WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
UNIQUE HAPPENING IN WORLD SPORT HISTORY.
OFFICIAL VISIT TO VATICAN.
Working at the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ we would like to underline the unique happening in the World‘s sport history. That was the Official Visit of the President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to Vatican.
HOW VISIT TO VATICAN STARTED.
Developing International sport in the beginning of April, 2011 International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS visited Poland, Germany, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovakia. Being in Monaco DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received a call from Italy informing that the Official Visit to Vatican is settled. The way towards Italy started. Right before the visit to Vatican the meeting with the Vatican representative in Italy was organized.
VATICAN NAMES BODYBUILDING DISIDENTS.
Vatican is not only the Centre of the World Catholic Church, but it is the State of the Vatican Country too. To present the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. activities in the World in 2011 the Official Meeting of the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Interantional Federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was organized in Vatican.
Listening about the Bodybuilding activities during the years of prohibition of this sport in the Socialist Countries the Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO was interested very much. The Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO positively evaluated our efforts to fight for the Bodybuilding Sport recognition and at once named us the „dissidents of the Communist Regime“.
Most impressive was the Vatican State evaluation of the contemporary positive work of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. federation in developing total fitness and bodybuilding throughout the World. For this work done the Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Original Vatican Pontific Medals (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to the International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. VIP Official Slovak STEFAN HRCKA (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).
During the Official Visit to Vatican the Vatican State Administrator J. Em. PADRE PAOLO presented to the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Officials the Vatican Administration Headquarters, the Closed Historic Treasure Archives of the Vatican and the Storage Place of the historically valuable personal items of all Pontifics of the Vatican State. Early morning at the Vatican St. Peter‘s Basilica the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited and participated at the unique personal Mess.
We will publishe a thorough article in parts. Follow the International Site www.wff.lt - much information, documents and pictures are already published there.
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
1970 – 1980 BEST U.S.S.R. BODYBUILDERS.
BEGINNING.
Working on the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ («Энциклопедией всемирного культуризма», „Pasaulinė kultūrizmo enciklopedija“) we are analysing lots of historic happenings and facts. Today we can list five bodybuilders of the U.S.S.R. who were most famous since 1970 until 1980. That were representing famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ LEONAS PIVORIUNAS (his trainer was CESLAV TAMULEVIC, 1946 - 2021), VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин, R.S.F.S.R., Leningrad, was training himself), representing „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ PRANAS MURAUSKAS ((his trainer was CESLAV TAMULEVIC) and two Estonians - OLEV ANNUS and INDREK OTSUS. Both were trained by INNAR MARDO (1945 – 2002).
BEST BODYBUILDERS
For twenty years the only one in the World „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ was making the road to develop bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R.. Until now no other bodybuilding school influenced bodybuilding sport and did the same in the World. The school was created by CESLAV TAMULEVICH. Later came his follower poet, writer and drama creator VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский, 1952 - 2026)). Both trainers did miracles with their pupils on stage. Everybody in the huge territory admired their works and tried to copy and follow them. About the ideas and works and future goals of the school VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ wrote a methodical story. Several years ago VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ proposed DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fulfil works and methods of the school at the competitions of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International. Unfortunately bodybuilding is in so big problem now and it is a question of it‘s official survival. We think there is the only one way out – W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International seeks recognition of the International Olympic Committee and it works on this very much.
PRANAS MURAUSKAS.
Representing „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ PRANAS MURAUSKAS participated at bodybuilding contests since 1969 until 1974. He Always won his categories. Best result of PRANAS MURAUSKAS was the first place and the Over All Winner‘s title at the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно») in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). Having International Standard shape PRANAS MURAUSKAS became very famous. Bodybuilding magazines and newspapers wrote much about him. He won against VLADIMIR DUBININ and OLEV ANNUS then and came into World‘s Bodybuilding History forever.
VLADIMIR DUBININ
Russian bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин, 1948) since 1968 until 1974 participated at eleven competitions. His participation started with the second place at the 1968 National Championship of the Estonian SSR. Best results were first places at the 1970 and 1971 International Contests in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR), 1971 and 1972 U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cahmpionships («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»), 1972 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024). Participation ended when VLADIMIR DUBININ lost his category at the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ to OLEV ANNUS (Estonian SSR). Since 1991 until 2019 he was President of the National I.F.B.B. federation of Russian Federation.
LEONAS PIVORIUNAS
Representing unique in the World „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ („Vilniaus kultūrizmo mokykla“, «Вильнюсская школа культуризма») famous sculpturer LEONAS PIVORIOUNAS participated at various competitions. Best results of LEONAS PIVORIUNAS were the first places at the historical „Amber Prix International“ (1968, „Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз»), Kaunas International Contest (1968), International Competitions in Warszawa (People‘s Republic of Poland) and Tiumen (Russian SSR). In 2020 LEONAS PIVORIUNAS at the Parliament Republic Lithuania was awarded with the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) „International Honour Silver Medal“ («Международная Серебряная Медаль Почёта»).
The Article will be continued and we will speak about each of the mentioned above Athletes. Follow International Page www.wff.lt
1982. SOCIALIST WORLD BODYBUILDING NEWS.
Bodybuilding sport was still prohibited but bodybuilders of the Socialist countries felt comming „perestrojka“.
The year of 1982 traditionally started in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) with „Amber Prix International‘ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023). We would like to underline that since 1978 „Amber Prix International“ was the „unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ («неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Best U.S.S.R. bodybuilders participated at the event. It became possible after when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) wrote bodybuilding defending petition and personally brought it to the highest U.S.S.R. political Institutions in Moscow (read about this in various languages in details in our articles at the www.wff.lt).
Bodybuilders of six countries took part at the 1982 „Amber Prix International“. The Over All Winners were RICARDAS PETRAUSKAS (Juniors) and EUGENE GORELIK (Евгений Горелик, Main Categories). Both from the Lithuanian SSR.
In 1982 bodybuilding organizers of the Estonian SSR still were fighting in between. Brothers ARRO left our sport, OLEV ANNUS emigrated to Finland. Though the Chairman of the National Bodybuilding Federation of the Estonian SSR was PRANAS MICKEVICIUS but bodybuilders supported INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002).
There were two teams of the Estonian SSR at the 1982 „Amber Prix International“. One was of PRANAS MICKEVICIUS and another of INNAR MARDO.
Traditional 1982 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989) in Tallinn (Estonian SSR) was not the best. Only 31 bodybuilders participated at the competition. The Over All Winners were Lithuanians RAIMONDAS PETRAITIS (Juniors) and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Main Categories).
1982 „Comsomol Cup“ («Кубок комсомола», „Komjaunimo taurė“) was organized in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). Junior Category Winners were Lithuanians RAIMONDAS PETRAITIS, SAULIUS MIKUCKIS, EDMUNDAS GUDAVICIUS, Main Category Winners were STANISLAV POLIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR) and Lithuanians ALGIRDAS IVANAUSKAS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS, ALBERTAS BESAKIRSKAS.
Two teams of the Estonian SSR went to 1982 „Trener“ contest in the Czechoslovakian SSR. One was led by PRANAS MICKEVICIUS and another by INNAR MARDO. First time bodybuilders of the Lithuanian SSR took part at this competition. The Category Winners were Lithuanians EUGENE GORELIK, VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS and LUBOMIR MATEJICKA from the Czechoslovakian SSR. The Over All Winner was SAULIUS MISEVICIUS.
In 1982 a representative of the U.S.S.R. first time visited I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) World Championship. It was held in Belgium. That was secretary of the „Unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («неофициальная «Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. For this he had to fool the U.S.S.R. officials. ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS managed to get into a cruise ship to Europe Countries. This way he reached Belgium and attended the World Championship. The time of cruise and championship was the same. As told by ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS the organizers met him warmly. But knowing no foreign languages he could make pictures with I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER and ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. Nothing more. But after meeting representatives of Czechoslovakia SSR ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS communicated with then in Russian free. When competition ended ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS received zero attention and was left alone. Then at the 1982 I.F.B.B. World Championship winners were: USA bodybuilders JAMES GAUBERT, DALE RUPLINGER, LEE HANEY and Turkish AHMET ENUNLU.
In 1989 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS clearly understood that ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS does not understand any foreign language. During active correspondance and a number of personal meetings with BEN WEIDER DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS became a real friend of him. In 1989 as a friend BEN WEIDER invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to Paris (France). The 1989 I.F.B.B. World Championships were held in Paris at that time. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took ROMANAS KALINAUSTAS together. During a number of long lasting discussions DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and BEN WEIDER learned about the total unintelligence of ROMANAS KALUNAUSKAS in knowing languages. He totally was not understanding about what both friend were talking.
It was extremelly dificult to go to Capitalist countries at the Socialist times. For an ordinary people it was impossible. During the eight and nineth decades of the last century of all Socialist countries only a bodybuilding trainer LUDEK NOSEK (Marianske Lazne, Czechoslovakian SSR) had a privilege to travel to Capitalist countries constantly. For many years he was the organizer of the „Sandow“ contest. Wife of LUDEK NOSEK was working as a stewardess on International flights of the airlines of the Czechoslovakian SSR. Her work permitted to go to any of the World countries with her husbund once a year. This way representing National Bodybuilding Federation of the Czechoslovakian SSR LUDEK NOSEK was present at many I.F.B.B. World Championships that were held in various Capitalist countries.
INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
Fifty three years have passed since bodybuilding sport was prohibited and prosecuted in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries. Everybody keep silence as they have nothing to say. Yes, in 1973 most bodybuilders left the sport. Somebody went to weightlifting. Somebody went on with bodybuilding illegally. But – who dared to make real steps to fight with prohibition of bodybuilding by political powers? The only one and it was DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is the right time to speak about this. We will tell the full story in the nearest future. We will cover the facts, we will present documents and we will make conclusions. Sure – the false „heroes“ will not like this.
Follow information on International Site www.wff.lt
Chairman WFF-WBBF International Judges Council
Secretary General WFF-WBBF Lithuania
NEWS INTERNATIONAL.
FALL OF BODYBUILDING.
Working since 1968 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International unites today members from 141 Countries. Some time ago Bahrain joined the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. .In difference to other International Bodybuilding Structures under the leadership of W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International seeks recognition of the U.N. (United Nations), I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee) and W.A.D.A. (World Anti Doping Agency). W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. knows the way to reach these goals. Under the basis of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. the International Sport University (I.S.U.) was created in 2015. Since 2017 the I.S.U. university is an associated member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. organization which works under the U.N..
OTHER INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING ORGANIZATIONS.
We will not speak about other federations. Concerning real recognized sport their activities are of zero value. Zero... We mean real SPORT and nothing else. Every day appear some new „international federations“... They have never been in real recognized sport and they will never be there. What are the „great“ aims of these federations? Can anybody say? Why these federations live and what they want?
If You want official bodybuilding sport – there was F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste) which ruled official bodybuilding sport in the World. Since 1947 until 1969 due to efforts of American BOB HOFFMAN (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 - 1985) through the F.I.H.C. federation bodybuilding was an officially recognized sport and it was very close to be Olympic. Since 1971 until 1998 F.I.H.C. was replaced by the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). If You want real big not recognized anytime anywhere muscle battle – since 1950 You have N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association). What else a bodybuilder could dream of? Why appeared so many „mickey – mouse“ federations? Let us take as an example Lithuanian Republic. There are representatives of several „mickey – mouse“ federations. They make various festivals and they are proud of this. Where it could lead? To the festivals in other countries? Are they participant bodybuilders or they are „singers and dancers“ of the „song and dance festivals“? What is the official status of these federations? What is official status of their festivals? Really it is not sport.
For example, let us speak of last forty years of the Independent Lithuania Republic. What are the Great Bodybuilding Names of that period? That are the only ones – I.F.B.B. Over All World Champions NATALIJA MURNIKOVIENE, ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS, ROLANDAS POCIUS and OLEG ZUR. Disaster came to this sport when twenty years ago WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN left bodybuilding. All contemporary „World Champions“ can not be compared to any of the mentioned bodybuilders. During the „Weider times“ bodybuilding was sport since 1971 until 1998. It was recognized sport. Now – not! Sport is finished for all times. The above mentioned Lithuanian bodybuilders were representing sport and their achievements were official. Today’s I.F.B.B. “world champions” are of zero value if we speak about sport. The aim of contemporary National I.F.B.B. federation is to go on fooling Ministry of Sport of Lithuania and this way go on receiving governmental money for their activities. And their activities according the I.O.C. official statement already long ago are not sport anymore. Nobody knows the names of today’s “world champions”. Nobody even tries to know.
SHORT HISTORY OF WORLD’S OFFICIAL BODYBUILDING SPORT.
F. I.H.C. was a member of the I.O.C. and it influenced the „U.S.S.R. Sport Ministry“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») to set the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ (Comission, «Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») in 1963. The federation was set at the „U.S.S.R. Weightlifting Federation“ («Федерация тяжёлой атлетики С.С.С.Р.»). After 1973 bodybuilding prohibition in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist Countries bodybuilding was prosecuted for twenty years. During this time in the „Western World“ official recognized bodybuilding sport was led by the I.F.B.B. and not recognized bodybuilding activities were ruled by N.A.B.B.A.. at the same time in the Socialist World public U.S.S.R. bodybuilding lived and survived in the Estonian SSR only through „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024) contest organized by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1945 – 2002) and in the Lithuanian SSR only through the „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinio prizo“ «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025) organized by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. During the prohibition years for political reasons it was not possible to set any International Bodybuilding Organization in the U.S.S.R.. Nevertheless DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS initiated official registration of „Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation“ („Klaipėdos kultūrizmo federacija“, «Федерация культуризма г. Клайпеда»). It was registered at the governmental „Klaipeda Sport Committee“ („Kūno kultūros ir sporto komitetas“, «Комитет физкультуры и спорта г. Клайпеда»). In all U.S.S.R bodybuilding was prohibited and at the same time in Klaipeda bodybuilding was allowed. For many years „Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation“ was the only one officially registered bodybuilding federation in the U.S.S.R.. This was the reason that all World‘s Bodybuilding leaders were in touch and correspondence with DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. That were I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER, N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) Chairman OSCAR HEIDENSTAM and W.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association) President SERGE NUBRET. Detailed articles on the topic are at the International Page www.wff.lt .
