial
Another outstanding representative of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding was Pranas Murauskas, whose sporting achievements secured him a prominent place in Lithuanian bodybuilding history.
One of his most significant accomplishments was winning the overall title at the Georg Tenno Memorial competition in 1974.
This victory was particularly important because of the high standard of the competition. Murauskas faced some of the strongest bodybuilders in the Soviet Union at the time, and his ultimate victory confirmed his exceptional athletic ability.
Achievements of this kind strengthened Lithuania's position in bodybuilding and demonstrated that athletes from a relatively small country could become leaders within a large and highly competitive sporting system.
Viktoras Jucys — A Historic Achievement at the USSR Championship
A special place in Lithuanian bodybuilding history belongs to Viktoras Jucys of Klaipėda, a multiple overall winner of the Amber Prix International tournament.
His career was marked by consistent results and the ability to demonstrate his superiority in high-level competitions. However, one particular achievement became a defining moment in his sporting career.
In 1988, Viktoras Jucys became the overall USSR bodybuilding champion. The significance of this victory lay in the fact that a Lithuanian athlete had won the highest title at an official Soviet Union bodybuilding championship.
Jucys's victory demonstrated the strength of Lithuanian athletes and once again confirmed that Lithuania's bodybuilding schools were capable of producing competitors of the highest standard.
Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas — European Champions
The achievements of both men and women hold an important place in Lithuanian bodybuilding history.
Natalija Murnikovienė of Klaipėda and Rolandas Bučinskas of Šiauliai were known as multiple winners of the Amber Prix International tournament. One of the most significant milestones in their sporting careers came at the 1991 NABBA European Championships in France.
Both athletes won European championship titles.
These results acquired particular symbolic significance during a period of historic change. Lithuania was moving toward the restoration of its independence, and the victories of its athletes on the international stage became an important expression of the country's sporting identity.
The achievements of Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas demonstrated that Lithuanian bodybuilding had not only preserved the experience accumulated over previous decades but was also competing successfully at the international level.
Their victories became a significant milestone in Lithuanian bodybuilding history, associated with the period surrounding the restoration of Lithuania's independence.
Olegas Žuras — A World Championship Title
As the twenty-first century began, another outstanding athlete emerged in Lithuanian bodybuilding history: Olegas Žuras of Vilnius.
A multiple winner of the Amber Prix International tournament, Žuras continued Lithuania's bodybuilding traditions and achieved the highest level of international recognition.
In 2004, Olegas Žuras became the overall IFBB World Champion. This achievement is regarded as one of the most significant results in the history of Lithuanian athletes competing at world bodybuilding championships.
A world championship title represents more than an individual's success. Behind it lie years of preparation, discipline, coaching, and experience gained through participation in competitions at various levels.
Žuras's victory became a powerful symbol of international recognition for Lithuanian bodybuilding and demonstrated that athletes from Lithuania could achieve the highest honors in the world.
Amber Prix International — An Important Part of Lithuanian Bodybuilding History
It is impossible to discuss Lithuania's outstanding bodybuilders without highlighting the Amber Prix International tournament.
These competitions occupy an important place in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding. They gave athletes opportunities to test their abilities, pursue outstanding results, and demonstrate their sporting excellence.
The careers of many athletes mentioned in this article were closely connected with the Amber Prix International tournament. Their victories illustrate the important role these competitions played in developing athletes and establishing Lithuania's bodybuilding traditions.
The tournament's history also reflects broader developments in the sport, from the activities of the first bodybuilding enthusiasts to Lithuanian athletes competing on the international stage.
Six Decades That Shaped Lithuanian Bodybuilding
Over sixty years, Lithuanian bodybuilding has traveled a remarkable path. Its history has been shaped by successive generations of athletes, coaches, organizers, and judges. Each generation has contributed to the development of the sport, and their victories have become part of Lithuania's shared sporting heritage.
The work of Česlovas Tamulevičius and the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding; the victories of Valdas Aliubavičius and Leonas Pivoriūnas; Pranas Murauskas's triumph at the Georg Tenno Memorial; Viktoras Jucys's achievement at the USSR Championship; the European championship titles won by Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas; and Olegas Žuras's world championship victory represent important milestones in Lithuanian bodybuilding history.
These athletes' achievements illustrate how the opportunities available to Lithuanian bodybuilders evolved over several decades and how the sport's international profile grew.
Of course, the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding extends far beyond these names. Many other athletes, coaches, and organizers have also made contributions that deserve recognition. Nevertheless, the achievements described here stand out for their historical significance and their place in the development of bodybuilding in Lithuania.
The 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding, celebrated in 2025, offers an opportunity not only to remember the past but also to recognize the people whose dedication helped shape the history of the sport.
Sixty years is more than an anniversary. It represents sporting traditions, a legacy preserved through memory, and the achievements of Lithuanian athletes that have become part of our country's sporting history.
More detailed information about the history of Lithuanian, European, and world bodybuilding is available on the international website www.wff.lt.
WFF-WBBF, ISU and Universities Around the World – Decades of International Academic Cooperation
Alongside its extensive and active international sports activities, we are launching a series of publications dedicated to the cooperation between the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University (ISU) with universities in various countries around the world.
The origins of this cooperation date back to 1986, when qualification courses for athletes and methodological seminars for coaches and sports specialists were first organized in Klaipėda, Lithuania. Over time, these initiatives developed into an international network of educational and academic partnerships, extending beyond sports practice to include higher education and scientific collaboration.
For nearly four decades, the World WFF-WBBF Federation has consistently expanded its cooperation with universities, aiming to improve the professional qualifications of athletes, coaches, judges, and sports administrators, while promoting scientific research and international academic exchange. Since 2015, these activities have also been carried forward by the International Sport University (ISU), which has become an important platform for international educational projects and academic cooperation.
Among the Federation's most significant academic partners are one of the largest universities in the Indian State of Punjab, with approximately 200,000 students, the Jozef Raciborski University in Poland, the University of Physical Education in Bydgoszcz, the Polish State Higher School Wyższa Szkoła Gospodarki, the Ivan Franko University of Physical Education in Lviv (Ukraine), Stavropigion University, and a number of other institutions of higher education throughout Europe and Asia.
These partnerships have gone far beyond formal agreements and official visits. Over the years, numerous international conferences, seminars, lectures, qualification development programs, and joint academic projects have been organized, enabling the exchange of scientific knowledge, educational methodologies, and professional experience. Such activities have significantly contributed to the development of sports science, the improvement of coach education, and the strengthening of international professional cooperation.
The greatest value of this collaboration lies in its long-term commitment to connecting the practical world of sport with the academic community. This partnership has enabled the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University not only to organize international sporting events but also to become active promoters of sports science, education, and professional development worldwide.
In this series of publications, we will present the major stages of this international cooperation, partnerships with universities across different countries, joint projects, significant meetings, and their outcomes. This is an important chapter in the history of the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University, reflecting their enduring commitment to uniting sport, science, education, and international cooperation.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
16 YEARS OF WORLD CHAMPIONS.
WFF-WBBF WORLD CUP — 2010–2025.
Since 1968 — more than five decades of international bodybuilding and fitness history. Since 2010 — a World Cup stage where new champions have been crowned year after year.
WFF-WBBF International — World Fitness Federation and World Body Building Federation — has been active on the international sports scene since 1968. Over the decades, the Federation has developed into an international sports organization uniting national federations and athletes from countries and continents around the world.
This is the history of a sport where there are no shortcuts.
It is a story of training, discipline, determination and years of preparation. A story of athletes who step onto the stage not only to demonstrate their physical condition, but also to represent their countries and write their names into international sports history.
2010 — THE BEGINNING OF A NEW WFF-WBBF ERA
In 2010, WFF-WBBF International began organizing World Cup competitions.
From that moment, the absolute winner of each year became part of a special chapter in WFF-WBBF history — the World Cup Overall Champion.
The first men's overall World Cup champion in 2010 was Aleksandr Sevcov of Estonia.
It was the first name in a new generation of champions.
In 2011, the title was won by Igor Belodedov of Russia, followed in 2012 by Abolfazi Aghakhani of Iran.
In 2013 and 2014, the overall World Cup title went to Reinaldo Jose Roberto Da Cruz, representing the UK–Portugal. Two consecutive titles became a remarkable achievement in WFF-WBBF World Cup history.
In 2015, the champion was James Sylvester Ono, representing the UK–Nigeria.
In 2016, the top position was claimed by Normunds Jurans of Latvia, while in 2017 the title went to Rasoul Vahid Faraziaghchehkand of Iran.
The 2018 champion was Aleksandr Kuznecov of Russia, followed in 2019 by Maros Kanasz of Slovakia.
In 2020, the overall title was won by Roman Polshin of Estonia.
However, from 2021 onward, a new and particularly notable chapter began in the history of WFF-WBBF World Cup champions.
POLAND AND LITHUANIA — A NEW ERA OF CHAMPIONS
In 2021, the men's overall World Cup title was won by Artur Kamieniak of Poland.
In 2022, the top position went to Vilius Pranckevicius of Lithuania.
In 2023, the title was claimed by Lukasz Kulinski of Poland.
In 2024, the overall World Cup champion was Andrius Pauliukevicius of Lithuania.
And in 2025, the newest WFF-WBBF World Cup men's overall champion was Kamil Kowalczyk of Poland.
Thus, in the most recent five-year period, athletes from Lithuania and Poland have been particularly prominent among the men's overall World Cup champions.
A new chapter in WFF-WBBF World Cup history has been written.
WOMEN — THE HISTORY OF WORLD CHAMPIONS
The women's World Cup history is equally rich, reflecting the international character of WFF-WBBF competition.
In 2010, the first women's overall WFF-WBBF World Cup champion was Liudmila Kolesnikova of Russia.
In 2011, the title went to Natalia Bykova, followed in 2012 by Jelena Kursanova.
Both athletes represented Russia.
In 2013, the overall title was won by Aleksandra Dolzenkova of Belarus, while in 2014 the champion was Svetlana Pugacheva of Russia.
In 2015, the title went to Liudmila Senciugova, and in 2016 to Liudmila Kakaulina.
In 2017, Leonor Hilario Greffel, representing Denmark–Mozambique, entered the history of the World Cup as overall champion.
In 2018, the title was won by Hollie Jade Feeney of the United Kingdom.
The years 2019 and 2020 belonged to Hanna Skytta of Finland, who became overall World Cup champion two years in a row.
