WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
USSR BODYBUILDING FEDERATION WAS CREATED IN KLAIPEDA.
In 1986, while preparing the “Amber Prix” tournament, Edmundas Daubaras returned to active organizational work in bodybuilding in Klaipeda. The circumstances were favorable for such a return: he had completed his law studies at Vilnius State University, and his personal life had become more stable. Anatolij Gončarov, President of the Klaipeda City Bodybuilding Federation and a People's Judge, had repeatedly encouraged Daubaras to rejoin the city's bodybuilding movement. Apparently, 1986 was the right time to do so.
At that time, three bodybuilding clubs were operating in Klaipeda. There was no shortage of athletes, and many competitors regularly participated in contests. However, the city lacked outstanding personalities who could emerge as true leaders of the sport. Over time, the “Amber Prix” tournament itself had become somewhat routine. This was likely one of the main reasons why Edmundas Daubaras was invited back into active organizational work.
While organizing the 1986 “Amber Prix” tournament, Daubaras invited Vladimir Dubinin, a former prominent Soviet bodybuilder from Leningrad, to Klaipeda. Following his defeat at the 1974 Georg Tenno Memorial, Dubinin had virtually withdrawn from competitive bodybuilding and public life for nearly thirteen years. Nevertheless, he accepted the invitation and arrived in Klaipeda.
Although the competition itself proceeded according to the usual format, after the event Daubaras hosted an informal gathering at his home. Among those invited were several influential leaders of Soviet bodybuilding: Vladimir Dubinin, Moscow representative Vladimir Shubov, and Arkadiy Kashansky, who represented the Ukrainian SSR. Innar Mardo was not present, and Roman Kalinauskas was not considered for invitation due to previous disagreements.
During the meeting, Edmundas Daubaras presented two strategic issues for discussion. The first proposal was to organize a major international bodybuilding tournament within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. Such an event would help attract the attention of the central Soviet sports authorities and strengthen bodybuilding’s position within the official sports structure. Vladimir Dubinin agreed to take responsibility for the initiative and began organizing the international “White Nights” tournament in Leningrad.
The second issue concerned the establishment of an official USSR Bodybuilding Federation under the USSR State Sports Committee. Until then, the informal leadership tandem of Roman Moroz and Roman Kalinauskas had failed to provide consistent direction for Soviet bodybuilding and lacked meaningful support from the central sports administration.
Drawing on his experiences in Czechoslovakia, where he had observed the successful cooperation between the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and the country's Ministry of Sports (ČSTV), Daubaras proposed a clear plan of action. Vladimir Shubov and Vladimir Dubinin, who already possessed valuable contacts within Soviet sports institutions, were tasked with pursuing the federation's official recognition through the USSR Weightlifting Federation. The participants supported the proposal and quickly began taking practical steps toward its implementation.
Later that same year, Vladimir Dubinin successfully organized the international “White Nights” tournament at the prestigious Oktyabrsky Concert Hall in Leningrad. The event soon became one of the most respected bodybuilding competitions in the Soviet Union.
Following this meeting, Edmundas Daubaras turned his attention to another important issue—the search for a new bodybuilding leader in Klaipeda. The city lacked athletes capable of competing successfully at the highest level. Although there were promising competitors, the shortage of qualified coaching had prevented Klaipeda bodybuilders from achieving top results for several years in the Soviet Union’s most prestigious competitions: the “Amber Prix,” the “Georg Tenno Memorial”, and the Kaunas “Komsomol Cup”.
In his search for the most promising candidate, Daubaras focused on Viktoras Jucys. In his view, Jucys possessed all the qualities necessary to become the new leader of Klaipėda bodybuilding. Thus began Viktoras Jucys’s journey toward sporting prominence.
The athlete’s preparation incorporated foreign training methodologies, Daubaras’s accumulated knowledge, and years of practical experience. Equally important was the influence of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, one of whose principal architects was Ceslav Tamulevic. Special emphasis was placed not only on perfecting the compulsory poses but also on developing high-quality posing routines.
As Vitalij Asovskij, a disciple of Ceslav Tamulevic, once remarked: “If you woke any athlete from the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding in the middle of the night and pulled him out of bed, he could perform any compulsory pose flawlessly, almost while still asleep.”
These principles became the foundation of Viktoras Jucys’s preparation for future competitions and his rise within the sport.
More information you can get on international site www.wff.lt
Chairman WFF-WBBF International Judges Council
Secretary General WFF-WBBF Lithuania
GREAT ORGANIZATION.
GREAT DATES.
As 2028 approaches, the International WFF–WBBF Federation is preparing to commemorate a significant milestone – the 60th anniversary of its international activities. During this period, the organization has grown into a global sports movement, bringing together members from 141 countries across all continents.
Despite the challenges that have affected the world in recent years – including the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and other international developments – the Federation has maintained active operations, consistently promoting initiatives in sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living. Our mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and physical abilities to participate in sporting activities while strengthening international cooperation in this field.