In 1970 F.I.H.C. General Secretary British OSCAR STATE created the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) sport federation in Belgrade (Yugoslavia). Until 1970 I.F.B.B. was just a private commercial company, not sport federation. In 1971 again OSCAR STATE opened doors of G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations) to the I.F.B.B.. This way from and after the F.I.H.C. the I.F.B.B. took ruling leadership of the International official sport of bodybuilding. International sport was in shock. Soon in the USA was organized the A.A.U. International Council to stop I.F.B.B. membership in G.A.I.S.F.. I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER was present there. He was ready to join the A.A.U. with his new I.F.B.B.. The delegates did not listen to BEN WEIDER and voted not to let him to speak.
Fall of bodybuilding sport started in 1998 when after two years trial I.O.C. refused to recognize the I.F.B.B. federation and bodybuilding sport in general. Bodybuilding was thrown out of the officially recognized sports. Seeing no future WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN sold the I.F.B.B. federation, „Olympia“ contest and all their magazines. In 2008 I.F.B.B. split. I.F.B.B. Vice President PAUL CHUA (Singapore) left the I.F.B.B. of RAFAEL SANTONJA. PAUL CHUA took forty Asia Countries with him. Then PAUL CHUA and the Lower and financist of I.F.B.B. ALEX BAUER published I.F.B.B. juridical and finance documents. There was a big scandal about it. PAUL CHUA and RAFAEL SANTONJA met at International Court of London (UK) where RAFAEL SANTAONJA lost the case. In 2015 I.F.B.B. split again. During N.P.C. (National Physique Committee) professional contest I.F.B.B. President RAFAEL SANTONJA was offended and left America with tears. After this he never came to America again. So after 2015 N.P.C. of JIM MANION came to International Bodybuilding Stage. Since that time because of fierce fight between RAFAEL SANTONJA and JIM MANION bodybuilding sport was finished in total. There is no sport of bodybuilding today any more. Along to this the I.F.B.B. commercial company still goes on working. Nobody is interested in sport – only money... In 2023 G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations) was closed and I.F.B.B. lost it‘s last formal officiality. For many years I.F.B.B. propaganda was based only on G.A.I.S.F.. In 2023 W.A.D.A. declared stopping work with I.F.B.B..
Those who are interested in real World bodybuilding history can read in various languages historic articles on International Page www.wff.lt .
I.F.B.B. FINANCES.
During the times of WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN the I.F.B.B. was seeking Olympic (I.O.C.) recognition. The game of money flows between the I.F.B.B. sport federation and the I.F.B.B. commercial company was active. Now this game is not needed any more when bodybuilding is no more recognized sport. The I.F.B.B. crisis of 1990 was gone when many Socialist Countries joined the I.F.B.B.. It was not an ordinary joining. Socialist Countries came with governmental money. During all history of bodybuilding Ministries of Sport of any democratic country never supported financially bodybuilding. The exception was when World‘s bodybuilding sport was led by the F.I.H.C. federation which was I.O.C. member. Another case was when the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“( «Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») was set in 1987. Then bodybuilding sport got governmental recognition and governmental money. All other Socialist Countries did the same. Even now when bodybuilding is not sport any more former Socialist Countries use to finance national bodybuilding federations with governmental money. Except this - governmental money still comes to the I.F.B.B. through Asia Countries. Basic reason is that from the old F.I.H.C. times Asia bodybuilding federations are under national weightlifting federations which are I.O.C. members. Only this. There are no more sources of governmental money in the I.F.B.B.. We are sure that when National Sport Ministries will learn the truth about the I.F.B.B. the governmental financing will be stopped. During the last years on national governmental money I.F.B.B. makes comedy „world championships“, like it was in Latvia and Lithuania. Also remember big scandal about the I.F.B.B. Asia Championship in India with 5-6 Countries participating... Some time ago a big scandal was in Ukraine. The Ukraine I.F.B.B. President IGOR DELIJEV (Делиев Игорь) disappeared with five hundred thousand US dollars governmental bodybuilding support. Also let us remember big scandals with the RAFAEL SANTONJA‘s assistant Polish PAWEL FILEBORN.
COLUMBUS IS BACK.
Under the leadership of JIM MANION in 1983 some A.A.U. bodybuilders left the organization. For long years A.A.U. was supported by the USA Sport Ministry and the USA Olympic Committee. In 1983 JIM MANION set his private company N.P.C.. Until that time there was a fierce fight between I.F.B.B. and A.A.U.. In 1983 I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER and the owner of the new N.P.C. JIM MANION agreed to divide the bodybuilding world. It was like 1939 agreement between ADOLF HITLER and Communist STALIN. Amateur bodybuilding in the USA went to JIM MANION, the rest of the World went to the G.A.I.S.F. member I.F.B.B. of BEN WEIDER. Professional bodybuilding as a private commercial activity went to JOE WEIDER. He continued his private “Olympia” competition which always had nothing to do with official recognized bodybuilding sport. That was the game of WEIDER brothers. JIM MANION kept his promise and never touched any questions of his agreement with BEN WEIDER. When WEIDER brothers left bodybuilding and passed away JIM MANION changed his mind. In 2015 during a professional contest in the USA I.F.B.B. President RAFAEL SANTONJA was offended and left America forever. So aiming to finish the I.F.B.B. of RAFAEL SANTONJA now N.P.C. goes aggressively through the World.
Today the I.F.B.B. and N.P.C. make many festivals around the World. Yes, festivals, not competitions. Sport is finished and forgotten. N.P.C. play games with „Olympia“ festivals and I.F.B.B. play with „Arnold Classic“ festivals. RAFAEL SANTONJA is hiding behind the name of ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. These festivals have nothing connected with real recognized sport. We can say they are like “festivals of dancers and singers” but not sport. Fine – if bodybuilders like it. No International Official Sport Organizations see there any sport. No serious Institutions of any Country recognize them as sport. Long ago CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS came to America and used to change various worthless things to real gold with local Indians. Now the N.P.C. and I.F.B.B. festival organizers do the same. Bodybuilders are fooled. They forgot the sport and started being “singers” and “dancers”…
OUTSTANDING SOVIET BODYBUILDING THEORETICS AND PRACTICS.
Analyzing today‘s situation we can underline that the officially recognized „Socialist“ bodybuilding of eighties of the last Century was very close to the International Sport Standards and it could lead bodybuilding even to Olympics. Then bodybuilders thought, made decisions and saw real goals of the future. The movement was based on the theoretical and practical works of the leaders of famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма», “Vilniaus kultūrizmo mokykla”) CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский). At that time contest halls were full of spectators. Now nobody goes to watch bodybuilding competitions – they are boring and not interesting. Contemporary bodybuilders can only dream about normal relations with society. Comparing with that mentioned above time even today bodybuilding is at the very primitive level. Joining the „Western“ bodybuilding „Socialist“ bodybuilding lost it‘s identity and nice future and it was eaten by „West“ organizers.
We do not say that bodybuilders are stupid. Bodybuilders do not think and do not see the essence. Look around and start thinking!
More important news You can find in various languages at the International Page www.wff.lt
REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
Fifty three years have passed since bodybuilding sport was prohibited and prosecuted in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries. Everybody keep silence as they have nothing to say. Yes, in 1973 most bodybuilders left the sport. Somebody went to weightlifting. Somebody went on with bodybuilding illegally. But – who dared to make real steps to fight with prohibition of bodybuilding by political powers? The only one and it was DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is the right time to speak about this. We will tell the full story in the nearest future. We will cover the facts, we will present documents and we will make conclusions. Sure – the false „heroes“ will not like this.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
We will speak about the period of time afrer bodybuilding prohibition – after 1973. Topics of the article are:
- Personalities of bodybuilding
- Meetings of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS at Ministry of Sport of the Č.S.S.R.
- Meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with Minister Sport of Lithuanian SSR
- Discussions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with U.S.S.R. press
- Petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to U.S.S.R. Communist Party Central Committee in Moscow
- Results, followers.
Detailed information, documents, articles and pictures are on International Site www.wff.lt
OFFICIAL AND NOT OFFICIAL CZECHOSLOVAKIA.
MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
BEGINNING. SITUATION IN SOCIALIST WORLD.
Bodybuilding sport has never been created and developed by athletes. Bodybuilding was developed by top officials and organizers. On the bodybuilding way to future organizers were building the road to sport. Bodybuilders were like kilometre signs at this road. Often organizers led bodybuilding wrong way. Today problems of bodybuilding are evident and guilty persons are known very well.
Contemporary bodybuilding does not appear as it is. Only few persons dared to act when bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist Countries. Being afraid of prosecution nearly all bodybuilders left the sport.
We will speak about bodybuilding in Czechoslovakian SSR – they influenced all Socialist Countries. Now after fifty years we look upon our relations with Czechoslovaks from another angle.
Due to political reasons bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist World in 1973. Socialist States started to prosecute bodybuilders. After 1968 revolution in Czechoslovakia their Government was lojal to bodybuilders. Comparing with other Socialist Countries after the revolution U.S.S.R. political powers let Czechoslovaks much more. At the same time bodybuilders in other Socialist Countries suffered much. Everybody envied the Czechoslovaks. There is no another person who was and still is close to Czechoslovak bodybuilding so much as President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation) International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.
Activities of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS were supported only by the leader of bodybuilding in Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1945 – 2002) and creators of famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма») CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский). Today we are proud that we respected both of them in time – at the Parliament Republic Lithuania both received „International Honour Silver Medals“ («Международной Серебрянной Медалью Почёта», „Tarptautinis Garbės Sidabro Medalis“).
During the prohibition of bodybuilding only few officially permitted not regular contests were held in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). That was the International „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Georgo Tenno memorialas“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 2024). Also at the same time several underground and not officially permitted contests were organized in Lithuanian SSR. It lasted until in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS dared to write bodybuilding defending petition and brought it to Headquarters of the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party in Moscow.
This way we got political permittion to organize the International „Amber Prix“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз» 1968 - 2025) in Klaipeda (Lithuania SSR) in 1978.
Being afraid of prosecution all other U.S.S.R. bodybuilding organizers did nothing. After defeat at 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ best R.S.F.S.R. bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин) isolated himself and left bodybuilding for thirteen years. Until 1987 VLADIMIR DUBININ was not among bodybuilding organizers, he was only athlete. Only in 1980 representing their gyms Russians led by VLADIMIR SUBOV (Владимир Шубов, Moscow) and EUGENE KOLTUN (Евгений Колтун, Tiumen) started participating at bodybuilding contests in Baltic Countries. Both were representing their bodybuilding gyms that were acting illegally.
IMPORTANT 1975. MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
Bodybuilders went on their own way when bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist Countries in 1973. There was no communication in between. Nearly no...
In 1975 bodybuilders of the Chechoslovakian SSR got permittion to participate in the „West“ due to efforts of the President of Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation VOJTECH FIALA. After 1968 revolution in Czechoslovakian SSR Czechoslovaks had many advantages comparing with other Socialist Countries. This way led by VOJTECH FIALA Czechoslovakia bodybuilders participated at the 1975 I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) Europe Championship. Then PETR STACH won his category and became the Over All Europe Champion. Since that time for long time on Czechoslovakia bodybuilders were the only ones permitted to participate at the „Western“ competitions.
In 1975 basing on the exchange of the University students DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to Czechoslovakia for two months. In Prague DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met VOJTECH FIALA. During the following two months their meetings were often. Both had enough time to speak over the International bodybuilding situation. VOJTECH FIALA organized a visit to PETR STACH who was living close to Prague. PETR STACH told about the Europe Championship and explained DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS about his training systems and posed in front of him.
At the same time VOJTECH FIALA organized the meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Chairmen of the Ministry of sport of the Czechoslovakian SSR (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovy). Questions of the situation around bodybuilding was spoken over. VOJTECH FIALA wanted to demonstrate his good relations with the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding leaders and since 1973 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was the only one to visit his country. Seeking to learn about the situation of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. Czechoslovaks addressed one of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding pioneers GENADIJ BALDIN (Геннадий Балдин). GENADIJ BALDIN wrote them that bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. is dead and only some bodybuilding organizers in the Baltic Countries still unofficially develop this sport on underground level.
1977 MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
In 1977 still as a student of Vilnius State University DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for two months went to Czechoslovakia again. Again working on the future cooperation between the U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodybuilders DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and VOJTECH FIALA visited the Ministry of Sport of Czechoslovakian SSR. For the discussion meetings with the Chairmen of the Ministry were organized. In 1977 Czechoslovakian bodybuilding Federation had a room at the Ministry. Secretary of the federation was a famous bodybuilder PETER TLAPAK. He presented the headquarters of the federation, discussed the situation and posed in front of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.
VOJTECH FIALA for DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized a trip to a mountain resort where Czechoslovakia bodybuilders under support of the Government were preparing for the coming World Championship. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS discussed various questions with athletes and trainers.
Also VOJTECH FIALA invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to two meetings of the Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation Council. The meetings were held by Professor FRANTISEK BULVA in the city of Brno. Under the requests of the participants DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke on bodybuilding situation ion the U.S.S.R. and in Lithuania SSR.