In 2021, the title was won by Laura Siugale of Latvia.
In 2022 and 2023, the top position belonged to Anna Sobolewska Kucharska of Poland, who became overall World Cup champion for two consecutive years.
In 2024, the title was won by Vaida Budriene of Lithuania.
And the 2025 WFF-WBBF World Cup women's overall champion was Milena Mlynarczyk of Poland.
FROM ESTONIA TO LITHUANIA AND POLAND
Looking at the entire period from 2010 to 2025, we see much more than simply a list of champions.
It is 16 years of international sporting history.
During this period, WFF-WBBF World Cup overall champions have represented numerous countries, including Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Russia, Finland, Slovakia, Iran, Belarus, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Denmark, Nigeria and Mozambique.
Each country has contributed its athletes, sporting traditions and champions to this history.
The Baltic region and Poland have held a particularly visible position during the most recent years.
2022 — Lithuania.
2023 — Poland.
2024 — Lithuania.
2025 — Poland.
Four years, four champion names and two countries whose athletes have claimed the men's overall World Cup title.
THE TITLE OF A CHAMPION — A PART OF HISTORY
The WFF-WBBF World Cup overall champion title is more than a victory on a single competition day.
Behind every title stands a long journey.
Training.
Discipline.
Nutrition.
Preparation.
Stage experience.
The ability to compete against athletes from different countries around the world.
And above all — the determination to become better every day.
That is why every name that enters the history of the WFF-WBBF World Cup Overall Champions becomes part of the international legacy of the Federation.
From Aleksandr Sevcov in 2010 to Kamil Kowalczyk in 2025 — the men's history.
From Liudmila Kolesnikova in 2010 to Milena Mlynarczyk in 2025 — the women's history.
16 years. 32 champion names. Many countries. One World Cup history.
WFF-WBBF — A HISTORY THAT CONTINUES
Since 1968, WFF-WBBF International has worked to develop bodybuilding and fitness on an international level, unite national federations and provide athletes with opportunities to compete on the world stage.
Since 1990, the Federation has organized the annual World AM-Pro Championships, which have become an important part of its international sporting activities.
Since 2010, the WFF-WBBF World Cup has added another important tradition to this history — the annual recognition of overall World Cup champions.
Today, the names of the 2010–2025 champions already form a distinct chapter in WFF-WBBF history.
But the story does not end here.
Because every new season brings new athletes.
New challenges.
New champions.
And new names that will one day become part of this history.
WFF-WBBF WORLD CUP.
Since 2010 — the road of champions.
Since 1968 — international sporting history.
And the history continues.
“AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL”: 60 YEARS OF HISTORY THAT CANNOT BE ERASED FROM LITHUANIA’S SPORTING MAP.
In 2027, the “Amber Prix International” competition in Klaipėda will reach a remarkable milestone. It will mark the 60th anniversary of this historic event. Six decades is a period in which states, borders, political systems, sporting cultures and even the very understanding of competition have changed. Yet “Amber Prix” has survived. And the history of its champions allows us to see not only the development of bodybuilding, but also Lithuania’s place in the history of international sport.
It Is More Than Just a List of Winners
The name of the first “Amber Prix International” champion entered the competition’s history in 1967. The inaugural winner was Lithuanian athlete Klemensas Alšauskas.
Almost six decades later, in 2026, the title was once again won by a Lithuanian athlete — Grazvydas Naruševičius.
These two names, separated by nearly sixty years, symbolically close one great historical circle.
Between them lies an entire era of Lithuanian bodybuilding.
It is the story of athletes who trained under conditions completely different from those of today; the story of a period when Lithuania was not yet an independent state; the story of preserving sporting traditions after 1990; and, ultimately, the story of a competition that grew from a regional Baltic event into an international arena.
That is why “Amber Prix International” cannot be viewed simply as another bodybuilding competition.
It is a living sports archive.
Lithuania Was There From Day One
One of the most striking features of the competition’s entire history is the dominance of Lithuanian athletes.
The first years of “Amber Prix” were, in many ways, a chronicle of Lithuanian sport. In 1967, Klemensas Alšauskas won the title; in 1968, Leonas Pivoriūnas; and in 1969 and 1970, Antanas Mineikis.
The list of Lithuanian champions continued to grow.
During the 1970s, titles were won by athletes such as Risardas Krinickis, Stasys Cukanovas and Vytautas Zenkevičius.
In the 1980s, a new generation emerged — Vladas Kapcevičius, Saulius Misevičius, Jevgenij Gorelik, Vincas Dubickas, Algirdas Ivanauskas and Rolandas Bučinskas.
And then came the era of Viktoras Jucys.
In 1987, 1988 and 1989, he became the “Amber Prix International” champion three consecutive times.
Three consecutive victories are more than a statistical fact. They demonstrate that the competition stage was a place where an athlete could establish a reputation and become part of history.
The Soviet Era: A Competition That Survived
The history of “Amber Prix” cannot be separated from the era in which it was born.
In 1967, Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union. This means that the competition’s first decades developed within a completely different political and sporting system.
But sport has a special quality — it can preserve things that official documents sometimes fail to preserve.
Names remain.
Results remain.
Victories remain.
And today, by looking at the history of “Amber Prix International,” we can trace the development of entire generations of Lithuanian bodybuilding from a time when an independent Lithuanian state sporting system did not exist.
That gives the competition additional historical significance.
The 1990s: Lithuania Rediscovers Itself
After Lithuania restored its independence, it was not only the country’s political status that changed.
The sporting world changed as well.
Lithuanian athletes gained greater freedom to participate in international competitions, new opportunities emerged, new connections were established, and a new competitive environment developed.
But the “Amber Prix International” tradition did not disappear.
In 1990 and 1991, the winner was Olegas Žuras.
In 1994 and 1996, the title went to Algirdas Kilčiauskas.
In 1997, Rolandas Pocius became champion; in 1998, Ricardas Gurskas; and in 1999, Darius Buksnaitis.
This was a critically important period.
Lithuania was now independent, yet a competition that had begun during the Soviet era continued to exist.
This means that “Amber Prix” managed to cross the boundaries of political eras.
Klaipėda Becomes an International Stage
In the 21st century, the competition entered another fundamental phase.
“Amber Prix International” gradually ceased to be primarily a regional event.
Athletes from an increasing number of countries began travelling to Klaipėda.
In 2003, the winner was Latvia’s Aivars Visockis. In 2005, the title went to Russian athlete Ivan Sergeyev. In 2006, Latvia’s Aleksandr Liubomirov won, followed by Estonia’s Aleksandr Sevcov in 2007.
These names matter not only because they belong to champions.
They demonstrate that the competition had become a meeting point for the sporting schools of the Baltic region.
Klaipėda, geographically situated on the Baltic Sea, proved to be a particularly appropriate setting for an international sporting tradition.
The Real Turning Point — The Second Decade of the 21st Century
If, during the previous decades, the geography of “Amber Prix” had been primarily connected with Lithuania and other European countries, the 2010s changed the situation.
In 2010, Dharmender Singh of India won the title.
In 2011, another Indian athlete, Naftej Singh, became champion.
In 2012, victory went to Pir Sarandib Mehdi of Iran.
In 2013, Andrzej Brzezinski of Poland won.
In 2015, the champion was Ahmadi Arash of Iran.
In 2016, the title went to Jörg Fuchs of Germany.
In 2018, Aleksandr Sacharov of Uzbekistan won.
In 2019, the champion was Golap Rabha of India.
This was no longer simply a Baltic geographical footprint.
It was an international stage.
India, Iran, Uzbekistan, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania — different sporting schools, different cultures, different training traditions.
And at different points in history, all of them met on the stage in Klaipėda.
“Amber Prix” Is Also a Story of Champions Returning
Another interesting feature of the competition is the return of former champions.
Radik Manafov won in 2000 and 2002.
Aleksandr Maslovskij won in 2001 and 2004.
Darius Buksnaitis won in 1999 and 2008.
Maroš Kanaš won in 2017 and 2020.
This means that “Amber Prix” was not simply a one-time stop in an athlete’s career.
For some champions, the stage became a place worth returning to.
From a sporting perspective, this is one of the strongest indicators of a competition’s prestige.
The Modern Era: The International Character Is Here to Stay
In 2021, the champion was Poland’s Artur Kamieniak.
In 2022, the title went to Ukrainian athlete Vasilij Bespalenko.
In 2023, Estonia’s Aleksej Lapshin won.
In 2024, the champion was India’s Rahul Joshi.
In 2025, Poland’s Szymon Lubecki took the title.
And then came 2026.
Grazvydas Naruševičius. Lithuania.
This victory came at a particularly significant moment.
Exactly 60 years earlier, Klemensas Alšauskas had become the first “Amber Prix International” champion.
Now, on the eve of the competition’s 60th anniversary, a Lithuanian athlete has once again brought the title back to Lithuania.
It is a powerful symbol.
2027 — More Than an Anniversary
Sixty years is a point at which a competition can no longer be judged only by what is happening today.
Its history begins to matter.
How many athletes have appeared on its stage?
How many times have champions changed?
How many countries have been represented?
How many athletes went on from “Amber Prix” to become recognised on the international stage?
And, most importantly — why has this competition survived while many other events from the same era have disappeared?
The answer lies in tradition.
“Amber Prix International” has survived political changes, transformations of the sporting system, the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, the emergence of new international federations and the appearance of new competitions.
It survived because it was never merely a one-year event.
It became an institution in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding.
From Lithuanian Champions to the World
During the competition’s first decades, Lithuanian athletes were the undisputed leaders.
Then athletes from Latvia and Estonia arrived in Klaipėda.
Later came competitors from Russia, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine and Germany.
Eventually, the competition opened its doors to Asia — India, Iran and Uzbekistan.
This evolution is extremely significant.
It does not represent the loss of Lithuania’s position. It represents the growth of “Amber Prix” itself.
When a competition becomes attractive enough for athletes from different continents to compete for its title, its significance automatically changes.
It is no longer simply a Lithuanian or Baltic championship.
It is an international stage whose roots are firmly planted in Klaipėda.
A History That Must Be Preserved
Today, when sporting events are often judged by the results of a single day, “Amber Prix International” reminds us of another value of sport — continuity.
One champion arrives.
Another leaves.
Records are broken.
Generations of athletes change.
But the competition itself can survive.
And that is the greatest value of “Amber Prix International.”
From Klemensas Alšauskas to Grazvydas Naruševičius — almost six decades of history.