The Federation's history is closely linked with Lithuania and its contribution to the development of international sport:
• In 1967, the international tournament “Amber Prix” was established in Lithuania. In 2027, the event will celebrate its anniversary in Klaipėda.
• In 1968, the International Athletic Gymnastics (Bodybuilding) Federation was founded in Lithuania and coordinated the development of this sport in numerous countries.
• During challenging historical periods, the Federation faced various restrictions; however, its community successfully preserved sporting traditions and ensured the continuity of its activities.
• Following 1991, the Federation actively expanded its participation in the international sports movement, developing cooperation with sports organizations and institutions in many countries.
• Since 1999, special attention has been devoted to children's sports through the “Fit-Kid” programs and to the development of sports opportunities for persons with disabilities.
• In 2004, fitness model competitions were introduced into the Federation's event program, attracting broad international interest.
• Since 2024, the Federation has further intensified its activities in fitness, physical activity, and wellness, promoting sport as a means of improving public well-being and quality of life.
The results achieved in recent years confirm the relevance of these activities and the growing public interest in them. In 2026, approximately 300 athletes from various countries participated in the professional “Universe” competition held in Klaipėda, while the European Amateur Championship in Croatia attracted more than 2,000 participants.
Throughout its history, the Federation has sought constructive cooperation with national and local authorities, sports organizations, and public institutions. In many countries, our events have been recognized as a meaningful contribution to promoting physical activity, strengthening international relations, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. In recent years, the Federation's work has received attention and recognition in Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Estonia, India, and other countries.
The forthcoming 60th anniversary represents not only an important historical achievement for our organization but also an opportunity to once again emphasize the importance of sport in strengthening public health, international cooperation, cultural dialogue, and social unity.
We look forward to continuing meaningful cooperation and to contributing, through joint efforts, to the promotion of sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living on an international scale.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
1976–1977 “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENTS.
THE FIRST PUBLIC BODYBUILDING COMPETITIONS IN THE USSR AFTER THE BAN.
In 1976, Edmundas Daubaras organized the “Amber Prix” tournament together with the “Zemaitija Cup” in the city of Telsiai, Lithuania. The strength events were held in one of the city’s schools, while the physique presentation program took place at the Telsiai Culture Palace. These competitions became the first publicly held bodybuilding contest in the Soviet Union after bodybuilding had been officially banned.
At that time, bodybuilding in the USSR was prohibited and actively persecuted by Soviet authorities. Nevertheless, Edmundas Daubaras succeeded in convincing the administration of the Culture Palace that the event violated no regulations. The competition was openly advertised to local residents, and the hall was filled with spectators. Organizing such an event involved considerable personal risk, but the tournament proceeded successfully and without consequences from the authorities.
Athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated in the event.
Winners of the 1976 Tournament
Junior Group Winners
• Rimas Apulskis
• Stasys Stanius
• Rimas Česaitis
Youth Group Winners
• Antanas Basermanas
• Aimontas Dolgichas
• Evaldas Sorius
Adult Group Winners
• Valentinas Vandys
• Risardas Krinickis
Overall Champions
• Rimas Apulskis
• Evaldas Sorius
• Rišardas Krinickis
For comparison, an international bodybuilding event held in Kaunas the same year took place secretly in a factory cultural hall outside the city and without spectators. Another international bodybuilding competition organized in Kalinin (now Tver, RSFSR) was officially prohibited by authorities, yet athletes still staged the contest in a tiny local sports club as an act of protest. Only a small circle of supporters attended.
In 1976, while training at the Vilnius “Viktorija” club, Edmundas Daubaras met lawyer Grigorij Leonov, who had just graduated from the Faculty of Law at Vilnius University and had been appointed as a people’s judge in Klaipėda.
After Grigorij Leonov moved to Klaipeda, Edmundas Daubaras persuaded him to assume leadership of the city’s bodybuilding movement. The reasoning was practical: a judge’s position opened doors among city officials and made it easier to establish legal opportunities for athletes. While Edmundas Daubaras continued to manage organizational matters, Grigorij Leonov worked on creating legitimate legal foundations for bodybuilding activities in Klaipeda.
In 1977, the “Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation” was officially registered under the Klaipeda City Sports Committee. This was an unprecedented development in the entire Soviet Union. Although bodybuilding remained banned throughout the USSR, Klaipeda now had an officially functioning bodybuilding federation. It remained the only legally operating bodybuilding federation in the Soviet Union until 1987, when the USSR Bodybuilding Federation was established under the USSR Ministry of Sports.
By legal means, all unofficial bodybuilding clubs in Klaipeda were closed, leaving only three clubs operating under the federation:
• “Gintaras” — headed by Edmundas Daubaras
• “Satrija” — headed by Sigitas Vilutis
• “Alksnyne” — headed by Oleg Serov
The public competitions in Telsiai caused a sensation throughout the Soviet bodybuilding community. Many were astonished that such an event could take place openly. The leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945–2002), sent a letter of support to Edmundas Daubaras and promoted the “Amber Prix” tournament in Czechoslovak sports publications.