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REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
Fifty three years have passed since bodybuilding sport was prohibited and prosecuted in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries. Everybody keep silence as they have nothing to say. Yes, in 1973 most bodybuilders left the sport. Somebody went to weightlifting. Somebody went on with bodybuilding illegally. But – who dared to make real steps to fight with prohibition of bodybuilding by political powers? The only one and it was DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is the right time to speak about this. We will tell the full story in the nearest future. We will cover the facts, we will present documents and we will make conclusions. Sure – the false „heroes“ will not like this.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
We will speak about the period of time afrer bodybuilding prohibition – after 1973. Topics of the article are:
- Personalities of bodybuilding
- Meetings of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS at Ministry of Sport of the Č.S.S.R.
- Meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with Minister Sport of Lithuanian SSR
- Discussions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with U.S.S.R. press
- Petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to U.S.S.R. Communist Party Central Committee in Moscow
- Results, followers.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
SITUATION IN THE WORLD AND IN SOCIALISM.
In 1970, in Belgrade (Yugoslavia), the general secretary of F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile, later F.I.H.C., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturisme, and later I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation), the British Oskar State, established the sports federation I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). Until then, I.F.B.B. was a private commercial company, having nothing to do with official sport. Oskar State also organized the membership of the new I.F.B.B. federation in the international G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations). After more than twenty years of F.I.H.C. managing bodybuilding globally, since 1971, the I.F.B.B. federation began to lead world bodybuilding.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
Among the personalities of early socialist world bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. were representatives from the R.S.F.S.R.: Genadij Baldin (Геннадий Балдин), Roman Moroz (Роман Мороз), Vladimir Dubinin (Владимир Дубинин). From Lithuanian S.S.R., they were Vytautas Zumeris, Valerijus Koreškovas (Валерий Корешков) — after the ban on bodybuilding, some chose heavy athletics, some completely left sports, and Vladimir Dubinin, after his loss in the 1974 international tournament “Georg Tenno Memorial” (“Georgo Tenno memorialas”, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971–2025), left bodybuilding for thirteen years and did not interact with anyone from the bodybuilding world.
Later, after the coup in Lithuanian S.S.R. organized in 1973, when Juozas Jusevičius was unfairly removed from leadership, the leadership of Lithuanian S.S.R. bodybuilding was taken over for decades by Romanas Kalinauskas, who organized the coup, along with his irreplaceable assistants from Kaunas: Aleksandras Novikovas and Ramutis Kairaitis.
After the ban on sports in Klaipėda, bodybuilding took its original path. There was no one to follow. The former city bodybuilding leader, Antanas Jonuskutis, left Klaipėda, and those bodybuilders who wanted to continue training scattered to the basements of residential buildings.
Already in 1973, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized competitions of the remaining city bodybuilders in the old abandoned Klaipėda prison basement, and in 1974, he held the “underground” “Amber Prix” (Amber Prix International, “Gintarinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968–2026) tournament in a bomb shelter at the Klaipėda sea trade port. In 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras secretly organized the “Amber Prix” again in one of Klaipėda’s secondary schools, and in 1976, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a public tournament with spectators in the Telšiai Culture House. Regardless of the ban on bodybuilding, in 1977, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized two public tournaments, including the “Amber Prix,” in the Klaipėda sea trade port cultural center. The halls were packed with spectators.
Similar events took place in other cities of Lithuanian S.S.R. and other Soviet Republics. Everyone was afraid of persecution and acted secretly. During the bodybuilding ban period, in the capital of Lithuanian S.S.R., under the cover of the sports society “Dinamo,” the “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” operated; however, during this period, it did not develop active work—it aimed to wait for better times. The school was led by Ceslav Tamulevic (Чеслав Тамулевич, 1945–2023) and Vitalij Asovskij (Виталий Асовский, 1952–2026).
During the bodybuilding ban years, there were no active organizers in Latvian S.S.R.
In Estonian S.S.R., Innar Mardo (1945–2002) managed to convince his government that, based on the traditions of past strongmen and wrestlers, bodybuilding was a “national sport.” Innar Mardo’s ideas found support in the government.
And that was all—there were no other prominent bodybuilding figures - organizers in the U.S.S.R. at that time.
In 1975, bodybuilding in the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. was led by Vojtech Fiala. Thanks to personal connections, Vojtech Fiala organized the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. delegation’s trip to the I.F.B.B. European Championship, where Petr Stach became the Overall winner. This was a fantastic event during the period of the bodybuilding ban. In the same year, 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, while exchanging students at universities, worked in Prague, where he met Vojtech Fiala. The Czechs actively engaged Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, as he was the only Soviet bodybuilder to visit their country after the bodybuilding ban. In order to strengthen their position in the eyes of their political authorities, the Czechs demonstrated their “strong” ties with the Soviet Union through relations with Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. At the same time, in order to find out about the state of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R., the leaders of Czechoslovakian S.S.R. bodybuilding wrote a letter to the before mentioned Genadij Baldin. Genadij Baldin explained that he was no longer involved in bodybuilding, as bodybuilding was disbanded and was under persecution. He wrote that only some individual organizers continued bodybuilding activities in the Baltic countries.
Detailed information, documents, articles and pictures are on International Site www.wff.lt
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
UNIQUE HAPPENING IN WORLD SPORT HISTORY.
OFFICIAL VISIT TO VATICAN.
Working at the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ we would like to underline the unique happening in the World‘s sport history. That was the Official Visit of the President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to Vatican.
HOW VISIT TO VATICAN STARTED.
Developing International sport in the beginning of April, 2011 International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS visited Poland, Germany, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovakia. Being in Monaco DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received a call from Italy informing that the Official Visit to Vatican is settled. The way towards Italy started. Right before the visit to Vatican the meeting with the Vatican representative in Italy was organized.
VATICAN NAMES BODYBUILDING DISIDENTS.
Vatican is not only the Centre of the World Catholic Church, but it is the State of the Vatican Country too. To present the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. activities in the World in 2011 the Official Meeting of the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Interantional Federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was organized in Vatican.
Listening about the Bodybuilding activities during the years of prohibition of this sport in the Socialist Countries the Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO was interested very much. The Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO positively evaluated our efforts to fight for the Bodybuilding Sport recognition and at once named us the „dissidents of the Communist Regime“.
Most impressive was the Vatican State evaluation of the contemporary positive work of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. federation in developing total fitness and bodybuilding throughout the World. For this work done the Vatican Congregate Perfect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Original Vatican Pontific Medals (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to the International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. VIP Official Slovak STEFAN HRCKA (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).
During the Official Visit to Vatican the Vatican State Administrator J. Em. PADRE PAOLO presented to the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Officials the Vatican Administration Headquarters, the Closed Historic Treasure Archives of the Vatican and the Storage Place of the historically valuable personal items of all Pontifics of the Vatican State. Early morning at the Vatican St. Peter‘s Basilica the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited and participated at the unique personal Mess.
We will publishe a thorough article in parts. Follow the International Site www.wff.lt - much information, documents and pictures are already published there.
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
1983 SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.
In general there was nothing extraordinary in socialist bodybuilding in 1983. The bodybuilding sport was still prohibited but the prosecution was not so strong.
It was important that in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote petition to defend bodybuilding when during the prohibition of bodybuilding everybody was afraid to do something. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS personally brought the petition to Moscow and presented it to the U.S.S.R. highest political institutions including the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist party (Центральный Комитет К.П.С.С. С.С.С.Р.). Due to this the polititians permited to organize in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) the „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023). 1978 „Amber Prix International“ was the first public competition after the prohibition. This contest for ten years became the „unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ («неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Best U.S.S.R. bodybuilders used to participate at the „Amber Prix International“ every year. Year by years bodybuilding contests were held in other places too. The winners of 1983 „Amber Prix International“ were Lithuanians ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS (Juniors) and VINCAS DUBICKAS (Main Categories).
After „Amber Prix International“ another U.S.S.R. bodybuilding contest was „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (Мемориал Георга тенно», 1971 - 1989) held in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). The Over All Winners of the 1983 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ were ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS (Lithuania SSR) and ARKADI AJU (Estonian SSR). The secretary of the „unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («формальная федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS went on with his intriques. He tried to prohibit ROMNDAS BUCINSKAS to particiapte at the 1983 „Georg Tenno Memorial“. Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS trough his friend INNAR MARDO (1946 – 2002 m., Иннар Мардо) ruined his plans and this way ROLANDAS BUCUNSKAS was among „Georg Tenno Memorial“ participants“. By the way, INNAR MARDO until his death was the President of the National Federation W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Estonia.
In Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) still was organized „Comsomol Cup“ („Komjaunimo taurė“, «Кубок комсомола»). Junior Winners were JURIJ POPOV (Юрий Попов, R.S.F.S.R.), VIKTORAS JUCYS, RAIMONDAS KAZAKEVICIUS and the Winners of the Main Categories were STANISLAV PLOIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR), VINCAS DUBICKAS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS, RAIMONDAS IVANAUSKAS. All of the Winners were from the Lithuanian SSR except JURIJ POPOV and STANISLAV POLIAKOV.
First time after bodybuilding prohibition a contest was organized by VASILIJ BESPALENKO (Василий Беспаленко) in Lvov (Ukraine SSR). The Over All Winners were ARVYDAS JARUMBAUSKAS (Lithuanian SSR) and the mentioned above STANISLAV POLIAKOV.
Only Estonian SSR presented the U.S.S.R. at the 1983 traditional „Trener“ contest in Czechoslovakian SSR. It was led by PRANAS MICKEVICIUS. Bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR did not support PRANAS MICKEVICIUS as the Estonians still were fighting in between. Bodybuilders were on the side of INNAR MARDO who was overturned by OLEV ANNUS in 1979. Having no athletes this way PRANAS MICKEVICIUS went to Czechoslovakia with SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Lithuanian SSR).
Of all Socialist countries only bodybuilders of the Czechoslovakian SSR had possibilities to go to the „Western“ Capitalist countries and participate at the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) contests. Representatives of other Socialist countries could only dream of this. To go abroad everybody needed the official invitation accepted by the Ministries of Foreign affairs of their counttries. This was the „Amber Prix International“ and the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ had extremelly huge importance in the U.S.S.R..
Once the former Prime Minister of the Lithuanian Republic GEDIMINAS KIRKILAS said that Socialist bodybuilding was a kind of resistance to the Communist regime. By the way, GEDIMINAS KIRKILAS was the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 2004 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) World Championship in Vilnius (Lithuanian Republic). We would like to remind that in 2011 the Official meeting of the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was held in Vatican. Vatican Congregat Prefect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF TOMKO speaking about the bodybuilding in the Socialist countries named our activities as „dissidental“ towards the Communist regime. Due to this Vatican Congregat Prefect Cardinal J. Em. JOZEF TOMKO awarded DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Medal of the Vatican Pontific (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI, Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).
INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
HISTORY BOOK OF ARUNAS PETRAITIS.
WE GO ON DEVELOPING WORLD’S SPORT.
PRERPARING FOR THE 60-TH “AMBER PRIX”.
Today, the sports community gathered for the presentation of a book by journalist and sports historian Arūnas Petraitis. The book is titled Lithuanian Bodybuilding 1965–2015. An Illustrated History of the “Iron” Sport.
During the event, the legendary “Amber Prix International” was also remembered, first organized back in 1967. It is wonderful to see that this beautiful tradition continues – on May 1–2, the “Amber Prix” will take place for the 59th time.
Therefore, this was not only a book presentation, but also a meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas for the upcoming 60-th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” which will be held next year, in 2027, in Klaipėda. The works done and the works we are doing for the coming unique contest were presented by the General Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene and federation Official Alina Pelepko.
This is an especially significant event for the city of Klaipėda – the International tournament has been held here for 60 years, and all of this is thanks to DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
During the meeting, we revisited the old-school era of bodybuilding – a time when this sport was not only about physical form, but also a true art of aesthetics, plasticity, and stage culture, nurtured by our W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community. The book highlights Lithuania’s highest achievements and gives special attention to Natalija Murnikovienė, who still holds the highest-level accomplishments to this day.
We spoke about how, in those times, great importance was placed on smooth and artistic posing transitions, the aesthetics of movement, and harmony on stage. A performance was much more than simply stepping on stage and demonstrating standard poses – it was the peak of bodybuilding as an art form.
This spirit was beautifully embodied by Aretas Kolmakovas, who demonstrated elegant and fluid transitions during the meeting, recalling the legendary days of the “Amber Prix.” Even more meaningfully, he himself participated in the “Amber Prix” tournaments for about ten times with his own individual posing program, making his performance a living reflection of our history and traditions.
This inspired a special idea for the upcoming 60-th anniversary in 2027 – to revive the classic artistic posing of the “Amber Prix” as a separate category, honoring our roots, aesthetics, and the unique philosophy of light and natural bodybuilding promoted by W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. The idea will be fulfilled by Lithuania senior bodybuilder Aleksas Stankus and pretender to the Parliament Republic Lithuania Klaipeda polititian Romualdas Mile.
It would be not only a tribute to history, but also the return of true classical bodybuilding art to the stage.
Photos by: Audrius Kundrotas.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
HISTORY BOOK OF ARUNAS PETRAITIS.
WE GO ON DEVELOPING WORLD’S SPORT.
PRERPARING FOR THE 60-TH “AMBER PRIX”.
Today, the sports community gathered for the presentation of a book by journalist and sports historian Arūnas Petraitis. The book is titled Lithuanian Bodybuilding 1965–2015. An Illustrated History of the “Iron” Sport.
During the event, the legendary “Amber Prix International” was also remembered, first organized back in 1967. It is wonderful to see that this beautiful tradition continues – on May 1–2, the “Amber Prix” will take place for the 59th time.