From Lithuanian dominance to champions from India, Iran, Uzbekistan, Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Germany, Latvia and Estonia.
From the Soviet era to independent Lithuania.
From a regional stage to an international competition.
“Amber Prix International” does not simply count the years — it counts generations of sporting history.
60 Years — And the Story Continues
The 2027 anniversary edition of “Amber Prix International” in Klaipėda will be more than another competition.
It will be a moment when today’s athletes meet six decades of history.
In 1967, the first stone was laid.
In 2026, a Lithuanian athlete once again brought the title back to Lithuania.
And in 2027, the 60th anniversary will arrive.
That is why the history of this competition should be regarded as more than a collection of bodybuilding results.
It is part of Lithuania’s sporting memory.
And as long as new champions continue to step onto the stage in Klaipėda, this story is not finished.
It continues.
60 YEARS OF THE HISTORIC AMBER PRIX!
In 2025, the Lithuanian bodybuilding community celebrated the 60th anniversary of the sport in Lithuania in Gargždai.
In 2026, it marked 60 years since the first international bodybuilding tournament in Eastern Europe was held in Vilnius.
In 2027, it will be 60 years since the first Amber Prix International tournament was held in Klaipėda in 1967. This international tournament has continued to this day, becoming an integral part of Lithuanian bodybuilding history and a unique sporting tradition in Eastern Europe.
Other long-established competitions also hold a special place in the history of world bodybuilding. One of the oldest is the NABBA Mr. Universe competition, first held in London in 1950. The Mr. Olympia competition, launched in the United States in 1965, also became an important milestone in the history of international bodybuilding.
In May 2027, Klaipėda will host three days of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Amber Prix International. Distinguished figures from Lithuanian and international sport, public life, and politics are being invited to this special commemorative event.
To mark the anniversary, the organizers also plan to publish a historical book in several languages. It will document the history of the Amber Prix International, its development, and its significance for Lithuanian and international bodybuilding.
Six decades represent not only a remarkable anniversary but also a testament to enduring sporting traditions, dedication to bodybuilding, and a legacy that unites generations of athletes, organisers, and enthusiasts of the sport.
For more information, visit the international website: WFF.lt
WORLD FITNESS FEDERATION (WFF-International)
WORLD BODYBUILDING FEDERATION (WBBF-International)
International sporting activities since 1968 | 141 member countries | 60 international events annually!
MAJOR INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS OF 2027
May 7–9, 2027 | Klaipeda, Lithuania
Three major international bodybuilding and fitness competitions will take place in Klaipeda over three days:
60th AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL
27th AM/PRO UNIVERSE CHAMPIONSHIP
31st AM/PRO EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
KLAIPEDA WELCOMES THE INTERNATIONAL SPORTING COMMUNITY!
The World Fitness Federation (WFF-International) and the World Bodybuilding Federation (WBBF-International) invite athletes, coaches, sports officials, bodybuilding and fitness enthusiasts, and the general public to join these outstanding international sporting events.
Distinguished guests from various countries are also expected to attend, including representatives from political, sporting and public life.
Klaipeda will become an international meeting point for the bodybuilding and fitness community!
Dates: May 7–9, 2027
Location: Klaipeda, Lithuania
For further information, visit: www.wff.lt www.worldfitness.lt
See you in Klaipeda in 2027!
PRESS RELEASE
WFF History and Identity Once Again in the Spotlight: WFF-WBBF International Calls for Facts, Documents and Transparency
September 24, 2026
WFF-WBBF International is drawing public attention to recent developments in Singapore involving an organisation using the World Fitness Federation (WFF) name and activities publicly promoted by Graeme Lancefield.
A document issued by WFF Singapore announces the appointment of Ibrahim Sihat as Athlete Director and his participation in the WFF Singapore Executive Committee. The document also refers to the establishment of the WFF in 1968.
This development is significant in the context of an ongoing dispute concerning the history, identity and organisational continuity of the World Fitness Federation (WFF).
A Dispute Over WFF History
The position of WFF-WBBF International is clear: the history and legacy of WFF should be established through historical documents, official archives and verifiable organisational records.
At the same time, the organisation associated with Graeme Lancefield presents its own historical account of WFF and also connects the federation's origins with 1968.
As a result, there are currently different publicly presented accounts of WFF's history and organisational continuity.
The Latest Example: Singapore
The WFF Singapore document states that Ibrahim Sihat has been appointed Athlete Director, with responsibilities including identifying promising athletes, encouraging participation in competitions and developing a pathway from beginner level to international competition.
Graeme Lancefield has also publicly congratulated Ibrahim Sihat on the appointment and referred to the development of the WFF Singapore fitness community and the identification of local talent for international teams.
WFF-WBBF International points out that these developments once again raise an important question: who represents the historical legacy of WFF, and on what documented basis are different organisations using the WFF name?
“History Must Be Supported by Documents”
WFF-WBBF International emphasises that the history of an international sporting organisation should not be established solely through public statements, social-media publications or recently issued national documents.
“WFF has a history spanning many decades. Therefore, claims concerning the organisation's origins, continuity and international identity should be examined through historical documents, official records and verifiable evidence.”
WFF-WBBF International continues to publish historical information, competition records and archival material through its international website:
WFF-WBBF International – WFF.lt
A Question for the International Fitness Community
WFF-WBBF International believes that athletes, coaches, federations and the public have the right to know which organisations represent the WFF name, what their documented history is, and what evidence supports their claims.
The organisation therefore calls on the international fitness community to examine this matter on the basis of facts, historical documentation and verifiable evidence.
WFF history should not be rewritten through social-media statements alone.
A history dating back to 1968 is too important to be defined by declarations without supporting documentation.
About WFF-WBBF International
WFF-WBBF International is an international organisation involved in bodybuilding, fitness and related sports disciplines, with historical records and archives documenting international competitions and organisational activities.
More information:
WFF-WBBF International – www.wff.lt
Media contact: WFF-WBBF International
Subject: WFF history, organisational continuity and the use of the WFF name.
IFBB UNDER FIRE!
NEW SCANDAL IN IFBB.
IFBB OFFICIAL SPEAKS.
Below is an independent, structured summary of the letter, distinguishing verifiable facts, allegations made by the author, legal interpretations, and conclusions that remain unproven.
Important: This assessment is based on the contents of the letter you provided. I have not independently verified the underlying Spanish registry documents, statutes, correspondence, financial records, or court decisions. The author's assertions should not be treated as established facts without reviewing the supporting evidence.
1. Executive Summary
The letter, written by Boris Presečki, General Secretary of the Croatian Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (CFBF), challenges the legal status, governance, disciplinary authority, and financial transparency of the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) and the European Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (EBFF).
Its central argument is that the IFBB and EBFF operate using publicly available constitutions that allegedly differ from the statutes registered with the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
According to the author, the registered statutes do not grant the organizations the same governance, disciplinary, and anti-doping powers described in their publicly available constitutions.
The letter consequently challenges:
• The authority of IFBB President Rafael Santonja to discipline or exclude members.
• The legitimacy of the IFBB's and EBFF's governance and election procedures.
• The legal basis for delegating anti-doping functions to the International Testing Agency (ITA).
• The treatment of the Croatian federation and its representatives.
• The financial transparency and potential conflicts of interest within the organizations.
• The accuracy of certain representations concerning the organizations' legal status and leadership.
The author also alleges irregularities involving other national federations, the appointment of officials, financial reporting, and Santonja's academic title.
Finally, the letter invites affected parties to consider collective legal action and questions whether the current leadership can lawfully continue to hold office following the scheduled elections.
Central issue: Does the constitution used by the IFBB for its international activities correspond to the legally registered statutes of the Spanish association, and, if not, what consequences follow for its decisions?
That question is important, but the letter does not, by itself, establish that the disputed constitutions are legally invalid or that all decisions made under them are void.
2. Distinguishing Facts, Allegations, and Legal Conclusions
The following classification distinguishes statements that can be objectively checked from claims that require further evidence.
A. Legal status of the IFBB and EBFF
Claim 1: The IFBB is registered as a Spanish association.
Classification: Verifiable fact, subject to confirmation of the registry documents.
The letter identifies the IFBB with Spanish Registry Number 589776 and states that its registered purposes concern education, recreation, and advisory activities.
The author claims that the registered statutes do not expressly mention bodybuilding or fitness as sporting activities.
Evidence cited:
• Documents allegedly obtained from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.
• Registered statutes bearing official verification codes.
• Apostilles attached to the documents.
What needs verification:
1. The exact legal name of the registered entity.
2. Its current registration status.
3. The complete text of its registered statutes and amendments.
4. The precise wording of Article 3.
5. Whether additional registrations, statutes, or legal entities are relevant to its international activities.
Important distinction: Registration as a private association does not, by itself, establish that an organization is prohibited from organizing bodybuilding competitions or governing its own sporting activities.
Nor does the absence of the word bodybuilding automatically mean that all of its activities are unlawful.
Claim 2: The IFBB uses a constitution different from its registered Spanish statutes.
Classification: Specific, verifiable allegation.
The author alleges that the constitution published on the IFBB website contains provisions that do not appear in the statutes registered in Spain.
The letter provides links to:
• A publicly available IFBB constitution.
• A historical version of the EBFF constitution.
• The alleged registered statutes, which the author says are attached to the original email.
This is arguably the most important factual allegation in the letter.
To establish it, the documents should be compared article by article.
The comparison should identify:
• Differences in membership rules.
• The composition and appointment of governing bodies.
• Presidential powers.
• Disciplinary procedures.
• Election procedures.
• Anti-doping provisions.
• Assembly notice requirements.
• Provisions concerning suspension and termination of membership.
What remains unproven: Even if the documents differ, it does not automatically follow that the publicly available constitution is fraudulent. That conclusion would require evidence about the document's origin, intended legal status, adoption, and use.
The letter's use of terms such as fictitious, falsified, and illegal goes beyond the fact that two documents may differ.
B. Disciplinary powers and member suspensions
Claim 3: The IFBB President has no authority to discipline or exclude members.
Classification: Legal conclusion requiring further analysis.
The author argues that the registered statutes do not establish disciplinary powers equivalent to those described in the IFBB's publicly available constitution.
He alleges that Rafael Santonja has imposed disciplinary measures and excluded members without an adequate legal basis.
What must be established:
• The exact powers granted by the registered statutes.
• Whether validly adopted internal regulations supplement those statutes.
• Whether the association's members agreed to any applicable disciplinary rules.