Encouraged by the success in Telsiai, Edmundas Daubaras, assisted by his father Vytautas Daubaras, organized the 1977 “Amber Prix” tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. This event featured only physique presentation categories without strength exercises. Once again, the tournament was public, and local athletes personally spread information about the competition among supporters. The hall was filled with enthusiastic spectators.
Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the 1977 tournament, which further strengthened Lithuania’s role as the center of unofficial Soviet bodybuilding during the years of prohibition.
1977 “Amber Prix” Tournament
In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras organized the public “Amber Prix” bodybuilding tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the competition. The hall was full of spectators invited by the athletes and their supporters. These contests became one of the first public bodybuilding events in the Soviet Union after the sport had been officially banned.
Junior Division
First Height Category
1st place – Viaceslav Chleborodov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Edvardas Burba (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Rimas Apulskis (Klaipėda)
Second Height Category
1st place – Boris Dolgov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Benas Uckus (Kaunas)
3rd place – Nikolajus Kuznecovas (Vilnius)
Third Height Category
1st place – Stepan Nevera (Vilnius)
2nd place – Evaldas Sorius (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Edvardas Miseniovas (Kaunas)
Adult Division
First Height Category
1st place – Algimantas Kersulis (Vilnius)
2nd place – Vytautas Daubaras (Vilnius)
3rd place – Jonas Zurauskas (Kaunas)
Second Height Category
1st place – Kestutis Petrosius (Vilnius)
2nd place – Risardas Krinickis (Vilnius)
3rd place – Stasys Maksimovas (Kaunas)
Third Height Category
1st place – Stasys Cukanovas (Vilnius)
2nd place – Albertas Besakirskas (Kaunas)
3rd place – Vytautas Zenkevicius (Klaipėda)
Overall Winners
Junior Division – Borisas Dolgovas
Adult Division – Stasys Cukanovas
You can find more information on international site www.wff.lt
THE 1977 STRUGGLE AGAINST THE POLITICAL DECISIONS OF THE USSR AUTHORITIES.
1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR
In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras once again travelled to the Czechoslovak SSR for two months under a university exchange program. The sports activity program was similar to that of previous years and included meetings with the President of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation, Vojtech Fiala, as well as with the federation’s vice-president, Professor Frantisek Bulva.
Seeking to demonstrate loyalty to their government, the Czechoslovak officials organized a meeting for Edmundas Daubaras, as a representative of Soviet bodybuilding, with the leadership of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports. At that time, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation already had its own office within the ministry, where the federation’s secretary, the well-known bodybuilder Peter Tlapak, was working.
Vojtech Fiala also arranged Edmundas Daubaras’ visit to the national Olympic training center located in a mountain resort area. At that time, members of the national bodybuilding team were preparing there for the World Championships. Meetings and discussions took place with athletes and coaches.
Later, Edmundas Daubaras visited the city of Brno, where Professor Frantisek Bulva organized two meetings of the Council of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation. Edmundas Daubaras attended these meetings as a guest and delivered a presentation on the situation of bodybuilding in the USSR.
1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR
In 1977, the persecution of bodybuilding in the USSR intensified even further. The USSR Ministry of Sports issued directives calling for stricter measures against bodybuilding, and the sports ministries of the Soviet republics repeated and actively enforced these orders. At the same time, a coordinated campaign against bodybuilding began in the Soviet press. Particularly aggressive criticism came from journalist Dmitry Ivanov of the newspaper Sovietsky Sport. As pressure mounted, nearly all prominent bodybuilding organizers throughout the USSR fell silent.
Refusing to accept the situation and drawing inspiration from the examples he had witnessed in Czechoslovakia, Edmundas Daubaras began corresponding with the editorial office of Sovietsky Sport, the USSR Weightlifting Federation, and officials of the USSR Ministry of Sports. However, these efforts produced no positive results.
At the end of 1977, Edmundas Daubaras, together with the best bodybuilders of the city, took part in the “Georg Tenno Memorial” held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It was one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the USSR at the time. The most successful performance came from Patras Stanius, who won third place in the junior category.
More information is on International Site www.wff.lt
What Does John Grimek Have to Do with NABBA?
NABBA often presents John Grimek as one of the historical symbols of its organization. His image is used in the association’s emblem, and various publications and websites frequently list him among NABBA champions. However, a closer look at the historical facts raises a legitimate question: in which NABBA organization did John Grimek compete if NABBA did not yet exist at the time?
John Grimek was a protégé of the legendary American sports promoter Bob Hoffman, often referred to as the “Father of American Weightlifting.” Like many of Hoffman’s athletes, Grimek participated in the “Mr. Universe” contests organized under the auspices of the FIHC (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste).
The first such contest was held in Philadelphia, USA, in 1947. The winner was another Hoffman-trained weightlifter, Steve Stanko.