Therefore, this was not only a book presentation, but also a meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas for the upcoming 60-th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” which will be held next year, in 2027, in Klaipėda. The works done and the works we are doing for the coming unique contest were presented by the General Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene and federation Official Alina Pelepko.
This is an especially significant event for the city of Klaipėda – the International tournament has been held here for 60 years, and all of this is thanks to DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
During the meeting, we revisited the old-school era of bodybuilding – a time when this sport was not only about physical form, but also a true art of aesthetics, plasticity, and stage culture, nurtured by our W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community. The book highlights Lithuania’s highest achievements and gives special attention to Natalija Murnikovienė, who still holds the highest-level accomplishments to this day.
We spoke about how, in those times, great importance was placed on smooth and artistic posing transitions, the aesthetics of movement, and harmony on stage. A performance was much more than simply stepping on stage and demonstrating standard poses – it was the peak of bodybuilding as an art form.
This spirit was beautifully embodied by Aretas Kolmakovas, who demonstrated elegant and fluid transitions during the meeting, recalling the legendary days of the “Amber Prix.” Even more meaningfully, he himself participated in the “Amber Prix” tournaments for about ten times with his own individual posing program, making his performance a living reflection of our history and traditions.
This inspired a special idea for the upcoming 60-th anniversary in 2027 – to revive the classic artistic posing of the “Amber Prix” as a separate category, honoring our roots, aesthetics, and the unique philosophy of light and natural bodybuilding promoted by W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. The idea will be fulfilled by Lithuania senior bodybuilder Aleksas Stankus and pretender to the Parliament Republic Lithuania Klaipeda polititian Romualdas Mile.
It would be not only a tribute to history, but also the return of true classical bodybuilding art to the stage.
Photos by: Audrius Kundrotas.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
Fifty three years have passed since bodybuilding sport was prohibited and prosecuted in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries. Everybody keep silence as they have nothing to say. Yes, in 1973 most bodybuilders left the sport. Somebody went to weightlifting. Somebody went on with bodybuilding illegally. But – who dared to make real steps to fight with prohibition of bodybuilding by political powers? The only one and it was DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is the right time to speak about this. We will tell the full story in the nearest future. We will cover the facts, we will present documents and we will make conclusions. Sure – the false „heroes“ will not like this.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
We will speak about the period of time afrer bodybuilding prohibition – after 1973. Topics of the article are:
- Personalities of bodybuilding
- Meetings of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS at Ministry of Sport of the Č.S.S.R.
- Meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with Minister Sport of Lithuanian SSR
- Discussions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with U.S.S.R. press
- Petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to U.S.S.R. Communist Party Central Committee in Moscow
- Results, followers.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
SITUATION IN THE WORLD AND IN SOCIALISM.
In 1970, in Belgrade (Yugoslavia), the general secretary of F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile, later F.I.H.C., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturisme, and later I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation), the British Oskar State, established the sports federation I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). Until then, I.F.B.B. was a private commercial company, having nothing to do with official sport. Oskar State also organized the membership of the new I.F.B.B. federation in the international G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations). After more than twenty years of F.I.H.C. managing bodybuilding globally, since 1971, the I.F.B.B. federation began to lead world bodybuilding.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
Among the personalities of early socialist world bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. were representatives from the R.S.F.S.R.: Genadij Baldin (Геннадий Балдин), Roman Moroz (Роман Мороз), Vladimir Dubinin (Владимир Дубинин). From Lithuanian S.S.R., they were Vytautas Zumeris, Valerijus Koreškovas (Валерий Корешков) — after the ban on bodybuilding, some chose heavy athletics, some completely left sports, and Vladimir Dubinin, after his loss in the 1974 international tournament “Georg Tenno Memorial” (“Georgo Tenno memorialas”, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971–2025), left bodybuilding for thirteen years and did not interact with anyone from the bodybuilding world.
Later, after the coup in Lithuanian S.S.R. organized in 1973, when Juozas Jusevičius was unfairly removed from leadership, the leadership of Lithuanian S.S.R. bodybuilding was taken over for decades by Romanas Kalinauskas, who organized the coup, along with his irreplaceable assistants from Kaunas: Aleksandras Novikovas and Ramutis Kairaitis.
After the ban on sports in Klaipėda, bodybuilding took its original path. There was no one to follow. The former city bodybuilding leader, Antanas Jonuskutis, left Klaipėda, and those bodybuilders who wanted to continue training scattered to the basements of residential buildings.
Already in 1973, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized competitions of the remaining city bodybuilders in the old abandoned Klaipėda prison basement, and in 1974, he held the “underground” “Amber Prix” (Amber Prix International, “Gintarinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968–2026) tournament in a bomb shelter at the Klaipėda sea trade port. In 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras secretly organized the “Amber Prix” again in one of Klaipėda’s secondary schools, and in 1976, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a public tournament with spectators in the Telšiai Culture House. Regardless of the ban on bodybuilding, in 1977, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized two public tournaments, including the “Amber Prix,” in the Klaipėda sea trade port cultural center. The halls were packed with spectators.
Similar events took place in other cities of Lithuanian S.S.R. and other Soviet Republics. Everyone was afraid of persecution and acted secretly. During the bodybuilding ban period, in the capital of Lithuanian S.S.R., under the cover of the sports society “Dinamo,” the “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” operated; however, during this period, it did not develop active work—it aimed to wait for better times. The school was led by Ceslav Tamulevic (Чеслав Тамулевич, 1945–2023) and Vitalij Asovskij (Виталий Асовский, 1952–2026).
During the bodybuilding ban years, there were no active organizers in Latvian S.S.R.
In Estonian S.S.R., Innar Mardo (1945–2002) managed to convince his government that, based on the traditions of past strongmen and wrestlers, bodybuilding was a “national sport.” Innar Mardo’s ideas found support in the government.
And that was all—there were no other prominent bodybuilding figures - organizers in the U.S.S.R. at that time.
In 1975, bodybuilding in the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. was led by Vojtech Fiala. Thanks to personal connections, Vojtech Fiala organized the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. delegation’s trip to the I.F.B.B. European Championship, where Petr Stach became the Overall winner. This was a fantastic event during the period of the bodybuilding ban. In the same year, 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, while exchanging students at universities, worked in Prague, where he met Vojtech Fiala. The Czechs actively engaged Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, as he was the only Soviet bodybuilder to visit their country after the bodybuilding ban. In order to strengthen their position in the eyes of their political authorities, the Czechs demonstrated their “strong” ties with the Soviet Union through relations with Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. At the same time, in order to find out about the state of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R., the leaders of Czechoslovakian S.S.R. bodybuilding wrote a letter to the before mentioned Genadij Baldin. Genadij Baldin explained that he was no longer involved in bodybuilding, as bodybuilding was disbanded and was under persecution. He wrote that only some individual organizers continued bodybuilding activities in the Baltic countries.
IMPORTANT 1975. MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
In 1975 basing on the exchange of the University students DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to Czechoslovakia for two months. In Prague DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met VOJTECH FIALA. During the following two months their meetings were often. Both had enough time to speak over the International bodybuilding situation. VOJTECH FIALA organized a visit to PETR STACH who was living close to Prague. PETR STACH told about the Europe Championship and explained DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS about his training systems and posed in front of him.
At the same time VOJTECH FIALA organized the meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Chairmen of the Ministry of sport of the Czechoslovakian SSR (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovy). Questions of the situation around bodybuilding was spoken over.
1977 MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
In 1977 still as a student of Vilnius State University DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for two months went to Czechoslovakia again. Again working on the future cooperation between the U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodybuilders DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and VOJTECH FIALA visited the Ministry of Sport of Czechoslovakian SSR. For the discussion meetings with the Chairmen of the Ministry were organized. In 1977 Czechoslovakian bodybuilding Federation had a room at the Ministry. Secretary of the federation was a famous bodybuilder PETER TLAPAK. He presented the headquarters of the federation, discussed the situation and posed in front of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.
VOJTECH FIALA for DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized a trip to a mountain resort where Czechoslovakia bodybuilders under support of the Government were preparing for the coming World Championship. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS discussed various questions with athletes and trainers.
Also VOJTECH FIALA invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to two meetings of the Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation Council. The meetings were held by Professor FRANTISEK BULVA in the city of Brno. Under the requests of the participants DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke on bodybuilding situation ion the U.S.S.R. and in Lithuania SSR.
The Article will be continued. Follow International Page www.wff.lt
FACEBOOK does not allow long texts. Get full Information on the same site www.wff.lt
Chairman WFF-WBBF International Judges Council
Secretary General WFF-WBBF Lithuania
HISTORY BOOK OF ARUNAS PETRAITIS.
WE GO ON DEVELOPING WORLD’S SPORT.
PRERPARING FOR THE 60-TH “AMBER PRIX”.
Today, the sports community gathered for the presentation of a book by journalist and sports historian Arūnas Petraitis. The book is titled Lithuanian Bodybuilding 1965–2015. An Illustrated History of the “Iron” Sport.
During the event, the legendary “Amber Prix International” was also remembered, first organized back in 1967. It is wonderful to see that this beautiful tradition continues – on May 1–2, the “Amber Prix” will take place for the 59th time.
Therefore, this was not only a book presentation, but also a meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas for the upcoming 60-th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” which will be held next year, in 2027, in Klaipėda. The works done and the works we are doing for the coming unique contest were presented by the General Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene and federation Official Alina Pelepko.
This is an especially significant event for the city of Klaipėda – the International tournament has been held here for 60 years, and all of this is thanks to DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
During the meeting, we revisited the old-school era of bodybuilding – a time when this sport was not only about physical form, but also a true art of aesthetics, plasticity, and stage culture, nurtured by our W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community. The book highlights Lithuania’s highest achievements and gives special attention to Natalija Murnikovienė, who still holds the highest-level accomplishments to this day.
We spoke about how, in those times, great importance was placed on smooth and artistic posing transitions, the aesthetics of movement, and harmony on stage. A performance was much more than simply stepping on stage and demonstrating standard poses – it was the peak of bodybuilding as an art form.
This spirit was beautifully embodied by Aretas Kolmakovas, who demonstrated elegant and fluid transitions during the meeting, recalling the legendary days of the “Amber Prix.” Even more meaningfully, he himself participated in the “Amber Prix” tournaments for about ten times with his own individual posing program, making his performance a living reflection of our history and traditions.
This inspired a special idea for the upcoming 60-th anniversary in 2027 – to revive the classic artistic posing of the “Amber Prix” as a separate category, honoring our roots, aesthetics, and the unique philosophy of light and natural bodybuilding promoted by W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. The idea will be fulfilled by Lithuania senior bodybuilder Aleksas Stankus and pretender to the Parliament Republic Lithuania Klaipeda polititian Romualdas Mile.
It would be not only a tribute to history, but also the return of true classical bodybuilding art to the stage.
Photos by: Audrius Kundrotas.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA
WORLD’S OLDEST TRADITIONAL BODYBUILDING CONTESTS
Looking through the years and evaluating the status, significance, and historical value of competitions, three of the world’s oldest traditional bodybuilding contests that are still held today can be distinguished:
________________________________________
Nr. 1 – N.A.B.B.A. Universe
• Organizer: National Amateur Body-Builders' Association (N.A.B.B.A.)
• Location: United Kingdom
• Established: 1950
• First Overall Winner: Steve Reeves (USA)
________________________________________
Nr. 2 – Mr. Olympia
• Founder: Joe Weider
• Location: United States
• Established: 1965
• First Overall Winner: Larry Scott (USA)
________________________________________
Nr. 3 – Amber Prix International (“Amber Prize”)
• Organizer: World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation
• Location: Lithuania
• Established: 1968
• First Overall Winner: Leonas Pivoriūnas (Lithuania)
________________________________________
Remark
These competitions are considered the oldest traditional bodybuilding contests due to their historical continuity, international recognition, and significant contribution to the development of bodybuilding worldwide.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
The “Amber Prize” Tournament. The book.
The “Amber Prix” (“Amber Prix International”, «Янтарный приз», 1968–2026) tournament is a living reflection of history, recalling a time when it was an important part of the Socialist world of sport, and today it unites the global bodybuilding community.
According to long-standing sporting traditions, among international competitions the “Amber Prix” ranks third in terms of continuity and historical significance—after N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) Mr. Universe (held since 1950) and JOE WEIDER’S Mr. Olympia (held since 1965).
Over the decades, athletes from many countries who have participated in this tournament take pride in their “Amber Prix” achievements, considering them among the most significant in their sporting careers.
As the tournament approaches its 60-th anniversary, a book is being prepared and will be presented to participants and guests of the 2027 event. Preparatory work on the publication is already underway.
Significant Events in the History of the “Amber Prize”
In the international history of the “Amber Prize,” several particularly important moments stand out:
• The rise and the first tournaments – the initial stage during which the competition’s traditions were formed.
• 1973: the ban and persecution of bodybuilding – a difficult period for the sport.
• 1973–1978: illegal competitions organized by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras – a stage crucial for the survival of bodybuilding.
• Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ struggle with the authorities against the ban on bodybuilding.
• Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ petition to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R. in Moscow, defending the legitimacy of bodybuilding.
• 1989–1991: Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ struggle for independence in Lithuanian sport, carried out in the context of the “Amber Prize.”
• 2007: the 40-th anniversary of the tournament – the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania voted to fund the event from the state budget.
• 2011: recognition by the Vatican – a high evaluation of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ activities during the period of the bodybuilding ban.
• 2017: the 50-th anniversary of the tournament – a report about the event was broadcast by the global CNN television network.