• Whether Spanish law permits the relevant powers to be established through other instruments.
• Whether the particular sanctions complied with applicable procedural and substantive requirements.
The absence of an express disciplinary clause in the registered statutes would be relevant, but it would not, by itself, conclusively establish that every disciplinary measure is unlawful.
Claim 4: All long-term disciplinary sanctions imposed by the IFBB are illegal.
Classification: Unsupported generalization.
The letter concludes that all such sanctions are illegal because the registered statutes allegedly do not authorize them.
That conclusion is too broad without examining individual cases.
The legality of a sanction may depend on:
• The applicable rules.
• The authority of the body imposing it.
• The procedure followed.
• The nature of the alleged violation.
• The available appeal mechanisms.
• The law governing the relevant association and sporting relationship.
Assessment: A lack of authority could provide grounds to challenge particular sanctions. It does not establish that every sanction is automatically void.
C. Anti-doping authority and the ITA
Claim 5: The IFBB lacked authority to delegate anti-doping functions to the International Testing Agency.
Classification: Legal argument, not an established fact.
The author argues that because the registered Spanish statutes allegedly lack anti-doping provisions, the IFBB could not have delegated anti-doping testing and related functions to the ITA.
This argument requires a more detailed examination.
Relevant questions include:
1. What authority did the IFBB possess under its registered statutes and other applicable rules?
2. What obligations did it accept under the applicable anti-doping framework?
3. What agreements or delegations were made with the ITA?
4. Which organization is responsible for each particular anti-doping function?
5. What rules govern the specific athlete or federation concerned?
The ITA's authority to conduct testing or administer anti-doping activities may arise from contractual arrangements, applicable anti-doping rules, and the relevant sporting framework.
Consequently, the alleged absence of an express anti-doping clause in the Spanish statutes does not, without further analysis, establish that the delegation was invalid.
Claim 6: The IFBB altered its publicly available constitution in August 2025 to shift responsibility for anti-doping irregularities.
Classification: Allegation requiring documentary evidence.
The author alleges that provisions concerning the appointment of the President of the Medical Commission were changed on August 20, 2025.
He further alleges that the changes were intended to shift responsibility to Dr. Alfonso Moran and enable the President to dismiss him unilaterally.
Evidence needed:
• Archived copies of the constitution before and after the alleged change.
• Reliable timestamps or other evidence establishing when the changes occurred.
• The relevant minutes or resolutions, if any.
• Evidence supporting the alleged motive.
Even if a change can be demonstrated, the allegation about its purpose remains separate and requires independent evidence.
3. Governance and Elections
A. Composition of governing bodies
Claim 7: The publicly available constitutions provide for governing bodies larger than those authorized by the registered statutes.
Classification: Verifiable documentary allegation.
The letter states that:
• The publicly available IFBB constitution provides for an Executive Council exceeding 25 members.
• The registered IFBB statutes provide for eight members.
• The publicly available EBFF constitution provides for a governing body of approximately 17 members.
• The registered EBFF statutes provide for eight members.
These numbers should be checked against the complete documents.
If confirmed, the discrepancy could raise questions about the legal basis for appointing or electing particular officials.
However, it would still be necessary to establish whether the publicly available documents apply to the same legal entities and whether subsequent amendments or separate organizational structures are relevant.
B. Presidential appointment powers
Claim 8: Santonja appoints officials despite lacking authority under the registered statutes.
Classification: Allegation supported by a potentially verifiable legal question.
The author claims that the registered statutes require governing-body members to be elected by the relevant assembly and do not permit the President to appoint them personally.
If the documents confirm this, particular appointments could be open to challenge.
However, the letter does not identify every contested appointment or provide the resolutions needed to establish the circumstances of each one.
C. General Assembly notices
Claim 9: Members were not given the required 15-day notice and agenda.
Classification: Allegation requiring meeting records and correspondence.
The author states that the registered statutes require members to receive advance notice specifying the date, location, and agenda of General Assembly meetings.
He alleges that the required notice was not provided.
If the relevant statutory provision and the absence of proper notice are established, this could raise a significant question about compliance with the association's rules.
Nevertheless, the further claim that all decisions adopted at those meetings are automatically unlawful requires legal analysis.
The consequences of a procedural defect depend on the applicable law, the seriousness of the defect, and the circumstances of the meeting and the decisions concerned.
D. The November 2, 2026, term-expiry claim
Claim 10: Santonja's and Ralph Decelis's terms expire on November 2, 2026, and they will no longer be legally registered.
Classification: Prediction and legal assertion, not an established fact.
The letter states that their terms expire on November 2, 2026, and predicts that they will no longer be officially recorded in the Spanish Register of Associations.
To verify this, it would be necessary to establish:
• The applicable term limits and commencement dates.
• The relevant election and appointment records.
• The legal effect of the term expiry.
• The procedure for registering changes in the governing bodies.
• Whether the Spanish registry has taken or announced any relevant action.
An approaching term-expiry date does not, by itself, establish that the registry will refuse to record an individual or that the individual's subsequent acts will automatically be invalid.
4. Recognition by Spanish Sports Authorities
Claim 11: The Spanish High Council for Sports does not register the IFBB as a Spanish sports federation.
Classification: Potentially verifiable official fact.
The letter reproduces a purported response from the Spanish High Council for Sports, the Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD).
According to the quoted response, a search of the relevant register did not identify a Spanish sports federation under the name Federación Internacional de Fitness y Fisicoculturismo or a similar name.
If authentic, this would establish a limited but important point: the authority did not find an entity registered under that name in the specified register at the time of its inquiry.
It would not necessarily establish that:
• The international IFBB does not exist as a legal entity.
• The IFBB cannot organize international competitions.
• The IFBB cannot establish membership requirements for its own events.
• Every IFBB decision is invalid.
• The IFBB has no legal rights or obligations.
Key distinction: Recognition as an official national sports federation is different from registration as a private association and different again from recognition by international sporting bodies.
The letter's legal conclusions must account for these distinctions.
Claim 12: Bodybuilding is not recognized as a sport in Spain.
Classification: Broad legal claim requiring clarification.
The letter uses the alleged absence of an IFBB entity from the CSD register to support the broader assertion that the Spanish authorities do not recognize bodybuilding as a sport.
These are not equivalent propositions.
The absence of a particular federation from a register does not, by itself, prove that a sporting discipline has no legal recognition or status in Spain.
The precise legal status of bodybuilding and the applicable recognition framework would need to be examined separately.
5. IFBB's Relationship with IFBB Inc. in Canada
Claim 13: The Spanish IFBB could not have been the natural successor to IFBB Inc. because the Canadian entity was dissolved in 2015.
Classification: Historical allegation with an incomplete legal argument.
The author claims that:
• The Spanish association was established in 2007.
• It was presented as the successor to IFBB Inc.
• The Canadian entity was not dissolved until June 18, 2015.
• Ben Weider continued to conduct business through IFBB Inc. in 2008.
The letter provides links to company-record websites and a historical webpage.
The dates and corporate records may be independently verifiable.
However, the dissolution date alone does not determine whether the Spanish association could have become a successor in 2007.
That would depend on the legal nature of the succession, the applicable corporate law, the relevant resolutions and agreements, and the meaning of successor in the documents concerned.
The distinction between a legal successor, an organization continuing sporting activities, and an organization claiming historical continuity is particularly important here.
6. Croatian Federation and National Representation
Claim 14: The IFBB unlawfully prevented the Croatian federation's leadership from representing Croatia.
Classification: Allegation requiring evidence from both organizations.
The author alleges that the IFBB refused to recognize the leadership of the Croatian Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation, despite its election in Croatia and confirmation by the Croatian Olympic Committee.
He further alleges that Croatian athletes were prevented from competing under the Croatian national flag and anthem.
Evidence needed:
• The Croatian federation's election records.
• Relevant Croatian Olympic Committee documentation.
• The IFBB's recognition and membership rules.
• Correspondence between the parties.
• Decisions concerning Croatian representation.
• Competition rules and records showing the arrangements imposed on athletes.
Even if the Croatian leadership was lawfully elected under Croatian law, it does not automatically follow that the IFBB was legally required to recognize that leadership for all purposes under its international membership arrangements.
Conversely, the IFBB's internal rules would not automatically exempt it from applicable legal obligations.
The legal question is whether the IFBB's decisions were authorized, procedurally fair, consistent with applicable rules, and lawful under the relevant legal framework.
Claim 15: The IFBB President is attempting to install Filip Dropulić as Croatian federation president.
Classification: Allegation of motive and conduct, currently unverified.
The letter alleges that Rafael Santonja and Ralph Decelis are attempting to install a particular individual as president of the Croatian federation.
It also refers to alleged scandals, unlawful conduct, and court judgments involving that individual.
These claims should not be repeated as established facts without supporting documents.
A responsible assessment would require evidence of the alleged intervention and identification of any relevant court judgments.
7. Disciplinary Proceedings Against Boris Presečki
Claim 16: Santonja initiated a disciplinary proceeding against Presečki after an anonymous email became public in April 2025.
Classification: Specific allegation with potentially verifiable supporting evidence.
The author states that:
• An anonymous email raised allegations of irregularities and anti-doping violations.
• A disciplinary proceeding was initiated against him on the same day the email became public.
• A lifetime ban was sought.
• He submitted an appeal.
• No response had been received for more than a year.
These claims can be checked against correspondence, dated decisions, the appeal submission, and the applicable disciplinary rules.
The sequence of events, if confirmed, could be relevant to assessing procedural fairness.
However, the timing alone would not establish that the proceeding was fabricated or retaliatory.
The absence of a response to the appeal could be significant, but its legal consequences depend on the applicable rules, the appeal body's obligations, and any available remedies.
Important: The letter's account represents the author's version of the events. The IFBB's response and the complete procedural record are not included.
8. Allegations Involving Other National Federations
Claim 17: The IFBB improperly replaced the Georgian federation, sanctioned the Jordanian federation, and lost the Iranian federation to a competing organization.
Classification: Mixed claims requiring separate verification.
The letter refers to:
• A change in the Georgian federation's recognized leadership.
• Sanctions involving the Jordanian federation.
• The Iranian federation's departure from the IFBB and reported move to the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (WBPF).
• Changes involving Indian bodybuilding organizations.
The cited announcements may help verify whether organizational changes occurred.
However, the fact that a federation changed affiliation or was sanctioned does not, by itself, demonstrate that the IFBB acted unlawfully.