Because the FIHC was recognized within the international sporting community, permission was obtained to hold the second FIHC “Mr. Universe” contest during the 1948 Olympic Games in London. The event was organized by the British Amateur Weight Lifters' Association (BAWLA) with the support of the magazine “Health & Strength”. John Grimek emerged as the winner of that competition.
It is important to emphasize that NABBA did not exist in 1948. The National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (NABBA) was not founded until 1950 in the United Kingdom. That same year, the first official NABBA “Mr. Universe” contest was held, and its winner was the American bodybuilder Steve Reeves.
Therefore, from a historical standpoint, it is accurate to state that John Grimek won the 1948 FIHC “Mr. Universe” title, but he could not have been a NABBA champion because NABBA had not yet been established. NABBA later inherited and continued the Mr. Universe tradition, incorporating the winners of earlier contests into its historical records, including John Grimek. This is the primary reason why his name is often associated with NABBA today.
The historical facts, however, remain unchanged: John Grimek was a representative of the FIHC and Bob Hoffman’s athletic system, not an athlete of the NABBA organization. Consequently, describing him as a NABBA champion in the literal sense does not accurately reflect the historical circumstances.
The question therefore remains: if John Grimek never competed in a NABBA contest and was never a member of the NABBA organization, is it historically justified to call him a NABBA champion, or is this merely a later interpretation of bodybuilding history?
More information You can get on international site www.wff.lt
WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.
USSR BODYBUILDING FEDERATION WAS CREATED IN KLAIPEDA.
In 1986, while preparing the “Amber Prix” tournament, Edmundas Daubaras returned to active organizational work in bodybuilding in Klaipeda. The circumstances were favorable for such a return: he had completed his law studies at Vilnius State University, and his personal life had become more stable. Anatolij Goncarov, President of the Klaipeda City Bodybuilding Federation and a People's Judge, had repeatedly encouraged Daubaras to rejoin the city's bodybuilding movement. Apparently, 1986 was the right time to do so.
At that time, three bodybuilding clubs were operating in Klaipeda. There was no shortage of athletes, and many competitors regularly participated in contests. However, the city lacked outstanding personalities who could emerge as true leaders of the sport. Over time, the “Amber Prix” tournament itself had become somewhat routine. This was likely one of the main reasons why Edmundas Daubaras was invited back into active organizational work.
While organizing the 1986 “Amber Prix” tournament, Daubaras invited Vladimir Dubinin, a former prominent Soviet bodybuilder from Leningrad, to Klaipeda. Following his defeat at the 1974 Georg Tenno Memorial, Dubinin had virtually withdrawn from competitive bodybuilding and public life for nearly thirteen years. Nevertheless, he accepted the invitation and arrived in Klaipeda.
Although the competition itself proceeded according to the usual format, after the event Daubaras hosted an informal gathering at his home. Among those invited were several influential leaders of Soviet bodybuilding: Vladimir Dubinin, Moscow representative Vladimir Shubov, and Arkadiy Kashansky, who represented the Ukrainian SSR. Innar Mardo was not present, and Roman Kalinauskas was not considered for invitation due to previous disagreements.
During the meeting, Edmundas Daubaras presented two strategic issues for discussion. The first proposal was to organize a major international bodybuilding tournament within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. Such an event would help attract the attention of the central Soviet sports authorities and strengthen bodybuilding’s position within the official sports structure. Vladimir Dubinin agreed to take responsibility for the initiative and began organizing the international “White Nights” tournament in Leningrad.
The second issue concerned the establishment of an official USSR Bodybuilding Federation under the USSR State Sports Committee. Until then, the informal leadership tandem of Roman Moroz and Roman Kalinauskas had failed to provide consistent direction for Soviet bodybuilding and lacked meaningful support from the central sports administration.
Drawing on his experiences in Czechoslovakia, where he had observed the successful cooperation between the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and the country's Ministry of Sports (ČSTV), Daubaras proposed a clear plan of action. Vladimir Shubov and Vladimir Dubinin, who already possessed valuable contacts within Soviet sports institutions, were tasked with pursuing the federation's official recognition through the USSR Weightlifting Federation. The participants supported the proposal and quickly began taking practical steps toward its implementation.
Later that same year, Vladimir Dubinin successfully organized the international “White Nights” tournament at the prestigious Oktyabrsky Concert Hall in Leningrad. The event soon became one of the most respected bodybuilding competitions in the Soviet Union.
Following this meeting, Edmundas Daubaras turned his attention to another important issue—the search for a new bodybuilding leader in Klaipeda. The city lacked athletes capable of competing successfully at the highest level. Although there were promising competitors, the shortage of qualified coaching had prevented Klaipeda bodybuilders from achieving top results for several years in the Soviet Union’s most prestigious competitions: the “Amber Prix,” the “Georg Tenno Memorial”, and the Kaunas “Komsomol Cup”.
In his search for the most promising candidate, Daubaras focused on Viktoras Jucys. In his view, Jucys possessed all the qualities necessary to become the new leader of Klaipėda bodybuilding. Thus began Viktoras Jucys’s journey toward sporting prominence.