• Since 2010, the “Amber Prize” logo has been used in competitions in Europe, Asia and South America.
More information is on International site www.wff.lt
REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
Fifty three years have passed since bodybuilding sport was prohibited and prosecuted in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries. Everybody keep silence as they have nothing to say. Yes, in 1973 most bodybuilders left the sport. Somebody went to weightlifting. Somebody went on with bodybuilding illegally. But – who dared to make real steps to fight with prohibition of bodybuilding by political powers? The only one and it was DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is the right time to speak about this. We will tell the full story in the nearest future. We will cover the facts, we will present documents and we will make conclusions. Sure – the false „heroes“ will not like this.
SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.
We will speak about the period of time afrer bodybuilding prohibition – after 1973. Topics of the article are:
- Personalities of bodybuilding
- Meetings of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS at Ministry of Sport of the Č.S.S.R.
- Meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with Minister Sport of Lithuanian SSR
- Discussions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with U.S.S.R. press
- Petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to U.S.S.R. Communist Party Central Committee in Moscow
- Results, followers.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
SITUATION IN THE WORLD AND IN SOCIALISM.
In 1970, in Belgrade (Yugoslavia), the general secretary of F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile, later F.I.H.C., Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturisme, and later I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation), the British Oskar State, established the sports federation I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). Until then, I.F.B.B. was a private commercial company, having nothing to do with official sport. Oskar State also organized the membership of the new I.F.B.B. federation in the international G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations). After more than twenty years of F.I.H.C. managing bodybuilding globally, since 1971, the I.F.B.B. federation began to lead world bodybuilding.
SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING PERSONALITIES.
Among the personalities of early socialist world bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. were representatives from the R.S.F.S.R.: Genadij Baldin (Геннадий Балдин), Roman Moroz (Роман Мороз), Vladimir Dubinin (Владимир Дубинин). From Lithuanian S.S.R., they were Vytautas Zumeris, Valerijus Koreškovas (Валерий Корешков) — after the ban on bodybuilding, some chose heavy athletics, some completely left sports, and Vladimir Dubinin, after his loss in the 1974 international tournament “Georg Tenno Memorial” (“Georgo Tenno memorialas”, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971–2025), left bodybuilding for thirteen years and did not interact with anyone from the bodybuilding world.
Later, after the coup in Lithuanian S.S.R. organized in 1973, when Juozas Jusevičius was unfairly removed from leadership, the leadership of Lithuanian S.S.R. bodybuilding was taken over for decades by Romanas Kalinauskas, who organized the coup, along with his irreplaceable assistants from Kaunas: Aleksandras Novikovas and Ramutis Kairaitis.
After the ban on sports in Klaipėda, bodybuilding took its original path. There was no one to follow. The former city bodybuilding leader, Antanas Jonuskutis, left Klaipėda, and those bodybuilders who wanted to continue training scattered to the basements of residential buildings.
Already in 1973, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized competitions of the remaining city bodybuilders in the old abandoned Klaipėda prison basement, and in 1974, he held the “underground” “Amber Prix” (Amber Prix International, “Gintarinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968–2026) tournament in a bomb shelter at the Klaipėda sea trade port. In 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras secretly organized the “Amber Prix” again in one of Klaipėda’s secondary schools, and in 1976, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a public tournament with spectators in the Telšiai Culture House. Regardless of the ban on bodybuilding, in 1977, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized two public tournaments, including the “Amber Prix,” in the Klaipėda sea trade port cultural center. The halls were packed with spectators.
Similar events took place in other cities of Lithuanian S.S.R. and other Soviet Republics. Everyone was afraid of persecution and acted secretly. During the bodybuilding ban period, in the capital of Lithuanian S.S.R., under the cover of the sports society “Dinamo,” the “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” operated; however, during this period, it did not develop active work—it aimed to wait for better times. The school was led by Ceslav Tamulevic (Чеслав Тамулевич, 1945–2023) and Vitalij Asovskij (Виталий Асовский, 1952–2026).
During the bodybuilding ban years, there were no active organizers in Latvian S.S.R.
In Estonian S.S.R., Innar Mardo (1945–2002) managed to convince his government that, based on the traditions of past strongmen and wrestlers, bodybuilding was a “national sport.” Innar Mardo’s ideas found support in the government.
And that was all—there were no other prominent bodybuilding figures - organizers in the U.S.S.R. at that time.
In 1975, bodybuilding in the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. was led by Vojtech Fiala. Thanks to personal connections, Vojtech Fiala organized the Czechoslovakian S.S.R. delegation’s trip to the I.F.B.B. European Championship, where Petr Stach became the Overall winner. This was a fantastic event during the period of the bodybuilding ban. In the same year, 1975, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, while exchanging students at universities, worked in Prague, where he met Vojtech Fiala. The Czechs actively engaged Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, as he was the only Soviet bodybuilder to visit their country after the bodybuilding ban. In order to strengthen their position in the eyes of their political authorities, the Czechs demonstrated their “strong” ties with the Soviet Union through relations with Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. At the same time, in order to find out about the state of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R., the leaders of Czechoslovakian S.S.R. bodybuilding wrote a letter to the before mentioned Genadij Baldin. Genadij Baldin explained that he was no longer involved in bodybuilding, as bodybuilding was disbanded and was under persecution. He wrote that only some individual organizers continued bodybuilding activities in the Baltic countries.
IMPORTANT 1975. MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
In 1975 basing on the exchange of the University students DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to Czechoslovakia for two months. In Prague DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met VOJTECH FIALA. During the following two months their meetings were often. Both had enough time to speak over the International bodybuilding situation. VOJTECH FIALA organized a visit to PETR STACH who was living close to Prague. PETR STACH told about the Europe Championship and explained DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS about his training systems and posed in front of him.
At the same time VOJTECH FIALA organized the meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Chairmen of the Ministry of sport of the Czechoslovakian SSR (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovy). Questions of the situation around bodybuilding was spoken over.
1977 MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.
In 1977 still as a student of Vilnius State University DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for two months went to Czechoslovakia again. Again working on the future cooperation between the U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodybuilders DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and VOJTECH FIALA visited the Ministry of Sport of Czechoslovakian SSR. For the discussion meetings with the Chairmen of the Ministry were organized. In 1977 Czechoslovakian bodybuilding Federation had a room at the Ministry. Secretary of the federation was a famous bodybuilder PETER TLAPAK. He presented the headquarters of the federation, discussed the situation and posed in front of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.
VOJTECH FIALA for DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized a trip to a mountain resort where Czechoslovakia bodybuilders under support of the Government were preparing for the coming World Championship. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS discussed various questions with athletes and trainers.
Also VOJTECH FIALA invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to two meetings of the Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation Council. The meetings were held by Professor FRANTISEK BULVA in the city of Brno. Under the requests of the participants DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke on bodybuilding situation ion the U.S.S.R. and in Lithuania SSR.
The Article will be continued. Follow International Page www.wff.lt
FACEBOOK does not allow long texts. Get full Information on the same site www.wff.lt
Chairman WFF-WBBF International Judges Council
Secretary General WFF-WBBF Lithuania
HISTORY BOOK OF ARUNAS PETRAITIS.
WE GO ON DEVELOPING WORLD’S SPORT.
PRERPARING FOR THE 60-TH “AMBER PRIX”.
Today, the sports community gathered for the presentation of a book by journalist and sports historian Arūnas Petraitis. The book is titled Lithuanian Bodybuilding 1965–2015. An Illustrated History of the “Iron” Sport.
During the event, the legendary “Amber Prix International” was also remembered, first organized back in 1967. It is wonderful to see that this beautiful tradition continues – on May 1–2, the “Amber Prix” will take place for the 59th time.
Therefore, this was not only a book presentation, but also a meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas for the upcoming 60-th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” which will be held next year, in 2027, in Klaipėda. The works done and the works we are doing for the coming unique contest were presented by the General Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene and federation Official Alina Pelepko.
This is an especially significant event for the city of Klaipėda – the International tournament has been held here for 60 years, and all of this is thanks to DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
During the meeting, we revisited the old-school era of bodybuilding – a time when this sport was not only about physical form, but also a true art of aesthetics, plasticity, and stage culture, nurtured by our W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community. The book highlights Lithuania’s highest achievements and gives special attention to Natalija Murnikovienė, who still holds the highest-level accomplishments to this day.
We spoke about how, in those times, great importance was placed on smooth and artistic posing transitions, the aesthetics of movement, and harmony on stage. A performance was much more than simply stepping on stage and demonstrating standard poses – it was the peak of bodybuilding as an art form.
This spirit was beautifully embodied by Aretas Kolmakovas, who demonstrated elegant and fluid transitions during the meeting, recalling the legendary days of the “Amber Prix.” Even more meaningfully, he himself participated in the “Amber Prix” tournaments for about ten times with his own individual posing program, making his performance a living reflection of our history and traditions.
This inspired a special idea for the upcoming 60-th anniversary in 2027 – to revive the classic artistic posing of the “Amber Prix” as a separate category, honoring our roots, aesthetics, and the unique philosophy of light and natural bodybuilding promoted by W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. The idea will be fulfilled by Lithuania senior bodybuilder Aleksas Stankus and pretender to the Parliament Republic Lithuania Klaipeda polititian Romualdas Mile.
It would be not only a tribute to history, but also the return of true classical bodybuilding art to the stage.
Photos by: Audrius Kundrotas.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
WE ARE PREPARING COMMEMORATE 60-TH ANNIVERSARY OF LEGENDARY TOURNMENT.
THE “AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL”. The book.
The “Amber Prix” (“Amber Prix International”, «Янтарный приз», 1968–2026) tournament is a living reflection of history, recalling a time when it was an important part of the Socialist world of sport, and today it unites the global bodybuilding community.
According to long-standing sporting traditions, among international competitions the “Amber Prix” ranks third in terms of continuity and historical significance—after N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) Mr. Universe (held since 1950) and JOE WEIDER’S Mr. Olympia (held since 1965).
Over the decades, athletes from many countries who have participated in this tournament take pride in their “Amber Prix” achievements, considering them among the most significant in their sporting careers.
As the tournament approaches its 60-th anniversary, a book is being prepared and will be presented to participants and guests of the 2027 event. Preparatory work on the publication is already underway.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF “AMBER PRIX”.
In the international history of the “Amber Prize,” several particularly important moments stand out:
• The rise and the first tournaments – the initial stage during which the competition’s traditions were formed.
• 1973: the ban and persecution of bodybuilding – a difficult period for the sport.
• 1973–1978: illegal competitions organized by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras – a stage crucial for the survival of bodybuilding.
• Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ struggle with the authorities against the ban on bodybuilding.
• Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ petition to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R. in Moscow, defending the legitimacy of bodybuilding.
• 1989–1991: Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ struggle for independence in Lithuanian sport, carried out in the context of the “Amber Prize.”
• 2007: the 40-th anniversary of the tournament – the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania voted to fund the event from the state budget.
• 2011: recognition by the Vatican – a high evaluation of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ activities during the period of the bodybuilding ban.
• 2017: the 50-th anniversary of the tournament – a report about the event was broadcast by the global CNN television network.
• Since 2010, the “Amber Prize” logo has been used in competitions in Europe, Asia and South America.
HISTORY OF THE “AMBER PRIX”. ORIGINS.
Prior to the prohibition of bodybuilding as a sport, it experienced rapid growth in popularity and widespread development. At a time when humanity was reaching outer space and exploring the depths of the oceans, bodybuilding offered a unique avenue for the transformation and enhancement of the human physique. The achievements of bodybuilders were extensively covered in the press, and competitions were frequently broadcast on television.
STRENGTH EXERCISES IN THE “AMBER PRIX”.
It is well known that from 1947 to 1969, official International bodybuilding was governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) - recognized federation, the Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste (F.I.H.C.). During this period, bodybuilding was closely associated with weightlifting in many countries.
In fact, the development of global bodybuilding through the F.I.H.C. federation was significantly influenced by the so-called “father of American weightlifting,” Robert Collins Hoffman (1898–1985). He was one of the most important figures in mid-20th century strength sports: he founded the “York Barbell Company”, published the magazine “Strength & Health”, and played an active role in promoting both weightlifting and bodybuilding in the United States and internationally.
At the time, the F.I.H.C. governed both weightlifting and bodybuilding. Although Hoffman was not always its formal head, his authority and organizational activity had a substantial impact on the federation’s decisions and on the overall development of these sports.
Accordingly, in the Soviet Union, bodybuilding was administered under the supervision of the weightlifting federation, and strength events were a mandatory component of competitions.
Over the more than sixty-year history of the “Amber Prize” tournament, strength exercises—alongside the physique presentation program—were included only during specific periods: 1967–1970, 1974–1976, and 1979.
More information is on International site www.wff.lt
Chairman WFF-WBBF International Judges Council
Secretary General WFF-WBBF Lithuania
REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.
THE SITUATION IN THE WORLD AND IN SOCIALISM
In 1970 in Belgrade (Yugoslavia), the General Secretary of F.I.H.C. (F.I.H. – Fédération Internationale Haltérophile, later F.I.H.C. – Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturisme, and later I.W.F. – International Weightlifting Federation), the British official Oscar State, established the sporting federation “International Federation of Body builders”. Until then, I.F.B.B. had been a private commercial enterprise with no connection to official sport. The same Oscar State arranged for the new I.F.B.B. federation to become a member of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (G.A.I.S.F.). After more than twenty years of F.I.H.C. control over world bodybuilding, from 1971 onward global bodybuilding began to be led by the I.F.B.B..