Each case would need to be examined independently, including the applicable membership rules, decisions, reasons, and procedural history.
These examples may provide context, but they do not establish the central legal argument concerning the Spanish registered statutes.
9. Financial Transparency and Potential Conflicts of Interest
A. EBFF tax identification
Claim 18: The EBFF's tax identification number does not correspond to its status as a registered association.
Classification: Verifiable allegation requiring official tax and registry records.
The letter states that the Spanish Register of Associations does not show an official tax identification number for the EBFF, while invoices issued by the organization display the number V: 83519447.
The author infers that the entity may have an unclear or inconsistent legal status.
To evaluate this claim, the following would be required:
• The official registry extract.
• The entity's tax registration records.
• The relevant invoices.
• Confirmation of the legal entity to which the number belongs.
• An explanation of the Spanish tax identifier's classification and meaning.
The absence of a tax number from a particular association-register extract does not establish that an organization lacks a valid tax identification number or legal personality.
Conclusion: This is a legitimate verification question, but the alleged discrepancy does not yet establish wrongdoing.
B. Annual revenues and financial reporting
Claim 19: The EBFF generates several million euros annually without adequate financial transparency.
Classification: Financial allegation requiring documentary evidence.
The author refers to an official credit report and raises questions about annual revenues and financial reporting.
The letter does not provide the underlying report, financial statements, accounting records, or a detailed reconciliation of revenue and expenditure.
The following should be obtained:
• The credit report and its methodology.
• Annual accounts for the relevant years.
• The entity's accounting and reporting obligations.
• Documents showing which legal entity received the funds.
• Any applicable statutory or regulatory reporting requirements.
An organization's legal reporting obligations depend on its legal form and applicable law.
The absence of public annual accounts does not, by itself, prove a legal violation.
C. Premises and possible related-party transactions
Claim 20: IFBB or EBFF funds may have been used to pay rent benefiting the President's family.
Classification: Serious allegation of a potential conflict of interest, not proven by the letter.
The author states that the organizations have paid rent for premises in Las Rozas and that Santonja's wife owns property in the same area.
He suggests that the rental arrangement may have benefited the President or his family at the organizations' expense.
The letter does not establish that the rented premises are owned by Santonja's wife or a company she controls, nor does it provide the relevant lease agreements or rental amounts.
To substantiate the allegation, evidence would be needed of:
• The actual property owner.
• The contracting parties.
• The lease terms and rental payments.
• The market value of comparable premises.
• The approval process and any disclosure of related-party interests.
• The organizations' accounting treatment of the payments.
Even a related-party transaction would not automatically be improper. The critical questions would include whether it was properly disclosed, authorized, commercially reasonable, and consistent with the applicable duties of the governing body.
10. Academic Title and General Secretary
Claim 21: Rafael Santonja improperly uses the title of doctor.
Classification: Allegation requiring documentary verification.
The letter cites a sports news article concerning Santonja's use of the title.
The allegation should be evaluated using reliable evidence about his academic qualifications, the institution concerned, and the circumstances in which the title was used.
A media report alone is not necessarily sufficient to establish deliberate deception.
Claim 22: William Bill Tierney performed the General Secretary's duties without holding the corresponding registered position.
Classification: Historical allegation requiring records.
The author claims that Jose Ramos Tomas Munoz was listed as General Secretary in the Spanish registry while Tierney actually performed the role.
To verify this, one would need:
• Registry extracts covering the relevant years.
• Appointment and resignation records.
• Minutes of governing-body meetings.
• Evidence of the duties performed by each individual.
• Any applicable delegations of authority.
A discrepancy between a registered officeholder and the person performing administrative work could raise governance questions, but it would not automatically establish that the latter lacked all legal authority.
11. Liability Under Spanish Association Law
The letter refers to Article 15 of Spain's Organic Law 1/2002 on the Right of Association.
It argues that governing-body members may face personal liability for losses caused by fraudulent, intentional, or negligent conduct.
Classification: Legal principle requiring precise application.
The provision is relevant to the responsibilities of association governing bodies. However, the letter's description of liability should not be treated as a complete statement of the law.
In particular, the existence of a board position does not automatically make every board member personally liable for every disputed decision or financial loss.
The relevant legal analysis would need to consider:
• The exact statutory provisions.
• The conduct attributable to each individual.
• The applicable standard of fault.
• The existence and amount of actual damage.
• The causal relationship between the conduct and the damage.
• Any applicable defenses or other legal requirements.
The assertion that all board members must necessarily pay the full amount of every loss from their personal assets is too categorical without examining the circumstances and applicable legal rules.
Similarly, the letter's references to potential multimillion-euro lawsuits and a joint action should be understood as statements of intended legal action, not evidence that liability has already been established.
12. European Union Law and Sports Governance
The letter invokes European legal principles and refers generally to judgments of the European Court of Justice in 2024 and 2025.
Classification: Potentially relevant legal framework, but insufficiently specified.
The letter does not identify the particular judgments, case numbers, or precise legal holdings on which it relies.
That makes it impossible to determine from the letter alone whether those judgments support its conclusions.
European Union law can be relevant to sporting rules, particularly where they affect competition, market access, or other matters within the scope of EU law.
However, it does not follow that every internal sporting decision is automatically governed by every EU principle in the same way.
The analysis must identify:
1. The relevant judgment.
2. The legal rule established by that judgment.
3. The sporting decision being challenged.
4. The connection between that decision and the applicable EU legal framework.
The allegation of discrimination against the Croatian federation also requires evidence that comparable cases were treated differently without an adequate justification.
Assessment: The legal argument may be worth investigating, but the letter does not provide enough detail to establish the alleged violations.
13. Claims About Pending Investigations and Future Consequences
Claim 23: Spanish and international institutions have been alerted to irregularities.
Classification: Assertion about procedural developments, requiring confirmation.
The author states that multiple institutions have been notified.
This could be verified through copies of complaints, acknowledgments of receipt, reference numbers, and official correspondence.
A complaint being submitted does not establish that its allegations are true or that an investigation has confirmed wrongdoing.
Claim 24: Changes to the Spanish Register of Associations will soon be suspended.
Classification: Prediction requiring official evidence.
The letter predicts that the processing of changes to the register will be suspended pending clarification of alleged irregularities.
No formal suspension order or official notice is reproduced in the text.
The prediction should therefore not be presented as an established decision by the Spanish authorities.
Claim 25: A collective lawsuit will be initiated.
Classification: Statement of intent.
The author invites affected parties to contact him regarding a proposed joint claim for compensation.
The letter does not establish that proceedings have been filed, that a court has accepted the case, or that a particular collective-action procedure is available under the applicable law.
The procedural route, standing, jurisdiction, and individual claims would need to be assessed by qualified legal counsel.
14. The Most Important Distinction: What the Evidence Could Actually Prove
The letter sometimes moves directly from a factual allegation to a broad legal conclusion.
The following examples illustrate the difference.
If the evidence establishes… It could support… It would not automatically establish…
The published constitution differs from the registered statutes. Questions about which document governs the Spanish association. That the published document is fraudulent.
The registered statutes do not expressly provide a particular disciplinary power. A challenge to the legal basis for a specific sanction. That every IFBB sanction is void.
The IFBB is not registered as a Spanish national sports federation. A distinction between private-association status and official national-federation recognition. That the IFBB cannot organize international competitions.
A General Assembly did not receive the required notice. A possible procedural challenge to the meeting or its decisions. That every decision is automatically null and void.
A related-party rental agreement exists. A need to examine disclosure, authorization, and commercial terms. That the arrangement constitutes fraud or financial misconduct.
A person is absent from a particular registry extract. A need to check the relevant registration requirements and records. That the person has no authority under any other valid arrangement.
A complaint has been filed with an authority. Confirmation that an allegation was formally submitted. That the authority has confirmed the allegation.
A federation changes its international affiliation. Confirmation of a change in sporting relationships. That the previous federation acted unlawfully.
15. Final Summary: The Strongest and Weakest Parts of the Letter
Strongest points to investigate
1. The alleged discrepancy between the registered statutes and the publicly available constitutions.
This is the central documentary issue. If the documents differ materially, the consequences should be examined under the law governing the relevant legal entities.
2. The legal basis for disciplinary decisions.
Specific sanctions may be challengeable if the decision-maker lacked authority or failed to follow applicable rules and procedures.
3. The validity of governing-body appointments and election procedures.
The registered statutes, meeting notices, minutes, election records, and appointment resolutions could provide objective evidence.
4. The treatment of the Croatian federation.
The Croatian election records, Olympic Committee documentation, IFBB decisions, and correspondence could help establish what happened and which rules applied.
5. Financial governance and potential conflicts of interest.
Lease agreements, accounting records, tax documentation, and related-party disclosures could establish whether there are genuine compliance issues.
Weakest points as currently presented
1. The assertion that all IFBB disciplinary sanctions are illegal.
This is an overly broad conclusion without case-specific legal analysis.
2. The claim that the IFBB cannot conduct or delegate anti-doping activities.
This requires examination of the applicable anti-doping framework and the specific agreements and rules involved.
3. The assertion that the absence of registration as a Spanish sports federation invalidates the IFBB's international activities.
These are distinct legal questions.
4. The allegation that the disputed constitution is deliberately falsified or fraudulent.
A difference between documents does not establish intent to deceive.
5. The claim that the President and all governing-body members will necessarily be personally liable for substantial damages.
Liability must be assessed against the applicable legal requirements and the evidence concerning each person.
6. Predictions about the Spanish registry's future actions.
These should not be presented as confirmed unless supported by official decisions or correspondence.
16. Recommended Next Steps
If the purpose is to prepare a credible legal complaint or communicate with international sports organizations, I would prioritize the following:
1. Obtain certified registry documents for both the IFBB and EBFF, including their complete registered statutes and amendments.
2. Compare the documents article by article against the constitutions published on the organizations' websites.
3. Obtain the records for specific disputed decisions, including disciplinary sanctions, appeals, elections, and governing-body appointments.
4. Verify the CSD's response and establish precisely what it confirms about registration and recognition.
5. Collect financial evidence before making allegations about tax status, revenue, rental arrangements, or conflicts of interest.
6. Identify the specific European court judgments relevant to the claims of arbitrary exclusion or discrimination.
7. Separate each complainant's alleged harm from general criticisms of the organizations, identifying the decision, evidence, applicable rule, and remedy sought.
8. Have a Spanish association-law specialist review the evidence before asserting that particular decisions are void or that named individuals have incurred personal liability.