The athlete’s preparation incorporated foreign training methodologies, Daubaras’s accumulated knowledge, and years of practical experience. Equally important was the influence of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, one of whose principal architects was Ceslav Tamulevic. Special emphasis was placed not only on perfecting the compulsory poses but also on developing high-quality posing routines.
As Vitalij Asovskij, a disciple of Ceslav Tamulevic, once remarked: “If you woke any athlete from the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding in the middle of the night and pulled him out of bed, he could perform any compulsory pose flawlessly, almost while still asleep.”
These principles became the foundation of Viktoras Jucys’s preparation for future competitions and his rise within the sport.
More information you can get on international site www.wff.lt
1976–1977 “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENTS.
THE FIRST PUBLIC BODYBUILDING COMPETITIONS IN THE USSR AFTER THE BAN.
In 1976, Edmundas Daubaras organized the “Amber Prix” tournament together with the “Zemaitija Cup” in the city of Telsiai, Lithuania. The strength events were held in one of the city’s schools, while the physique presentation program took place at the Telsiai Culture Palace. These competitions became the first publicly held bodybuilding contest in the Soviet Union after bodybuilding had been officially banned.
At that time, bodybuilding in the USSR was prohibited and actively persecuted by Soviet authorities. Nevertheless, Edmundas Daubaras succeeded in convincing the administration of the Culture Palace that the event violated no regulations. The competition was openly advertised to local residents, and the hall was filled with spectators. Organizing such an event involved considerable personal risk, but the tournament proceeded successfully and without consequences from the authorities.
Athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated in the event.
Winners of the 1976 Tournament
Junior Group Winners
• Rimas Apulskis
• Stasys Stanius
• Rimas Cesaitis
Youth Group Winners
• Antanas Basermanas
• Aimontas Dolgichas
• Evaldas Sorius
Adult Group Winners
• Valentinas Vandys
• Risardas Krinickis
Overall Champions
• Rimas Apulskis
• Evaldas Sorius
• Rišardas Krinickis
For comparison, an international bodybuilding event held in Kaunas the same year took place secretly in a factory cultural hall outside the city and without spectators. Another international bodybuilding competition organized in Kalinin (now Tver, RSFSR) was officially prohibited by authorities, yet athletes still staged the contest in a tiny local sports club as an act of protest. Only a small circle of supporters attended.
In 1976, while training at the Vilnius “Viktorija” club, Edmundas Daubaras met lawyer Grigorij Leonov, who had just graduated from the Faculty of Law at Vilnius University and had been appointed as a people’s judge in Klaipėda.
After Grigorij Leonov moved to Klaipeda, Edmundas Daubaras persuaded him to assume leadership of the city’s bodybuilding movement. The reasoning was practical: a judge’s position opened doors among city officials and made it easier to establish legal opportunities for athletes. While Edmundas Daubaras continued to manage organizational matters, Grigorij Leonov worked on creating legitimate legal foundations for bodybuilding activities in Klaipeda.
In 1977, the “Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation” was officially registered under the Klaipeda City Sports Committee. This was an unprecedented development in the entire Soviet Union. Although bodybuilding remained banned throughout the USSR, Klaipeda now had an officially functioning bodybuilding federation. It remained the only legally operating bodybuilding federation in the Soviet Union until 1987, when the USSR Bodybuilding Federation was established under the USSR Ministry of Sports.
By legal means, all unofficial bodybuilding clubs in Klaipeda were closed, leaving only three clubs operating under the federation:
• “Gintaras” — headed by Edmundas Daubaras
• “Satrija” — headed by Sigitas Vilutis
• “Alksnyne” — headed by Oleg Serov
The public competitions in Telsiai caused a sensation throughout the Soviet bodybuilding community. Many were astonished that such an event could take place openly. The leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945–2002), sent a letter of support to Edmundas Daubaras and promoted the “Amber Prix” tournament in Czechoslovak sports publications.
Encouraged by the success in Telsiai, Edmundas Daubaras, assisted by his father Vytautas Daubaras, organized the 1977 “Amber Prix” tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. This event featured only physique presentation categories without strength exercises. Once again, the tournament was public, and local athletes personally spread information about the competition among supporters. The hall was filled with enthusiastic spectators.
Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the 1977 tournament, which further strengthened Lithuania’s role as the center of unofficial Soviet bodybuilding during the years of prohibition.
1977 “Amber Prix” Tournament
In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras organized the public “Amber Prix” bodybuilding tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the competition. The hall was full of spectators invited by the athletes and their supporters. These contests became one of the first public bodybuilding events in the Soviet Union after the sport had been officially banned.