PERSONALITIES OF SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING
Among the early figures of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. were representatives of the R.S.F.S.R.:
• Genadij Baldin
• Roman Moroz
• Vladimir Dubinin
In the Lithuanian SSR:
• Vytautas Zumeris
• Valerijus Koreškovas
After the ban on bodybuilding, some athletes switched to weightlifting, while others left sport entirely. After losing at the 1974 international tournament “Georg Tenno Memorial”, Vladimir Dubinin withdrew from bodybuilding for thirteen years and cut off all contact with the bodybuilding world.
INTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LITHUANIAN SSR
Following a meeting in Lithuanian SSR bodybuilding in 1973, during which Juozas Jusevičius was removed from leadership through unfair voting, control of bodybuilding in Lithuania for decades was taken over by Romanas Kalinauskas, along with his close associates from Kaunas, Aleksandras Novikovas and Ramučis Kairaitis.
After the ban on the sport, bodybuilding in Klaipėda developed along its own unique path. There was no one to follow as an example. Former city bodybuilding leader Antanas Jonuškutis left Klaipėda, and those who wished to continue training scattered into the basements of residential buildings.
UNDERGROUND ACTIVITY
In 1972, after enrolling at Vilnius State University, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras gathered activists from all underground bodybuilding clubs in the capital and organized strength competitions in Vilnius in the autumn of 1973. Due to fear of risk, not all clubs participated.
In 1973, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras organized competitions for the remaining Klaipėda bodybuilders in the basement of an old abandoned prison. In 1974, he held an underground tournament, the “Amber Prix International”, in a bomb shelter of the Klaipėda Sea Trade Port.
• In 1975, the “Amber Prix” was secretly organized in a Klaipėda secondary school.
• In 1976, the event became public and took place in the Telšiai Cultural Palace.
• In 1977, despite the ban, two public tournaments were held, including the “Amber Prix,” at the Klaipėda Sea Trade Port Cultural Palace.
The halls were full of spectators.
Similar developments took place in other cities of the Lithuanian SSR and across other Soviet republics. Everyone feared persecution and operated in secrecy.
OTHER REPUBLICS
During the ban period, the “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” operated under the cover of the “Dinamo” sports society, led by:
• Česlavas Tamulevičius (1945–2023)
• Vitalijus Asovskis (1952–2026)
However, it remained largely inactive in organizing contests, waiting for better times.
In the Latvian SSR, there were no active organizers during this period.
In the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo managed to convince the government that bodybuilding, based on traditions of strongmen and wrestlers, could be considered a “national sport.” His ideas received official support and from time to time “Georg Tenno Momoroal” was organized in Tallinn.
Apart from this, there were no other prominent figures in the U.S.S.R. actively organizing events in defiance of the ban—only isolated organizers in the Baltic States continued their activities.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA AND INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS
In 1975, bodybuilding in the Czechoslovak SSR was led by Vojtech Fiala. Through personal connections, he arranged for a national delegation to attend the I.F.B.B. European Championship, where Petr Stach became the overall winner. This was a remarkable achievement during the period when bodybuilding was banned in socialist countries.
That same year, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras worked in Prague through a university exchange program and met Vojtech Fiala. The Czechoslovaks showed strong interest in Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, as he was the only bodybuilder from the U.S.S.R. to visit their country after the ban. Seeking to strengthen their standing with their political authorities, they used their relationship with Dr. Edmundas Daubaras to demonstrate “strong ties” with the U.S.S.R..
At the same time, in an effort to understand the situation of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R., Czechoslovak officials contacted Gennadij Baldin. He replied that he was no longer involved, as bodybuilding had been suppressed and persecuted. In practice, only isolated organizers in the Baltic States continued activity.
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W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International
(Since 1968)
PROFESSIONAL CARD HOLDERS
(2004-2026)
No. Cert., Athlete's Name, Country
26-001 Valerija Nilova, Estonia
26-002 Olga Bogacz, Poland
26-003 Evelina Pranauske, Lithuania
26-004 Piotr Sevcenko, Lithuania
26-005 Ruta Karpaite, Lithuania
25-001 Mickael Louvel, France
25-002 Toru Fukutomi, Japan
25-003 Kamil Kowalczyk, Poland
25-004 Diana Stavchansky, Israel
24-001 Oleg Kametskov, Estonia
23-001 Majid Tashakkorinia, Iran
23-002 Vilma Poviloniene, Lithuania
23-002 Martina Fric, Slovakia
23-004 Palle Katring Rasmussen, Denmark
23-005 Raimundas Urbanavicius, Lithuania
23-006 Lukasz Kulinski, Poland
23-007 Jelena Ivanova, Latvia
22-001 Maris Sveiduks, Latvia
22-002 Anna Sobolewska-Kucharska, Poland
22-003 Natalia Miszkowska, Poland
22-004 Vasilij Bespalenko, Ukraine
21-001 Vidmantas Malakauskas, Lithuania
21-002 Sergej Rybakov, Latvia
21-003 Aleksejs Petkevics, Latvia
21-004 Roman Polshin, Estonia
20-001 Julija Magilinskaja, Lithuania
19-001 Ulku Ece Erturk, Turkey
19-002 Celal Orhan Bozkurt, Turkey
19-003 Tareq Ahmet Mohammed, Turkey
19-004 Olga Kolesova, Lithuania
19-005 Moumita Mazumder, India
19-006 Zina Usikova, Belarus
19-007 Arkadiusz Demidowicz, Poland
19-008 Aleksandr Pulbere, Russia
19-009 Alex Dunnett, UK
19-010 Ema Miliauskiene, Lithuania
18-001 Golab Rabha, India
18-002 Nerina Broggia, Argentina
18-003 Oksana Filimonova, Estonia
18-004 Amirhossein Pourezzat, Malaysia
18-005 Maik Thies, Germany
18-006 Tolga Murat Balikci, Turkey
18-007 Vipnesh Kumar, India
18-008 Igor Artemjev, Russia
18-009 Valentina Zabiiaka, Russia
18-010 Evelina Stulginskaite, Lithuania
18-011 Hollie Jade Feeney, UK
18-012 Hanna Kristina Skytta, Finland
18-013 Ricardo Cordeiro Fernandes, Brazil
18-014 Lilija Shcheklanova, Russia
18-015 Burcin Bayraktar, Turkey
18-016 Anas Nahhas, Turkey
18-017 Nadir Kassab, Turkey
18-018 Mohammad Maragheh, Iran
18-019 Kalimorad Morteza Siah, Iran
18-020 Hossin Reza Poor, Iran
18-021 Tajik Gholam Reza, Iran
18-022 Vahid Ashori, Iran
18-023 Ali Moieni, Iran
18-024 Hamid Solati, Thailand
18-025 Mohammad Ali Norozkhan, Iran
18-026 Shagmai Kushan, India
17-013 Jason Flechner, Germany
17-012 Sandro Piccirillo, Germany
17-011 Hugo Rafael, Brazil
17-010 Sergeii Iatsiuk ,Ukraine
17-009 Marcos Oloveira Dumont, Brazil
17-008 Eduard Sevcenko, Latvia
17-007 Marina Legenzova, Lithuania
17-006 Jana Zykiene, Lithuania
17-005 Evgenij Baishev, Russia
17-004 Rahul Joshi, India
17-003 Anita Lakatos, Serbia
17-002 Ugne Kukyte, Lithuania
17-001 Sandra Mockute, Lithuania
16-011 Hassan Benmestoura, Belgium
16-010 Jorg Fuchs, Germany
16-009 Vilma Naruse, Lithuania
16-008 Asta Butkute, Lithuania
16-007 Jannie Coetzee, South Africa
16-006 Liudmila Kakaulina, Russia
16-005 Christopher Mewes, Germany
16-004 Katja Bongart, Germany
16-003 Marina Putzinger, Germany
16-002 Arslanel Ödül, Turkey
16-001 Souto Glayson, Brazil
15-004 Marina Vlasova, Russia
15-003 Liudmila Senciugova, Russia
15-002 Sintia Katkevica, Latvia
15-001 Sylvester James, Scotland-Nigeria
14-007 Andrej Choroneko, Belarus
14-006 Andrej Rumiancev, Estonia
14-005 Leonor Greffel, Denmark-Mozambique
14-004 Jelena Kursanova, Russia
14-003 Sean Fergusson, UK
14-002 Jagjeet Singh, India
14-002 Roberto Reinaldo, Portugal-UK
14-001 Evelyn Dirocie, Belgium
13-005 Olga Samak, Belarus
13-004 Reza Bagherzadeh, Iran
13-003 Jelena Volkova, Russia
13-002 John Leslie, South Africa
13-001 Nikolaj Vorobjov, Russia
12-009 Svetlana Pugacheva, Russia
12-008 Kristina Narbutaityte, Lithuania
12-007 Sergej Kostel, Belarus
12-006 Reza Rezaei, Iran
12-005 Andrzej Rak, Poland
12-004 Andrzej Brzezinski, Poland
12-003 Marieta Zigalova, Slovakia
12-002 Marosz Kanas, Slovakia
12-001 Dalvaniza Aquino, Brazil
11-016 Elizabeth Van Den Merve, South Africa
11-015 Suzanna Lemmer, South Africa
11-014 Marina Bekojeva, Russia
11-013 Svetlana Agalarova, Russia
11-012 Arora Rajesh, India
11-011 Ali Mahdi, Iran
11-010 Andrius Pauliukevicius, Lithuania
11-009 Aleksandr Borsan, Belarus
11-008 Fernando Sardinha, Brazil
11-007 Mohsen Choranevis, Iran
11-006 Navtej Singh, India
11-005 Shameen Adams, South Africa
11-004 Crecky Chaves, Brazil
11-003 Ali Imani, Iran
11-002 Jevgenij Klockov, Russia
11-001 King Izogie, Belgium
10-008 Aleksandr Vohmjanin, UK
10-007 Sukvinder Singh, India
10-006 Dharminder Singh, India
10-005 Maria Lutsina, Russia
10-004 Tracey Gottchalk, South Africa
10-003 Dainius Dzikevicius, Lithuania
10-003 Heinrich Voss, South Africa
10-002 Valentina Kozlovskaja, Belarus
10-001 Eva Martinkova, Slovakia
09-003 Irina Valette, France
09-002 Liudmila Kolesnikova, Russia
09-001 Vitalij Aleksandrov, Latvia
08-011 Sanchez Flores, Mexico
08-010 Anton Zajanckovskij, Lithuania
08-009 Wojciech Nadolski, Poland
08-008 Jelena Panova ,Russia
08-007 Irina Stavickaja, Russia
08-006 Aleksandr Sciogolev, Russia
08-005 Leonid Filkatov, Russia
08-004 Oksana Lapsova, Russia
08-003 Timo Pekka Vilponen, Finland
08-002 Aelksandr Sevcov, Estonia
08-001 Yamila Toledo, Argentina
07-011 Vladimir Poliakov, Russia
07-010 Vladimir Belousov, Russia
07-009 Denis Burmistrov, Russia
07-008 Maria Kuzmina, Russia
07-007 Liudmila Kungurova, Russia
07-006 Tatjana Bojciuk, Russia
07-005 Jelena Frenkel, Israel
07-004 Jurij Solionov, Lithuania
07-003 Arvydas Miseikis, Lithuania
07-002 Irina Riabova, Russia
07-001 Maria Stukova, Russia
06-012 Vitalijus Kuzmycius, Lithuania
06-011 Aleksandr Liubomirov, Latvia
06-010 Dmitrij Skripnik, Russia
06-009 Marios Artemiou, Cyprus
06-008 Mona Costi, Cyprus
06-007 Elena Stasiukyniene, Lithuania
06-006 Silvia Malachovska, Slovakia
06-005 Diana Decesare, Brazil
06-005 Michail Malek, Russia
06-004 Jurij Gucan, Latvia
06-003 Aleksej Sebastjanov, Russia
06-002 Aleksandr Anaskin, Russia
06-001 Jurans Normunds, Latvia
06-001 Antonio Osta, Uruguay
05-014 Bruno Lembo, Italy
05-013 Jelena Stadnik, Ukraine
05-012 Brigita Brezovac, Slovenia
05-011 Dmitrij Zolin, Russia
05-010 Samuel Cullingworth, UK
05-009 Marek Kalmus, Estonia
05-008 Mike Mitchel, Turkey
05-007 Luigi Sabiela, Italy
05-006 Vera Jegorova, Russia
05-005 Maris Kliavins, Latvia
05-004 Andrej Jakubov, Russia
05-003 Ida Guscia, Russia
05-002 Rachel Kauppila, Finland
05-001 Andre Kai Kaknes, Norway
04-011 Martina Lepcin, Croatia
04-010 Aleksandra Kukres, Lithuania
04-009 Massimo Monaco, Italy
04-008 Marie Rippert, France
04-007 Irina Zincenko, Russia
04-006 Vladimir Marachovskij, Latvia
04-005 Aleksandr Baldin, Russia
04-004 Dmitrij Cizov, Russia
04-003 Ramunas Sendrius, Lithuania
04-002 Mindaugas Kvasys, Lithuania
04-001 Jolanta Mileriute, Lithuania
International Secretary UGNE RAUDYTE DAUBARINE
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INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENT
The sixtieth anniversary of the historic international “Amber Prix” tournament is approaching. In this publication, its history will be presented in a structured way, revealing the key stages of its development. We intend to mark this anniversary not only with ceremonial events, but also with this book.
This is not merely a story about physical strength or athletic achievements. The international “Amber Prix” tournament, born and developed in Klaipėda, is a unique phenomenon—significant for the city, for Lithuania, and for the global bodybuilding movement. In this introduction, we briefly review the main themes and highlight the most important political, sporting, and social contexts.
The origins of the tournament date back to a period of rapid civilizational change: humanity was exploring the depths of the oceans and venturing into space. In this context, bodybuilding opened up new possibilities—it allowed not only the development of strength and endurance, but also the deliberate shaping of the human body.