Overall conclusion
The letter raises several potentially significant questions about organizational governance, the relationship between registered statutes and publicly available constitutions, disciplinary authority, election procedures, and financial accountability.
However, it also contains serious allegations and legal conclusions that cannot be accepted as established merely because the author states them or refers to official documents.
The most defensible approach is to establish the documentary discrepancies first, identify the legal consequences second, and assess individual allegations of misconduct separately.
That approach would produce a stronger, more credible submission than treating all the allegations as proven or asserting that every IFBB decision is automatically illegal.
2026. What Is Happening in Lithuanian Bodybuilding?
Six decades of history, different visions for the future of bodybuilding federations, and one fundamental question: where is Lithuanian bodybuilding heading today?
Not every bodybuilder is fortunate enough to live to the age of 70. Even fewer have had the opportunity to spend almost their entire lives in bodybuilding, witnessing the development of the sport in Lithuania from its earliest days to the present.
Looking back over more than six decades of Lithuanian bodybuilding history, we can see not only achievements but also missed opportunities, different approaches to sports administration, and questions that urgently need answers today.
What is happening in Lithuanian bodybuilding in 2026? Why do some organizations speak about their historical achievements and future plans, while the activities of others raise questions about results, international recognition, and athlete motivation?
Let us talk about our experience, our achievements, and the future of Lithuanian bodybuilding.
1991 — The Beginning of Bodybuilding Organization in Independent Lithuania
May 1991 was an important period in the history of Lithuanian sport. At that time, with the assistance of Algirdas Raslanas, Lithuania's Minister of Sport, the Lithuanian National Bodybuilding Association (LNKA) was registered. According to the author, it was the first bodybuilding organization established in independent Lithuania.
It was a time that demanded not only courage but also a clear vision for the future. Lithuania was building the institutions of an independent state, and sports organizations had the opportunity to establish international relations independently and represent their country on the international stage.
Athletes representing the LNKA participated in the NABBA European Championships in France. There, the first championship medals were won by Natalija Murnikovienė from Klaipėda and Rolandas Bučinskas from Šiauliai.
However, sporting results were not the only important achievement.
The LNKA brought an official NABBA document to Lithuania which, according to the author, recognized Lithuania's independence and the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee. This was a significant symbolic step at a time when the young state was seeking international recognition.
Today, more than three decades later, it is worth remembering that the history of independent Lithuanian sport was shaped by people who worked under difficult political and economic circumstances. Their efforts deserve recognition and a permanent place in history.
From the LNKA to the Lithuanian Sports Fitness Federation
Over the years, our organization has changed its name and the form of its activities. Following the Lithuanian National Bodybuilding Association, the Lithuanian Fitness Federation operated, and later the international activities of the WFF-WBBF — the World Fitness Federation and the World Body Building Federation — developed. Today, the work of the Lithuanian Sports Fitness Federation continues.
During this period, we organized European and World Championships, developed international partnerships, and worked to ensure that Lithuania became more visible in international bodybuilding and fitness.
Our events received support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. They were covered by national media, while some attracted the attention of international television broadcasters, including Eurosport and CNN.
These events and the history of our organization are documented on our international website, www.wff.lt.
In our view, the performance of a sports organization should not be judged solely by its name or formal status. What matters is the competitions it organizes, the opportunities it provides to athletes, the international relationships it develops, and the legacy it leaves for future generations.
Lithuanian IFBB: Funding and Accountability for Results
We take a critical view of the activities of the Lithuanian IFBB federation.
In our opinion, an organization that has received public funding for several decades should clearly demonstrate the results of its work to society.
How many major international competitions does it organize? How many Lithuanian athletes achieve outstanding results? What measures does it take to promote bodybuilding and attract new athletes?
These are not merely rhetorical questions. They concern the responsibility of sports organizations for the resources entrusted to them and for the future of Lithuanian bodybuilding.
In our assessment, the activities of the Lithuanian IFBB lack more prominent international projects and greater visibility. Questions also arise about the federation's ability to attract athletes and ensure the long-term development of bodybuilding.
Public funding, by itself, is not proof of successful performance. It should be linked to specific objectives, measurable results, and transparent accountability.
It is therefore necessary to discuss the contribution different organizations make to Lithuanian bodybuilding and how that contribution can be assessed objectively.
Doping and the Future of Athletes
One of the most sensitive issues in Lithuanian bodybuilding is doping control and its impact on athletes.
In our assessment, stricter doping controls were one of the reasons why some bodybuilders stopped competing in Lithuanian IFBB events. However, athletes' decisions may also be influenced by other factors, so this issue requires broader analysis based on verifiable facts.
One thing is important to understand: athletes leaving competitions, becoming dissatisfied, or losing interest should encourage federations to review their activities and seek solutions.
Bodybuilding needs more than rules. It also needs trust, clear sporting prospects, and appropriate conditions for competition preparation.
Doping control is an important part of fair sport. However, every federation also has a responsibility to explain its rules, apply them consistently, and help athletes understand the conditions under which they can compete.
The ultimate goal should not be to drive athletes away, but to create a fair, responsible, and sustainable sporting environment.
Competitions, Spectators, and the Popularity of Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding competitions should be more than formal events listed on a calendar.
They should attract spectators, generate media interest, give athletes the opportunity to showcase their preparation, and encourage young people to take up the sport.
When a large venue remains almost empty and the number of competitors is small, legitimate questions arise. Was the event format chosen appropriately? Was enough effort invested in promotion? Were the needs of athletes and spectators taken into account?
One event alone is not enough to judge the performance of an entire federation. Nevertheless, long-term trends must be taken seriously.
Lithuanian bodybuilding needs meaningful engagement with the public, professionally organized competitions, greater youth participation, and clear communication.
If we want bodybuilding to attract attention, we must make it engaging, accessible, and worthy of public interest.
We Have a Vision for the Future
Despite the pandemic, armed conflicts, and other international crises, we have not abandoned our activities. These events delayed some of our planned projects, but they did not diminish our determination to continue the work we had started.
We believe that bodybuilding and fitness in Lithuania can benefit from greater international opportunities, stronger partnerships, and more ambitious goals.
Achieving this requires consistent work, long-term planning, the trust of partners, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
In our view, the most important question is not who speaks most loudly about past achievements, but what is actually being done for the benefit of athletes. History matters, but it should never become an excuse for standing still. Past achievements create an obligation to build the future.
We therefore intend to continue developing our activities, implementing our planned projects, and strengthening Lithuania's presence in international fitness and bodybuilding.
The Future of Lithuanian Bodybuilding Depends on All of Us
More than six decades after the first steps of Lithuanian bodybuilding, we have every right to ask ourselves what we have achieved and what we will leave to future generations.
We have the right to discuss the activities of federations, their results, funding, and accountability. However, such discussions should be based not only on emotions and mutual accusations, but also on concrete achievements, documents, and verifiable facts.
The future of bodybuilding will not be determined by the names of organizations. It will be shaped by people: athletes, coaches, judges, organizers, and everyone who genuinely cares about this sport.
We wish all bodybuilders endurance, critical thinking, and confidence in their own abilities. When choosing a sports organization, consider its track record, rules, opportunities for athletes, and plans for the future.
Look around, stay informed, ask questions, and draw your own conclusions.
Lithuanian bodybuilding has a history. It has people who have devoted a significant part of their lives to this sport. Now it is our responsibility to ensure that it also has a future.
We will not give up. We will keep moving forward!
LITHUANIA'S BODYBUILDING PRIDE OF 2026 – PIOTR SEVCENKO!
Vilnius Bodybuilder Piotr Sevcenko – Absolute World Professional Champion!
Vilnius-based bodybuilder Piotr Sevcenko is an experienced athlete with a long and successful competitive career. Over the years, he has participated in numerous bodybuilding competitions at various levels. His sporting journey began more than 25 years ago, when he first competed in events organized by the worldwide WFF-WBBF federation.
The year 2026 proved to be an exceptional one for Piotr Sevcenko, bringing him outstanding victories and international recognition.
In May, at the 27th International „Universe“ Tournament held in Klaipėda, Lithuania, Piotr Sevcenko won the overall title and earned his WFF-WBBF Professional Card. This achievement opened the doors to the world of professional bodybuilding.
However, his success story did not end there.
In autumn, at the WFF-WBBF World Professional Championship held in the resort town of Nida, Piotr Sevcenko once again demonstrated his outstanding abilities. Displaying exceptional physical conditioning, impressive preparation and outstanding stage presentation, he claimed the overall title of World Professional Champion!
This is a prestigious bodybuilding achievement that athletes from many countries around the world aspire to accomplish. Only one competitor can claim the overall champion's title – the athlete who delivers the best performance.
Piotr Sevcenko’s victory is the result of years of hard work, determination, discipline and dedication to bodybuilding. His sporting journey is an inspiring example of how great ambitions can be achieved through consistent effort and belief in oneself.
Congratulations to Piotr Sevcenko on his outstanding achievements in 2026! We wish him many more victories on the international bodybuilding stage!
For more information about the competitions, results and WFF-WBBF activities, visit the federation's international website: www.wff.lt
WFF-WBBF AND THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT OF FIT-KIDS.
From the Historic Initiative of 1999 to an International Sports Movement in 2026
HISTORICAL BEGINNINGS: 1990–1999
The World WFF-WBBF Federation occupies a special place in the history of children's fitness sports. Its activities became one of the important organisational foundations for the development of an international system of children's fitness.
The origins of this process date back to 1990, when the Federation began organising World Aerobic Fitness Championships. These competitions provided the foundation for expanding fitness activities and involving increasingly younger athletes.
In 1999, the WFF-WBBF Federation began systematically developing a separate children's sports division known as "Fit-Kids".
This was a significant milestone in the history of sports organisation. Children's physical fitness, coordination, flexibility, artistic expression and stage performance began to be recognised as an independent sporting discipline requiring specialised preparation and its own competition system.
THE EXPANSION OF AGE CATEGORIES – AN INDICATOR OF SYSTEMATIC SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
One of the most important stages in the development of WFF-WBBF children's fitness was the continuous improvement of its age-category system.
Initially, athletes were divided into several main age groups: up to 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 years of age.
As the number of participants increased and sporting competition intensified, these categories no longer met all practical requirements. Consequently, the Federation introduced a more detailed system in which athletes were classified by individual years of age, from 6 to 16.
This development had considerable sporting significance.