Junior Division
First Height Category
1st place – Viaceslav Chleborodov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Edvardas Burba (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Rimas Apulskis (Klaipėda)
Second Height Category
1st place – Boris Dolgov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Benas Uckus (Kaunas)
3rd place – Nikolajus Kuznecovas (Vilnius)
Third Height Category
1st place – Stepan Nevera (Vilnius)
2nd place – Evaldas Sorius (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Edvardas Miseniovas (Kaunas)
Adult Division
First Height Category
1st place – Algimantas Kersulis (Vilnius)
2nd place – Vytautas Daubaras (Vilnius)
3rd place – Jonas Zurauskas (Kaunas)
Second Height Category
1st place – Kestutis Petrosius (Vilnius)
2nd place – Risardas Krinickis (Vilnius)
3rd place – Stasys Maksimovas (Kaunas)
Third Height Category
1st place – Stasys Cukanovas (Vilnius)
2nd place – Albertas Besakirskas (Kaunas)
3rd place – Vytautas Zenkevicius (Klaipėda)
Overall Winners
Junior Division – Borisas Dolgovas
Adult Division – Stasys Cukanovas
THE 1977 STRUGGLE AGAINST THE POLITICAL DECISIONS OF THE USSR AUTHORITIES.
1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR
In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras once again travelled to the Czechoslovak SSR for two months under a university exchange program. The sports activity program was similar to that of previous years and included meetings with the President of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation, Vojtech Fiala, as well as with the federation’s vice-president, Professor Frantisek Bulva.
Seeking to demonstrate loyalty to their government, the Czechoslovak officials organized a meeting for Edmundas Daubaras, as a representative of Soviet bodybuilding, with the leadership of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports. At that time, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation already had its own office within the ministry, where the federation’s secretary, the well-known bodybuilder Peter Tlapak, was working.
Vojtech Fiala also arranged Edmundas Daubaras’ visit to the national Olympic training center located in a mountain resort area. At that time, members of the national bodybuilding team were preparing there for the World Championships. Meetings and discussions took place with athletes and coaches.
Later, Edmundas Daubaras visited the city of Brno, where Professor Frantisek Bulva organized two meetings of the Council of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation. Edmundas Daubaras attended these meetings as a guest and delivered a presentation on the situation of bodybuilding in the USSR.
1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR
In 1977, the persecution of bodybuilding in the USSR intensified even further. The USSR Ministry of Sports issued directives calling for stricter measures against bodybuilding, and the sports ministries of the Soviet republics repeated and actively enforced these orders. At the same time, a coordinated campaign against bodybuilding began in the Soviet press. Particularly aggressive criticism came from journalist Dmitry Ivanov of the newspaper Sovietsky Sport. As pressure mounted, nearly all prominent bodybuilding organizers throughout the USSR fell silent.
Refusing to accept the situation and drawing inspiration from the examples he had witnessed in Czechoslovakia, Edmundas Daubaras began corresponding with the editorial office of Sovietsky Sport, the USSR Weightlifting Federation, and officials of the USSR Ministry of Sports. However, these efforts produced no positive results.
At the end of 1977, Edmundas Daubaras, together with the best bodybuilders of the city, took part in the “Georg Tenno Memorial” held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It was one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the USSR at the time. The most successful performance came from Patras Stanius, who won third place in the junior category.
You can find more information on international site www.wff.lt
2008 INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT "AMBER PRIX".
Is there anyone in the world today who can compare to him?
Klaipėda, Lithuania, 2008
In 2008, alongside the international “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipėda, the organizers of the global WFF–WBBF federation were actively working on staging the traditional “Universe” competition in Vilnius, as well as the WBBF World Professional Championship. At the same time, the WFF World Professional Championship, featuring substantial prize money, was again organized in Prague at the Žofín Palace by Czech businessman Martin Kuta.
Following a meeting between the leaders of the WFF-WBBF Federation and the Minister of Sport of the Republic of Poland, Zbigniew Pacelt, Bydgoszcz businessman Jerzy Gotowski took the initiative to organize the WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in his city.
This important decision became a significant step in strengthening the Federation’s international recognition and promoting the development of bodybuilding and fitness sports throughout Europe. The organization of the event brought together the efforts of the city authorities, the business community, and sports organizations, while the championship itself became one of the most important WFF-WBBF sporting events of the year.
The World Amateur Championship held in Bydgoszcz gathered athletes from numerous countries and further reinforced the Federation’s position in the international sports arena.
“Amber Prix”
The 2008 "Amber Prix" competition took place in the sports hall of LCC International University.
On the occasion of the event, former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl presented the people of Klaipeda with a unique collection of original photographs of his protégé, then Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as a documentary film depicting Schwarzenegger’s life journey and athletic career.
The photographs were displayed in an exhibition held on the premises of LCC International University, while the documentary film was screened for the large audience gathered to watch the competition.
The official opening ceremony was attended by members of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, representatives of national and municipal institutions, and other distinguished guests. The event was filmed by a production crew from the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), which had arrived from Vilnius.
During the 2008 “Amber Prix” tournament, both living and deceased veterans were honored. After the competition, heads of foreign delegations visited the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, and also attended a press conference held at the ELTA news agency.
On the occasion of the event, a historical trilingual magazine (10,000 copies) and 3,000 copies of the competition DVD were published. These materials were distributed free of charge at various international events around the world.