The first competition was held in 1967 at the Klaipėda Polytechnic school. Athletes performed strength exercises and demonstrated their physiques. The initiator and organizer of the event was Klaipėda native Antanas Jonuškutis.
Following earlier unsuccessful attempts to establish bodybuilding, the second USSR Bodybuilding Federation (Athletic Gymnastics Commission) was founded in 1968 during an international tournament in Kaunas. It was decided that the federation would hold its first meeting in Klaipėda during the “Amber Prix” tournament—this decision was duly implemented.
After the events of 1967–1968, as bodybuilding rapidly gained popularity, the “Amber Prix” competitions were also held in Klaipėda in 1969 and 1970 under the leadership of Antanas Jonuškutis. He later withdrew from active organizational work.
In 1973, for political reasons, bodybuilding was banned and persecuted in the USSR and other socialist countries. Many athletes discontinued their training, while the most determined continued in secrecy—most often in basements of private homes.
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Chairman WFF-WBBF International Judges Council
Secretary General WFF-WBBF Lithuania
2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES.
CEREMONIAL SPORTS HONOURING EVENT OF 2025.
On May 17, 2025, the 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding (1965–2025) was solemnly celebrated in the seaside town of Gargždai. It was the only official event of this scale in Lithuania dedicated to the history of national bodybuilding and to honour distinguished representatives of the sport.
The event was organized by sports enthusiasts from Gargždai under the leadership of Viktoras Kura, prize winner of the international “Amber Prix” tournament. The celebration brought together bodybuilding veterans, sports leaders, public figures, and honoured guests from Lithuania and abroad.
Among the distinguished guests were Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Alvydas Mockus, President of the World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation (W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.) Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Klaipėda politicians Gintaras Martinkėnas and Romualdas Milė, President of the Lithuanian Sports Fitness Federation Darius Daubaras, legendary world professional bodybuilder Natalija Murnikovienė, Vidmantas Malakauskas, Alina Pelepko, President of the Lithuanian Bodybuilding Federation Modestas Puišė, Head of the Lithuanian Bodybuilding Academy Remigijus Bimba, President of the Latvian Bodybuilding Federation and absolute 2024 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. professional “Universe” champion Maris Šveiduks, along with many other well-known athletes.
The event was also attended by legendary Lithuanian bodybuilders and former U.S.S.R. champions Saulius Misevičius, Raimundas Petraitis, and Ričardas Petrauskas, as well as athletes Tautvilas Rinkevičius, Aleksas Stankus, Igor Karpec, and Vidmantas Lukys.
Current Lithuanian bodybuilding leaders were also honoured during the celebration: absolute W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. European Amateur Champion Martynas Pakalnis, athletes Arvydas Mickus and Rokas Ražanauskas, absolute 2024 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Champion Vaida Budrienė, and 2023 Professional European Champion as well as 2025 Professional World Cup Champion Raimundas Urbanavičius.
2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES.
Major Historical Anniversaries
• 1966 – the first international bodybuilding tournament in Lithuania was organized.
• 1976 – for the first time in U.S.S.R. bodybuilding history, Estonian athlete Olev Annus used a special competition diet while preparing for the “Georg Tenno Memorial”.
• 1986 – the future of U.S.S.R. bodybuilding was discussed and decided through the initiative of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in Klaipėda.
• 1996 – for the first time in Lithuanian sports history, the European Bodybuilding Championship was officially supported and financed by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The competition took place at the Klaipėda Drama Theatre, while a ceremonial banquet for 300 participants, guests, and organizers was held at Count Tiškevičius Palace in Kretinga. The chairman of the organizing committee was Julius Jurgutis, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Reforms and Municipal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, and the vice-chairman was Vice Minister of Sports Rimas Girskis. The championship was filmed and broadcast by LNK television.
• 2006 – the officially supported W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Professional Bodybuilding Championship was organized in Vilnius.
“AMBER PRIX” – 60TH ANNIVERSARY.
The 60th anniversary of the world’s oldest traditional bodybuilding tournament, “Amber Prix International” (“Янтарный приз”), is approaching (1967–2026).
Athletes and bodybuilding organizers from Lithuania and abroad are already actively preparing for this historic event.
The first absolute winner of the tournament in 1967 was Klemensas Alšauskas. In 1968, the second tournament held in Klaipėda was won by famous Vilnius sculptor Leonas Pivoriūnas.
During the period when bodybuilding was prohibited, following the example of Czechoslovak bodybuilders, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras of Klaipėda independently prepared a petition defending bodybuilding and personally delivered it to the highest U.S.S.R. institutions and media offices in Moscow. Despite the ban and persecution of bodybuilding at the time, official political permission was granted in 1978 to organize public bodybuilding competitions in Klaipėda – the “Amber Prix”.
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“AMBER PRIX” – WHAT IS IT?
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE.
For more than six decades, the name “Amber Prix” has resonated throughout the world. What is it? Once a traditional bodybuilding tournament, today it has grown into a broad movement promoting wellness, fitness, and professional sport. Thanks to the activities of the international WFF-WBBF Federation, the “Amber Prix” has become a significant international sporting phenomenon.
During the period when bodybuilding was banned in the Soviet Union, the “Amber Prix” competition became the unofficial USSR Bodybuilding Championship, later recognized as such by the USSR Ministry of Sports. At that time, for many athletes from across the Soviet Union, this tournament effectively served as both the World and European Championship. The highest sporting achievements were associated with victories and prize-winning places at the “Amber Prix” competition.
In his efforts to rehabilitate bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras spent years corresponding with leaders of the USSR Weightlifting Federation, the central Soviet sports press, and meeting with the Minister of Sports of the Lithuanian SSR, Zigmas Motiekaitis. Eventually, he decided to prepare and submit an official petition defending bodybuilding to the highest political authorities in Moscow. At that time, not a single well-known bodybuilding organizer, coach, or athlete supported this initiative — on the contrary, most advised him to abandon the idea.
It was through the efforts of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras that permission was granted to organize the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda. Later, under the leadership of Romanas Kalinauskas, Kaunas bodybuilders began organizing the traditional “Komsomol Cup” competitions. These initiatives continued until the collapse of the Soviet Union.
After Lithuania restored its independence, the “Amber Prix” tournament continuously received support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On the occasion of the tournament’s 40th anniversary, the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania adopted a decision to provide state funding for the event through a separate line in the national budget.
Today, the “Amber Prix” is not only a part of sports history, but also an international symbol of bodybuilding and wellness that promotes Lithuania throughout the world. Throughout the history of the “Amber Prix” tournament, athletes from various countries around the world have participated, representing all continents. In 2008, competitors from 32 countries took part in the event.
More information about these historical events and the activities of the international federation can be found on the official website: www.wff.lt
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
1970 – 1980 BEST U.S.S.R. BODYBUILDERS.
BEGINNING.
Working on the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ («Энциклопедией всемирного культуризма», „Pasaulinė kultūrizmo enciklopedija“) we are analysing lots of historic happenings and facts. Today we can list five bodybuilders of the U.S.S.R. who were most famous since 1970 until 1980. That were representing famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ LEONAS PIVORIUNAS (his trainer was CESLAV TAMULEVIC, 1946 - 2021), VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин, R.S.F.S.R., Leningrad, was training himself), representing „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ PRANAS MURAUSKAS ((his trainer was CESLAV TAMULEVIC) and two Estonians - OLEV ANNUS and INDREK OTSUS. Both were trained by INNAR MARDO (1945 – 2002).
BEST BODYBUILDERS
For twenty years the only one in the World „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ was making the road to develop bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R.. Until now no other bodybuilding school influenced bodybuilding sport and did the same in the World. The school was created by CESLAV TAMULEVICH. Later came his follower poet, writer and drama creator VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский, 1952 - 2026)). Both trainers did miracles with their pupils on stage. Everybody in the huge territory admired their works and tried to copy and follow them. About the ideas and works and future goals of the school VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ wrote a methodical story. Several years ago VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ proposed DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fulfil works and methods of the school at the competitions of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International. Unfortunately bodybuilding is in so big problem now and it is a question of it‘s official survival. We think there is the only one way out – W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International seeks recognition of the International Olympic Committee and it works on this very much.
PRANAS MURAUSKAS.
Representing „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ PRANAS MURAUSKAS participated at bodybuilding contests since 1969 until 1974. He Always won his categories. Best result of PRANAS MURAUSKAS was the first place and the Over All Winner‘s title at the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно») in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). Having International Standard shape PRANAS MURAUSKAS became very famous. Bodybuilding magazines and newspapers wrote much about him. He won against VLADIMIR DUBININ and OLEV ANNUS then and came into World‘s Bodybuilding History forever.
VLADIMIR DUBININ
Russian bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин, 1948) since 1968 until 1974 participated at eleven competitions. His participation started with the second place at the 1968 National Championship of the Estonian SSR. Best results were first places at the 1970 and 1971 International Contests in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR), 1971 and 1972 U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cahmpionships («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»), 1972 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024). Participation ended when VLADIMIR DUBININ lost his category at the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ to OLEV ANNUS (Estonian SSR). Since 1991 until 2019 he was President of the National I.F.B.B. federation of Russian Federation.
LEONAS PIVORIUNAS
Representing unique in the World „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ („Vilniaus kultūrizmo mokykla“, «Вильнюсская школа культуризма») famous sculpturer LEONAS PIVORIOUNAS participated at various competitions. Best results of LEONAS PIVORIUNAS were the first places at the historical „Amber Prix International“ (1968, „Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз»), Kaunas International Contest (1968), International Competitions in Warszawa (People‘s Republic of Poland) and Tiumen (Russian SSR). In 2020 LEONAS PIVORIUNAS at the Parliament Republic Lithuania was awarded with the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) „International Honour Silver Medal“ («Международная Серебряная Медаль Почёта»).
INDREK OTSUS.
Indrek Otsus was one of the most prominent bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR and a multiple national champion. Between 1974 and 1982, he competed in twenty-three contests and achieved significant victories on the international stage.
A major influence on his career was his coach Innar Mardo (1945–2002), often referred to as “the soul of Estonian bodybuilding.” Under his guidance, Indrek Otsus reached the highest levels of competitive success.
Indrek Otsus achieved outstanding results at the international tournament Georg Tenno Memorial held in Tallinn. He won the competition in 1976, 1977, 1979, and 1985, and in 1985 he was also awarded the title of overall champion.
In 1981, Indrek Otsus won his category at the historic international tournament “Amber Prix International” (Gintarinis prizas”) in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The same year, he also triumphed at the international “Comsomol Cup” tournament held in Kaunas.
Another major achievement in his career came at the international “Trener” tournament in Czechoslovakia. In 1980, 1981, and 1982 he won his category, while in 1981 and 1982 he was recognized as the overall winner of the event.
In 1979, Indrek Otsus also claimed victory at the international “Spartacus Cup” tournament held in the Hungarian People’s Republic.
After completing his active competitive career, Indrek Otsus became involved in organizing bodybuilding events. In 1987, he co-organized the “Georg Tenno Memorial” together with DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, the current president of the World Fitness Federation / World Body Building Federation, who was temporarily living in Estonia at that time.
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THE BODYBUILDING CIRCUS TRAVELS ACROSS THE WORLD.
“Mouse Federations” in Bodybuilding: Explanations for Athletes.
More than three decades ago, during joint meetings with athletes, we used to explain the fundamental legal truths of our sport. This should be the alphabet of every athlete. Today we see that the subject remains relevant, although uncomfortable for many.
Many athletes participate in countless insignificant competitions, invest time, effort, and money, celebrate titles and victories, yet in terms of sports history and official recognition, the final result is often questionable. Everyone may decide for themselves why this happens.
THE FIRST STEP – AN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION.
Today, more than forty different “international” bodybuilding organizations exist worldwide. However, the legal and sporting status of many of them raises serious questions. None of them is recognized by the global sports system as a whole.
After Lithuania regained independence, many believed integration into the Western sports world would open new opportunities. Yet direct cooperation with various international organizations gradually revealed that many of them were more declarative than genuinely influential sports structures.
I.F.B.B. (International Federation of BodyBuilders).
From 1947 to 1969, official bodybuilding worldwide was governed by F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste), a member organization connected to the International Olympic Committee. Its activities were strongly supported by American sports promoter Bob Hoffman.
In 1970, F.I.H.C. Secretary General Oscar State initiated the establishment of the international I.F.B.B. federation during the Belgrade Congress. Prior to that, I.F.B.B. had operated as a private company without official sporting status.
In 1971, I.F.B.B. became a member of G.A.I.S.F. and assumed leadership of official bodybuilding worldwide. However, in 1998 the International Olympic Committee terminated cooperation with I.F.B.B., and bodybuilding never became an Olympic sport.
Since then, bodybuilding’s position within official international sport has significantly weakened. Today, only some countries — mostly former socialist states and several Asian nations — still allocate state funding to the sport.
N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association).
Lithuania cooperated with the international N.A.B.B.A. organization from 1991 to 2005. Over time, it became clear that the organization functioned more as a club-style association with internal problems and a relatively weak international structure.
Following the death of long-time leader Oscar Heidenstam, the organization lacked strong international leadership, and its influence in the sports world gradually declined.
W.F.F. (World Fitness Federation).
In 1995, seeking to distance themselves from the increasingly extreme direction of professional bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Klaus Hoffmann, Anargiros Tsopouridis, and Peter Papula established the W.F.F. federation.
W.F.F. activities rapidly expanded in Lithuania. Between 1996 and 1998, European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga with support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.
In 1998, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras officially registered the World W.F.F. Federation and organized the World Championship in Palanga. Later events in Vilnius and Klaipėda attracted considerable international attention and state support.