First, it created opportunities for a fairer assessment of children with different levels of biological and physical development.
Second, it provided more opportunities for children to participate in international competitions and achieve results within their respective age categories.
Third, it established the foundations for a more consistent athlete-development system in which each age group has specific physical preparation and stage-performance requirements.
Thus, the expansion of age categories was not merely an administrative change. It reflected the growing professionalism of children's fitness sports.
A NEW STAGE: THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIALISED SPORTS DISCIPLINES
As children's fitness continued to develop, different athletic abilities and interests became increasingly evident among young competitors.
Some children demonstrated outstanding general physical fitness, while others excelled in acrobatic skills, artistic expression, dance technique or the ability to create stage performances.
The WFF-WBBF Federation responded to these developments.
At the initiative of Alexandra Kobielak, Head of the Federation's Children's Division, the classification of sporting disciplines was further developed and expanded.
Five main disciplines emerged:
1. "Fit-Kids" – the principal children's fitness discipline, incorporating physical conditioning, body control, flexibility, coordination and stage performance.
2. "Performance" – a discipline focusing on individual athletic execution, movement quality and performance technique.
3. "Acrobatic" – a discipline demonstrating acrobatic skills, complex movements, flexibility and coordination.
4. "Show" – a combination of sport and artistic performance, emphasising creativity, stage culture and individual expression.
5. "Dance" – an integration of dance technique, musicality, choreography and physical fitness.
This classification demonstrates that children's fitness gradually moved beyond the traditional boundaries of aerobic sports. It developed into a diverse sporting activity combining physical conditioning, coordination, artistic expression and stage performance.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – A MEASURE OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
One of the most important indicators of the stability of an international sports movement is the regular organisation of competitions and the historical record of their results.
The list of WFF-WBBF "Fit-Kids" World Championship Overall Champions covers the period from 1999 to 2026.
During this period, championship titles were won by representatives of Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovakia and Hungary.
These results reveal several significant trends.
The first trend – international geographical expansion.
The list of champions demonstrates that success has not been limited to a single country. This indicates that children's fitness competitions have developed into an international arena in which athletes from different countries compete.
The second trend – Lithuania's contribution.
The contribution of Lithuanian athletes is particularly significant. Lithuanian representatives won the Overall World Champion title in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
This demonstrates the continuity of Lithuanian sporting achievements across different historical periods.
Lithuania's importance in this history is not limited to championship victories. It also reflects the country's participation in the development of international children's fitness.
The third trend – the achievements of Polish athletes.
Polish athletes also occupy a prominent position in the history of Overall Champions. Wiktoria Parkot deserves particular recognition for winning the title in two consecutive years, 2014 and 2015.
In 2025 and 2026, Polish athletes once again claimed the Overall World Champion titles.
The fourth trend – international competitiveness.
Victories by representatives of Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Slovakia and Hungary demonstrate that the history of the World Championships is not the sporting chronicle of just one country. It is a history of competition between different national sporting traditions.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY OF 1999–2026 – A REFLECTION OF THE SPORTING MOVEMENT
Over the 28 calendar years from the first championship in 1999 to 2026, the list records 28 Overall Champions.
It is particularly important that this period encompasses several distinct stages in the development of children's fitness:
• 1999–2005 – the initial formation of the international movement;
• 2006–2015 – the expansion of international competition and athletic performance;
• 2016–2020 – further geographical and sporting development;
• 2021–2026 – the modern stage of children's fitness sports.
This periodisation makes it possible to view "Fit-Kids" not simply as a series of individual competitions, but as a long-term sporting development process.
CHILDREN'S FITNESS – MORE THAN JUST COMPETITIVE RESULTS
When analysing the development of children's "Fit-Kids", it is important to remember that young athletes' achievements should not be evaluated solely by their World Championship titles.
The significance of this sporting discipline is much broader.
It provides children with opportunities to develop physical abilities, coordination, flexibility, movement skills, discipline and self-confidence.
Participation in international competitions also encourages cultural awareness, communication with peers from different countries and the acquisition of international sporting experience.
At the same time, it is essential to emphasise that children's health, safe training loads, age-appropriate preparation and positive sporting experiences must always remain the highest priorities.
CONCLUSIONS: THE PLACE OF WFF-WBBF IN THE GLOBAL HISTORY OF FIT-KIDS
The development of the children's "Fit-Kids" division by the WFF-WBBF Federation, initiated in 1999, became an important milestone in the organisation of international children's fitness sports.
From the World Aerobic Fitness Championships launched in 1990 to today's specialised system of children's sporting disciplines, a long journey of organisational and athletic development has taken place.
Throughout this period, the age-category system was improved, the diversity of sporting disciplines expanded, international competition traditions were established, and a historical record of World Championship results was accumulated.
A particularly important role in this development belongs to Alexandra Kobielak, whose initiative contributed to the expansion and further classification of children's sporting disciplines.
Lithuania's contribution is equally significant. The victories of Lithuanian athletes across different periods demonstrate the country's prominent position in the history of WFF-WBBF "Fit-Kids" World Championships.
The main historical conclusion: Since 1999, the activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation have provided one of the important organisational foundations for the development of international children's "Fit-Kids" sports.
Today, the championship record covering 1999–2026 represents much more than a list of sporting results. It is a 28-year historical record of an international movement, reflecting the achievements of athletes from different countries and the evolution of children's fitness sports.
Information source: World WFF-WBBF Federation. Official international website: www.wff.lt (Forum sections).
WFF-WBBF REPRESENTATIVE IN IRELAND
MARIK STEFANOVIC – 2026 WORLD CHAMPION!
Ireland is represented in the international WFF-WBBF bodybuilding federation by Marik Stefanovic, who proudly claimed the World Champion title at the 2026 WFF-WBBF World Championship in Nida, Lithuania.
With a history dating back to 1968, the International WFF-WBBF Federation brings together members from 141 countries and organizes approximately 60 international sporting events worldwide every year.
Marik Stefanovic, Chairman of WFF-WBBF in Ireland, participated in the 2026 World Championship held at the Lithuanian resort of Nida, where he achieved 1st place in his age category, earning the prestigious title of 2026 World Champion.
THE ROAD TO 2027 – 60 YEARS OF THE HISTORIC AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL!
The International WFF-WBBF Federation is now preparing for one of its most significant international events of 2027: the 60th anniversary of the historic AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL, one of the world's oldest bodybuilding competitions.
The prestigious event will take place on May 7–9, 2027, in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
The Irish national team will be led by Marik Stefanovic, who will represent Ireland at this historic international bodybuilding celebration.
The 2027 Amber Prix International promises to bring together athletes, national representatives and bodybuilding enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate six decades of international bodybuilding history and tradition.
Ireland is ready for the 2027 international challenge!
More information:
International WFF-WBBF Federation www.wff.lt
28 YEARS OF FIT-KIDS – A GLOBAL REVOLUTION IN CHILDREN'S SPORT
WFF-WBBF: From the Origins of a Historic Sports Movement to a New Global Era of Children's Fitness
AN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS HISTORY CREATED BY CHILDREN
The World WFF-WBBF Federation is an international sports organisation whose activities began in 1968 and which today brings together members from 141 countries worldwide. Over the decades, the Federation has consistently developed various sports disciplines, while children's sport has remained one of its most important strategic priorities.
Launched 28 years ago, the international „Fit-Kids“ sports movement represents much more than just a sports programme for children today. It is a new philosophy, a new approach to the younger generation and a significant milestone in the development of children's sport worldwide.
WFF-WBBF was among the organisations that recognised early on that children's sport cannot simply be a scaled-down version of adult sport. Children need their own sporting environment, where physical fitness, creativity, music, choreography, acrobatics and stage performance come together as an integrated sports system.
An idea that has developed into an international sports movement over 28 years.
FIT-KIDS – A SPORTS REVOLUTION THAT HAS GONE BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES OF TRADITIONAL SPORT
Having started with a single main discipline, the international „Fit-Kids“ movement is now entering a new stage of development.
At the initiative of Aleksandra Kobielak, Head of the Children's Sports Department of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, the children's fitness concept has been expanded to include several distinct sporting disciplines:
• Fit-Kids Fitness;
• Performance Fitness;
• Show Fitness;
• Acrobatic Fitness;
• Dance Fitness.
Each discipline has its own specific characteristics, but they are all united by a common objective: the comprehensive development of children's physical, artistic and sporting abilities.
Today, Fit-Kids athletes do much more than demonstrate physical fitness. They create sports performances, express their individual talents, develop stage skills and learn the values of sporting discipline.
This is a new generation of sport, where children become not merely competition participants, but creative and independent sporting personalities.
The WFF-WBBF Fit-Kids movement demonstrates that children's sport can be dynamic, diverse and internationally significant.
THE WORLD IS CHANGING – CHILDREN'S SPORT MUST MOVE FORWARD
In today's world, children's physical activity is becoming an increasingly important social issue. Technological development, declining everyday physical activity and the limitations of traditional sports models all demand new solutions.
The Fit-Kids concept developed by the WFF-WBBF Federation offers an alternative approach: sport should be accessible, attractive, creative and adapted to children's needs.
Through the Federation's initiative, children's fitness has moved beyond the boundaries of traditional sport, combining physical activity, art, music, choreography and acrobatics.
This direction reflects a broader trend in international sports development: the need to create new sporting formats capable of engaging younger generations and encouraging long-term physical activity.
Fit-Kids is not a passing trend. It is an international sports concept that has been developing for 28 years.
2027 – HISTORIC INTERNATIONAL WFF-WBBF SPORTS EVENTS IN LITHUANIA
In 2027, Lithuania will become an important international centre for WFF-WBBF sporting events. Competitions held in Klaipėda and Nida will bring together international sporting traditions, global competition and performances by a new generation of athletes.
KLAIPĖDA – THE 60TH AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL
On 7–9 May 2027, Klaipėda will host the 31st WFF-WBBF European Amateur and Professional Championships, together with the 60th Amber Prix International tournament.
The 60th edition of the Amber Prix International is a remarkable historical event. Sixty years of tournament history symbolise longstanding sporting traditions, international cooperation and the consistent development of sport.
This is more than just a competition. It is a history created over many years by athletes, coaches, organisers and entire sporting communities.
Klaipėda will become an international meeting point for sport, where tradition meets modern sporting achievements and new directions of development.
NIDA – THE 38TH WFF-WBBF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
On 5–7 November 2027, Nida will host the 38th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championships.