A total of 293 athletes from 21 countries participated in the event: Argentina, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, and Ukraine.
OVERALL CHAMPIONS
Women's Overall Champion: Jamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina)
Men's Overall Champion: Darius Buksnaitis (Lithuania)
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
FACEBOOK does not allow long texts. Get full information on International Site www.wff.lt
OVER ALL WINNERS OF THE “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENT
(1967–2026)
MEN
Year – Name, Country
2026 – Gražvydas Naruševičius, Republic of Lithuania
2025 – Simonas Liubeckis (Scymon Lubecki), Republic of Poland
2024 – Rahul Joshi, Republic of India
2023 – Aleksei Lapshin (Алексей Лапшин), Republic of Estonia
2022 – Vasiliy Bespalenko, Republic of Ukraine
2021 – Artur Kameniak (Artur Kamieniak), Republic of Poland
2020 – Maros Kanaš, Slovak Republic
2019 – Golap Rabha, Republic of India
2018 – Aleksandr Sakharov (Александр Сахаров), Republic of Kazakhstan
2017 – Maros Kanaš, Slovak Republic
2016 – Jörg Fuchs, Federal Republic of Germany
2015 – Ahmadi Arash, Islamic Republic of Iran
2014 – Andrei Rumyantsev (Андрей Румянцев), Republic of Estonia
2013 – Andrzej Brzezinski, Republic of Poland
2012 – Pir Sarandib Mehdi, Islamic Republic of Iran
2011 – Naftej Singh, Republic of India
2010 – Dharmender Singh, Republic of India
2009 – Aleksandr Shchogolev (Александр Щёголев), Russian Federation
2008 – Darius Bukšnaitis, Republic of Lithuania
2007 – Aleksandr Shevtsov (Александр Шевцов), Republic of Estonia
2006 – Aleksandr Liubomirov (Александр Любомиров), Republic of Latvia
2005 – Ivan Sergeev (Иван Сергеев), Russian Federation
2004 – Aleksandr Maslovsky (Александр Масловский), Republic of Latvia
2003 – Aivars Vysockis, Republic of Latvia
2002 – Radik Manafov (Радик Манафов), Republic of Lithuania
2001 – Aleksandr Maslovsky, Republic of Latvia
2000 – Radik Manafov, Republic of Lithuania
1999 – Darius Bukšnaitis, Republic of Lithuania
1998 – Ričardas Gurskas, Republic of Lithuania
1997 – Rolandas Pocius, Republic of Lithuania
1996 – Algirdas Kilčiauskas, Republic of Lithuania
1995 – Sergey Ogorodnikov (Сергей Огородников), Russian Federation
1994 – Algirdas Kilčiauskas, Republic of Lithuania
1991 – Olegas Žuras, Republic of Lithuania
1990 – Olegas Žuras, USSR
1989 – Viktoras Jucys, Lithuanian SSR
1988 – Viktoras Jucys, Lithuanian SSR
1987 – Viktoras Jucys, Lithuanian SSR
1986 – Rolandas Bučinskas, Lithuanian SSR
1985 – Algirdas Ivanauskas, Lithuanian SSR
1984 – Vincas Dubickas, Lithuanian SSR
1983 – Vincas Dubickas, Lithuanian SSR
1982 – Eugenijus Gorelikas (Yevgeniy Gorelik), Lithuanian SSR
1981 – Saulius Misevičius, Lithuanian SSR
1980 – Vladas Kapcevičius, Lithuanian SSR
1979 – Olev Annus, Estonian SSR
1978 – Olev Annus, Estonian SSR
1977 – Stasys Cukanovas, Lithuanian SSR
1976 – Rišardas Krinickis, Lithuanian SSR
1975 – Rišardas Krinickis, Lithuanian SSR
1974 – Vytautas Zenkevičius, Lithuanian SSR
1970 – Antanas Mineikis, Lithuanian SSR
1969 – Antanas Mineikis, Lithuanian SSR
1968 – Leonas Pivoriūnas, Lithuanian SSR
1967 – Klemensas Alšauskas, Lithuanian SSR
OVER ALL WINNERS OF THE “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENT
(1990–2026)
WOMEN
Year – Name, Country
2026 – Jasmin Norgard, Kingdom of Denmark
2025 – Olga Bogač (Olga Bogacz), Republic of Poland
2024 – Jelena Ivanova, Republic of Latvia
2023 – Vilma Povilonienė, Republic of Lithuania
2022 – Anna Sobolewska Kucharska, Republic of Poland
2021 – Hanna Skytta, Republic of Finland
2020 – Hanna Skytta, Republic of Finland
2019 – Moumita Mazumder, Republic of India
2018 – Nerina Broggia, Argentine Republic
2017 – Halina Halavei, Republic of Cyprus
2016 – Yamila Vanessa Toledo, Argentine Republic
2015 – Marina Vlasova, Russian Federation
2014 – Aleksandra Sorokina Kukreš, Republic of Lithuania
2013 – Yamila Vanessa Toledo, Argentine Republic
2012 – Valentina Kozlovskaya, Republic of Belarus
2011 – Yamila Vanessa Toledo, Argentine Republic
2010 – Vera Vlasova, Russian Federation
2009 – Alina Isidorova, Republic of Latvia
2008 – Yamila Vanessa Toledo, Argentine Republic
2007 – Jelena Frenkel, State of Israel
2006 – Jolanta Mileriūtė, Republic of Lithuania
2005 – Olga Yakovleva, Russian Federation
2004 – Svetlana Borisova, Republic of Latvia
2003 – Svetlana Pugachyova, Russian Federation
2002 – Lilija Degutienė, Republic of Lithuania
2001 – Viktorija Glagoleva, Russian Federation
2000 – Marina Burinskaya, Republic of Latvia
1999 – Simona Misevičienė, Republic of Lithuania
1998 – Simona Misevičienė, Republic of Lithuania
1997 – Simona Misevičienė, Republic of Lithuania
1996 – Idalija Kaminskaitė, Republic of Lithuania
1995 – Tatiana Kovalko, Republic of Belarus
1994 – Idalija Kaminskaitė, Republic of Lithuania
1991 – Natalija Murnikovienė, Republic of Lithuania
1990 – Natalija Murnikovienė, Republic of Lithuania
The 2017 “Amber Prix” Tournament. 50 years of this contest.