The 2005 W.F.F. World Championship in Vilnius featured 742 athletes from 42 countries. Several events were broadcast by Eurosport television.
Graeme Lancefield’s W.F.F..
Several years ago another W.F.F. organization emerged, associated with Australian promoter Graeme Lancefield. Disputes arose regarding the federation’s name, historical legacy, and rights to use the heritage of earlier events.
This conflict reflects a broader problem within bodybuilding — numerous competing organizations whose legal status and international recognition are often unclear.
N.A.C. (National Athletic Committee).
N.A.C. emerged after a split within the German W.F.F. structure. The organization mainly operated within Europe and never achieved major global recognition.
Despite more than two decades of activity, N.A.C. never became a significant international sports force.
N.P.C. (National Physique Committee).
In 1983, the N.P.C. organization was established in the United States and became closely connected to I.F.B.B. activities in America. For many years, it controlled amateur bodybuilding in the U.S.
After the end of the Weider brothers’ era, N.P.C. separated from I.F.B.B. and began operating independently on the international stage. Today, competition between the two organizations continues over influence and commercial interests.
W.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association).
W.A.B.B.A. emerged following the conflict between Serge Nubret and the I.F.B.B. leadership. The organization never became a fully structured international federation, and its activities often relied on personal initiatives rather than institutional foundations.
In Lithuania, W.A.B.B.A.’s presence was episodic and left little significant impact on national sports history.
OTHER FEDERATIONS AND TODAY’S REALITY.
Over recent decades, bodybuilding has seen the emergence of numerous new organizations and categories. Some focus less on sporting excellence and more on commercial entertainment or niche audiences.
Bodybuilding today is more fragmented than ever before. Many federations compete with one another while lacking broad international recognition or long-term strategic direction.
At the same time, the concept of bodybuilding itself has changed. New categories emphasize aesthetics, image, or commercial appeal. Some view this as the natural evolution of the sport, while others see it as a departure from the principles of classical bodybuilding.
CONCLUSION.
The history of bodybuilding demonstrates that a large number of federations does not automatically mean a stronger sport. Athletes should understand not only competition titles and rankings, but also the legal status, international recognition, and actual standing of the organizations they represent.
Only by understanding these differences can athletes objectively evaluate their achievements and their future in the sport.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
Dr. Edmundas Daubaras Initiated the Establishment of the USSR Bodybuilding Federation in 1986.
Facts Known by Few.
During Mikhail Gorbachev’s period of “perestroika,” the persecution of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union became more formal than real. After the international “Amber Prix” tournament held in 1986, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras invited the most influential figures in Soviet bodybuilding of that time to his apartment. Among them were representatives of the RSFSR, Vladimir Subov and Vladimir Dubinin, as well as the representative of the Ukrainian SSR, Arkadij Kasanskij.
Vladimir Dubinin had been invited to the “Amber Prix” tournament by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. Vladimir Dubinin after losing at the 1974 “Georg Tenno Memorial” competition, had withdrawn from sports activities for thirteen years and had almost completely disappeared from the bodybuilding community.
The main topic of the meeting was the necessity of establishing an official USSR Bodybuilding Federation. Dr. Edmundas Daubaras explained the existing situation to the RSFSR representatives and proposed initiating the federation’s creation. Preparatory work through the USSR Weightlifting Federation was to be carried out by the RSFSR representatives.
Why Was Romanas Kalinauskas Not Present at the Meeting?
There were several reasons for not inviting him. Earlier, Romanas Kalinauskas had not supported Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in his struggle against the ban on bodybuilding. According to witnesses, he had stated that he would not “risk his Communist Party membership card.” Moreover, he repeatedly obstructed Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ initiatives. However, once the petition of Dr. EDmundas Daubaras defending bodybuilding succeeded and the situation changed, Romanas Kalinauskas stood beside those who had actively fought for the recognition of the sport.
Beginning in 1975, during university student exchange programs, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras visited Czechoslovakia several times. There he met with the President of the Czechoslovak SSR Bodybuilding Federation, Vojtech Fiala, and Vice President Professor František Bulva.
Under supervision of the sport ministry of the Czechoslovakian SSR it was agreed that the best Czechoslovak bodybuilders would be invited to Lithuania within the framework of the “Amber Prix” tournament, and later the strongest USSR athletes would travel to compete in Czechoslovakia. The first joint competition was scheduled for 1979.
However, seeing that Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ plans were nearing implementation, Romanas Kalinauskas allegedly sabotaged the project, which had been prepared for several years, by filing complaints with various authorities. According to contemporaries, the primary reason was personal ambition and jealousy, as he himself had not contributed to what was then considered a unique international bodybuilding initiative.
History offers many examples of individuals who, lacking the courage or ability to act themselves, attempt to obstruct those who take initiative and strive for change.
Get much more detailed information and documents on International Site www.wff.lt
WORLD FITNESS FEDERATION
(W.F.F. - International)
(W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Since 1968, 141 Country Members, 60 Annual International Events World Wide)
HISTORIC "AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL"
OVER ALL WINNERS
(1967 - 2026)
MEN
Date, Name, Country
2026 GRAZVYDAS NARUSEVICIUS, Lithuania
2025 SZYMON LUBECKI , Poland
2024 RAHUL JOSHI, India
2023 ALEKSEJ LAPSHIN, Estonia
2022 VASILIJ BESPALENKO, Ukraine
2021 ARTUR KAMIENIAK, Poland
2020 MAROS KANASZ, Slovakia
2019 GOLAP RABHA, India
2018 ALEKSANDR SACHAROV, Uzbekistan
2017 MAROS KANASZ, Slovakia
2016 JORG FUCHS, Germany
2015 AHMADI ARASH, Iran
2014 ANDREJ RUMIANCEV, Estonia
2013 ANDRZEJ BRZEZINSKI, Poland
2012 PIR SARANDIB MEHDI, Iran
2011 NAFTEJ SINGH, India
2010 DHARMENDER SINGH, India
2009 ALEKSANDR SCIOGOLEV, Russia
2008 DARIUS BUKSNAITIS, Lithuania
2007 ALEKSANDR SEVCOV, Estonia
2006 ALEXANDR LIUBOMIROV, Latvia
2005 IVAN SERGEJEV, Russia
2004 ALEKSANDR MASLOVSKIJ, Latvia
2003 AIVARS VISOCKIS, Latvia
2002 RADIK MANAFOV, Lithuania
2001 ALEKSANDR MASLOVSKIJ, Latvia
2000 RADIK MANAFOV, Lithuania
1999 DARIUS BUKSNAITIS, Lithuania
1998 RICARDAS GURSKAS, Lithuania
1997 ROLANDAS POCIUS, Lithuania
1996 ALGIRDAS KILCIAUSKAS, Lithuania
1995 SERGEJ OGORODNIKOV, Russia
1994 ALGIRDAS KILCIAUSKAS, Lithuania
1991 OLEGAS ZURAS, Lithuania
1990 OLEGAS ZURAS, Lithuania
1989 VIKTORAS JUCYS, Lithuania
1988 VIKTORAS JUCYS, Lithuania
1987 VIKTORAS JUCYS, Lithuania
1986 ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS, Lithuania
1985 ALGIRDAS IVANAUSKAS, Lithuania
1984 VINCAS DUBICKAS, Lithuania
1983 VINCAS DUBICKAS, Lithuania
1982 JEVGENIJ GORELIK, Lithuania
1981 SAULIUS MISEVICIUS, Lithuania
1980 VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS, Lithuania
1979 OLEV ANNUS, Estonia
1978 OLEV ANNUS, Estonia
1977 STASYS CUKANOVAS, Lithuania
1976 RISARDAS KRINICKIS, Lithuania
1975 RISARDAS KRINICKIS, Lithuania
1974 VYTAUTAS ZENKEVICIUS, Lithuania
1970 ANTANAS MINEIKIS, Lithuania
1969 ANTANAS MINEIKIS, Lithuania
1968 LEONAS PIVORIUNAS, Lithuania
1967 KLEMENSAS ALSAUSKAS, Lithuania
WOMEN
Year, Champion's Name, Country.
2026 NORGARD JASMIN, Kingdom of Denmark
2025 BOGACZ OLGA, Poland
2024 IVANOVA JELENA, Latvia
2023 POVILONIENE VILMA, Lithuania
2022 SOBOLEWSKA KUCHARSKA ANNA, Poland
2021 SKYTTA HANNA, Finland
2020 SKYTTA HANNA, Finland
2019 MAZUMDER MOUMITA, India
2018 BROGGIA NERINA, Argentina
2017 HALAVEI HALINA, Cyprus
2016 TOLEDO YAMILA VANESSA, Argentina
2015 VLASOVA MARINA, Russia
2014 SOROKINA-KUKRES ALEKSANDRA, Lithuania
2013 TOLEDO YAMILA VANESSA, Argentina
2012 KOZLOVSKAJA VALENTINA, Belarus
2011 TOLEDO YAMILA VANESSA, Argentina
2010 VLASOVA VERA, Russia
2009 ISIDOROVA ALINA, Latvia
2008 TOLEDO YAMILA VANESSA, Argentina
2007 JELENA FRENKEL, Israel
2006 MILERIUTE JOLANTA, Lithuania
2005 JAKOVLEVA OLGA, Russia
2004 BORISOVA SVETLANA, Latvia
2003 PUGACHEVA SVETLANA, Russia
2002 DEGUTIENE LILIJA, Lithuania
2001 GLAGOLEVA VIKTORIA, Russia
2000 BURINSKAJA MARINA, Latvia
1999 MISEVICIENE SIMONA, Lithuania
1998 MISEVICIENE SIMONA, Lithuania
1997 MISEVICIENE SIMONA, Lithuania
1996 KAMINSKAITE IDALIJA, Lithuania
1995 KOVALKO TATJANA, Belarus
1994 KAMINSKAITE IDALIJA, Lithuania
1991 MURNIKOVIENE NATALIA, Lithuania
1990 MURNIKOVIENE NATALIA, Lithuania.
International Secretary UGNE RAUDYTE - DAUBARIENE
INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
1967 COMPETITIONS IN KLAIPĖDA.
THE BEGINNING OF THE “AMBER PRIX”.
In 1967, the first “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipėda became one of the most significant events in the history of bodybuilding sport. The competition marked the beginning of a tradition that has continued for six decades, making the “Amber Prix” one of the oldest bodybuilding tournaments in in the World today.
In Europe, only the National Amateur Body Building Association “Universe” contest, organized in England since 1950, has a longer history, while in the United States the “Mr. Olympia” contest has been held since 1965. Following these events, the Klaipėda-based “Amber Prix” continues its own distinguished history and traditions.
During the 1960s, a new sport emerged in Lithuania — bodybuilding. At that time, it was officially called “athletic gymnastics,” as the Western term “bodybuilding” was politically unacceptable in the Soviet Union. The sport rapidly gained popularity, and regular competitions began to be organized, including the “Amber Prix” tournaments. Viewed from today’s perspective, these events reflect not only the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding, but also that of the entire socialist world of the period. It was here that fitness later emerged as an independent sports discipline.
The first “Amber Prix” tournament took place in April 1967 at the Klaipėda Polytechnic School. The main organizer of the event was Antanas Jonuškutis (1942–2003). The competition consisted of two parts: in the first, athletes competed in strength exercises, while in the second they demonstrated muscular development and physical aesthetics.
A total of fourteen athletes participated in the inaugural tournament. Among them were already well-known competitors from Kaunas — Algimantas Ramanauskas (1944–2022), Primas Bieliūnas, Klemensas Alšauskas, and Gintautas Šiuolis. The winner of the first “Amber Prix” tournament was Klemensas Alšauskas.
More details are on International Site www.wff.lt
LEGENDARY “AMBER PRIX”.
1968 “Amber Prix International”.
Following the successful inaugural competition held in 1967, the bodybuilders of Klaipėda continued to foster the traditions of athletic gymnastics. In 1968, the second “Amber Prix” tournament became an international event, bringing together athletes from the Lithuanian SSR, Latvian SSR, and the Russian SFSR.
That same year, during an international tournament held in Kaunas, the “USSR Bodybuilding Federation” (Athletic Gymnastics Commission) was established to coordinate the development of bodybuilding throughout the Soviet Union. Five members were elected to the federation’s executive board, including two Lithuanians: Vytautas Zumeris and Valerijus Koreškovas.
During the “Amber Prizx” tournament in Klaipėda, the federation also held a meeting to discuss current organizational matters and the further development of the sport.
Competition Results
(top three places only)
Youth Group
Height Category 1
1. Pavel Tarakanov (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR)
2. Vytautas Venclauskas (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)
3. Osvaldas Griskevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)
Height Category 2
1. Valdas Aliubavicius (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR)
2. Algis Jonkus (Palanga, Lithuanian SSR)
3. Valdas Kapcevicius (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)
Height Category 3
1. Arvydas Lekstutis (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)
2. Vidmantas Povilionis (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR)
3. Jurij Tiurikov (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)
Adult Group
Height Category 1
1. Klemensas Alsauskas (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)
2. Jevgenij Koltun (Tyumen, Russian SFSR)
3. Girsas Langevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)
Height Category 2
1. Lionginas Danilevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)
2. Alfonsas Mecius (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR)
3. Mecislovas Seibokas (Ukmergė, Lithuanian SSR)
Height Category 3
1. Leonas Pivoriunas (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR)
2. Antanas Mineikis (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR)
3. Danil Pasternak (Riga, Latvian SSR)
Overall Winners
• Valdas Aliubavicius – overall winner of the youth group
• Leonas Pivoriunas – overall winner of the adult group.
More detailed information is on International Site www.wff.lt