The World Championships are among the most important international events organised by the Federation, bringing together athletes and sports professionals from different countries.
Nida, one of Lithuania's most distinctive resort destinations, will become an international sporting arena showcasing the highest levels of athletic preparation, sporting culture and the achievements of the WFF-WBBF Federation's international activities.
Both major events in 2027 will also have special significance for the development of children's sport, giving young Fit-Kids athletes the opportunity to participate in an international sporting environment.
28 YEARS – AND THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
Over 28 years of developing the international Fit-Kids movement, the WFF-WBBF Federation has established the foundations of a new concept in children's sport.
Today, Fit-Kids is no longer simply an individual sporting discipline. It is a multidirectional international movement combining physical education, sporting excellence, creativity and the discovery of young talent.
The Federation's activities reflect a clear strategic vision: children's sport should not merely be a part of the sporting system, but an independent and promising international sports discipline in its own right.
28 years of Fit-Kids history. 141 countries represented in the international activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation. New sporting disciplines. A new philosophy of children's sport.
This is the WFF-WBBF Federation's contribution to the future of world sport.
The revolution in children's sport is already underway!
More international news, information about sporting events and the activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation: www.wff.lt www.worldfitness.lt
THEY BANNED BODYBUILDING.
HE HELD THE COMPETITIONS ANYWAY.
From illegal competitions in Soviet Lithuania to a Pope’s medal in the Vatican — a story that sounds almost impossible today
1976. Soviet Lithuania.
Bodybuilding was banned.
The authorities did not want it. The system regarded it as something foreign, suspicious and unnecessary.
But someone decided that a ban would not be the final word.
Edmundas Daubaras began organizing bodybuilding competitions.
Public competitions.
At the time — illegal in the eyes of the authorities.
And this is where a story began that, decades later, would lead from Lithuania to Moscow — and ultimately to the Vatican.
NOT IN A GYM. AGAINST THE SYSTEM.
Today, bodybuilding competitions seem completely ordinary.
A stage. Spotlights. Athletes. Judges. Medals.
But in Soviet Lithuania, everything was different.
In 1976–1977, organizing public bodybuilding competitions meant challenging the system.
Athletes wanted to train.
They wanted to compete.
They wanted to demonstrate the results of their work.
And the system said: no.
The answer was simple:
“The competitions will take place anyway.”
And they did.
In Klaipėda, the authorities later permitted bodybuilding competitions to be held.
But that was not the end of the story.
It was only the beginning.
1978. A PETITION — TO MOSCOW
When organizing competitions was no longer enough, an even bolder step was taken.
In 1978, Edmundas Daubaras wrote a petition defending bodybuilding.
And he did not take it to some local authority.
Not to a sports club.
Not to a newspaper editorial office.
He took it to Moscow. To the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
It was an attempt to address the system itself.
Directly.
Without intermediaries.
To demand recognition of the right of a sport to exist — a sport to which the system had imposed restrictions.
Today, individual circumstances of that period may be interpreted in different ways. But one fact cannot be denied:
A man living under the Soviet system chose to openly defend something that the system sought to restrict.
DECADES PASSED.
Time changed the world.
The Soviet Union disappeared.
The Iron Curtain fell.
Bodybuilding became an international sport.
And a story that had once been associated with bans and state control eventually reached a completely different place.
The Vatican.
2011. THE VATICAN.
During an official reception for WFF-WBBF leaders at the Vatican, representatives of the Catholic Church were introduced to this history.
They learned about the position of bodybuilding under the communist system.
About the bans.
About the first competitions.
About the petition to Moscow.
About the activities of Edmundas Daubaras.
And then something happened that nobody at the beginning of this story could have predicted.
Cardinal Jozef Tomko described Edmundas Daubaras’s actions toward the communist regime as dissident in nature.
And there was more.
Edmundas Daubaras was awarded a medal of Pope Benedict XVI.
Later, the WFF-WBBF federation received an official letter from the Vatican blessing the federation’s activities.
From illegal competitions in Soviet Lithuania — to the Vatican.
From prohibition — to blessing.
Could there be a more striking historical irony?
60 YEARS. AND ONE EXTRAORDINARY STORY.
Today, WFF-WBBF celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Six decades of sporting history.
But among the countless dates, championships, athletes and titles, there is one story that stands out.
Because it did not begin under comfortable circumstances.
Not in a free country.
Not at a time when everything was permitted.
It began when people had to fight for the very right to organize bodybuilding competitions.
And that is precisely why this story deserves to be remembered.
BECAUSE SOMETIMES A MEDAL IS NOT FOR MUSCLES.
In sports history, medals are usually awarded for victories.
For records.
For championship titles.
But in this story, the medal presented at the Vatican carried an entirely different meaning.
It became a symbolic recognition of the work of a man who began acting at a time when even the right to organize bodybuilding competitions could not be taken for granted.
1976–1977 — illegal competitions.
1978 — petition to Moscow.
2011 — the Vatican.
Medal of Pope Benedict XVI.
Recognition by Cardinal Jozef Tomko.
Official Vatican blessing of WFF-WBBF activities.
That is the journey.
And so, as the federation marks its 60th anniversary, one can say it very simply:
WHEN THE SYSTEM SAID “NO” — SPORT SAID “YES.”
And history remembered it.
WFF-WBBF LEADS THE WAY IN SPORTS INNOVATION.
Mini-Trampolines – A New Sport for Everyone.
The World WFF-WBBF Federation, which began its activities in 1968, currently unites athletes and organizations from 141 countries around the world. Throughout its long history, the Federation has become one of the pioneers of international sports innovation, continuously developing new, attractive, and accessible forms of physical activity for people of different ages and backgrounds.
The history of WFF-WBBF is rich in significant sporting innovations. The Federation has contributed to the development of Classic Bodybuilding, the children's “Fit-Kids” program, the Fitness Model category, and many other sporting disciplines. In recent years, the program of international competitions has been expanded to include such innovative disciplines as Aerial Acrobatics Fitness, Pole Dance Fitness, Kangoo Dance Fitness, Step Aerobics Fitness, Martial Arts Fitness, Sports Model Fitness, and other new sporting directions.
One of the newest and fastest-growing sporting disciplines within WFF-WBBF is Mini-Trampoline Fitness.
Over the past three years, Mini-Trampoline Fitness has been successfully featured at top-level international WFF-WBBF competitions. This discipline is distinguished by its dynamism and the combination of coordination, endurance, physical fitness, and artistic performance. Mini-trampolines offer opportunities for people of various age groups to participate in sports, giving this discipline considerable potential for further development on the international sporting stage.
At the 2026 WFF-WBBF international competitions, among various age groups and qualification categories, the absolute world champion in the Mini-Trampoline Fitness division was Polish athlete Katarzyna Małgorzata Rybak.
Her victory once again confirmed that Mini-Trampoline Fitness is becoming an increasingly important part of international sport, opening up new opportunities for athletes and coaches alike.
The WFF-WBBF Federation continues to consistently develop new sporting disciplines, aiming to promote an active lifestyle, encourage sporting creativity, and provide as many people as possible with the opportunity to discover the joy of sport.
For more detailed information about the activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation, international competitions, and sporting innovations, please visit: www.wff.lt www.worldfitness.lt
JAPANESE WFF-WBBF FEDERATION
LITHUANIAN EMBASSY SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL SPORT IN JAPAN
JAPANESE ATHLETE ACHIEVES HISTORIC TRIUMPH AT THE 2026 WFF-WBBF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN NIDA
The World WFF-WBBF Federation, whose history dates back to 1968, currently unites athletes and national sports organizations from 141 countries around the world. Throughout more than five decades of activity, the Federation has established itself as an important international sports organization, actively promoting new sporting disciplines, introducing innovative competition formats, and strengthening international sports cooperation.
JAPANESE ATHLETES' JOURNEY TO INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Although Asian athletes have been participating in the international activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation for more than four decades, the appearance of Japanese representatives on the international competition stage became a particularly significant event only in 2025.
That year, Japanese athlete Toru Fukutomi made his breakthrough into the international sports elite by becoming the Overall Winner of the 26th International "Universe" Tournament. His victory opened a new chapter in the history of Japanese WFF-WBBF sport.
However, the international achievements of Japanese athletes did not end there.
In 2026, at the WFF-WBBF Amateur World Championship held in Nida, Lithuania, Japanese representative Iori Nishizawa achieved an outstanding victory, becoming the Overall World Champion!
This remarkable triumph not only strengthened the position of Japanese athletes within the international WFF-WBBF arena but also earned Iori Nishizawa the right to receive a Professional Card. He crowned his impressive performance with another major achievement, becoming the winner of the 17th "WFF-WBBF Pro World Cup".
Within an exceptionally short period, Japanese athletes demonstrated outstanding competitive skills and proved their ability to compete for the most prestigious international titles.
AN EXAMPLE OF SPORTING COOPERATION BETWEEN LITHUANIA AND JAPAN
Preparations for this international success had already begun in Japan. Before travelling to Lithuania, Iori Nishizawa organized a national WFF-WBBF competition in his home country. The event became an important milestone in the activities of the Japanese Federation and in the development of the sport in Japan.
The support of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan gave this event particular significance. The Embassy was among the sponsors of the national competition, contributing to the development of international sporting cooperation.
The support provided by Lithuania's diplomatic representation in Japan for WFF-WBBF sporting events represents an important example of cooperation between Lithuania and Japan.
Sport is not merely an arena for high-level athletic competition. It is also an important instrument for strengthening international relations, friendship, and mutual understanding.
The success of Japanese athletes in Lithuania and the support provided by the Lithuanian Embassy in Japan symbolically brought the two countries together within the international sporting community.
A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF JAPANESE WFF-WBBF SPORT
The achievements of Toru Fukutomi and Iori Nishizawa mark a new stage in the development of the Japanese WFF-WBBF Federation.
In just two years, Japanese athletes have succeeded in winning the highest international titles and establishing themselves among the world's sporting elite.
The 2026 World Championship in Nida became not only the stage for Iori Nishizawa's personal triumph but also an important milestone in the international recognition of Japanese sport.
The international activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation, the achievements of Japanese athletes, and the support of the Lithuanian Embassy once again demonstrate that sport knows no geographical boundaries.
Sport brings nations together, encourages international cooperation, and creates new chapters in the history of international friendship.
For further information about the activities of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, international championships, athletes' achievements, and the organization's history, please visit: www.wff.lt