The international fitness and bodybuilding tournament “Amber Prix,” held in Klaipėda in 2017, was remarkable not only for its high sporting standards but also for a significant historical milestone—the celebration of the tournament’s 50th anniversary. Over half a century, the “Amber Prix” has become one of the oldest and most prestigious fitness and bodybuilding events in Europe and an integral part of Lithuania’s sporting history.
In the same year, the World Amateur and Professional Championships were held in Kaunas, Lithuania, while the European Championships took place in Germany. In 2017, India hosted the international WFF–WBBF “World Grand Prix” tournament and the 6th Asian Championship.
The jubilee tournament in Klaipėda attracted exceptional international attention. Through the mediation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, the global television network CNN broadcast a report about the event to an audience of billions worldwide. Following the competition, an official reception for the heads of foreign delegations was organized at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.
198 athletes from 17 countries participated in the 2017 tournament: Belgium, Belarus, Estonia, Germany, India, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and Cyprus. The international composition of the participants once again confirmed the tournament’s high standing within the global fitness and bodybuilding community.
Competitors took part in Fit-Kids, Aerobic Fitness, Fitness Model, Bikini, Figure, Sports Fitness, Muscle Model, Body Athletic, and Bodybuilding divisions. Athletes competed in various age, height, weight, and performance categories.
The overall winners of the 2017 “Amber Prix” Tournament were Halina Halavei of Cyprus and Maros Kanasz of Slovakia. Their victories crowned one of the most impressive editions of the tournament, further strengthening Klaipėda’s reputation as an important international center of fitness and bodybuilding.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
International “Amber Prix”: Athletes from Every Continent – Is There Another Event Like It in the World?
From 1967 to 2027, the International “Amber Prix” athletics meeting welcomed athletes from 52 countries representing all inhabited continents of the world.
Throughout the history of the competition, athletes from the following countries participated (in alphabetical order):
Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Mozambique, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, and Poland.
The majority of participants came from European countries; however, over six decades the “Amber Prix” evolved from a Baltic regional event into a bodybuilding and fitness competition of global significance. Athletes from Asia, Africa, North and South America, as well as Australia and Oceania, competed in the meeting.
In total, participating athletes represented:
• Europe – 30 countries;
• Asia – 10 countries;
• Africa – 4 countries;
• North America – 2 countries;
• South America – 6 countries;
• Australia and Oceania – 1 country.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Over its 60-year history, the International “Amber Prix” has brought together athletes from all inhabited continents of the world.
2. With participants from 52 countries, it ranks among the most international events held in Lithuania.
3. While Europe was the most strongly represented continent, athletes from Asia, the Americas, and Africa also made a significant contribution to the event’s international character.
4. The competition has played an important role in promoting the name of Lithuania and the city of Klaipeda within the international athletics community.
5. The “Amber Prix” has become a valuable platform for international sporting cooperation and the exchange of athletic excellence.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
Klaipeda City Municipality
Over the past six decades, the “Gintarinis Prizas” (Amber Prix) tournament has become an inseparable part of Klaipeda’s sports and cultural history, closely associated with Klaipeda City Municipality. Consistent municipal support, cooperation, and attention to sports initiatives have enabled the event to grow, strengthen, and become a significant competition that promotes the name of Klaipeda and Lithuania worldwide.
Even during difficult periods, including the years of bodybuilding restrictions in the USSR (1973–1987), the municipality’s mediation and support were of crucial importance. In 1977, the Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation was established in the city, becoming the only legal bodybuilding organization in the USSR at that time. Through it, connections were maintained with international bodybuilding federations and well-known athletes.
Thanks to the municipality, the “Amber Prix” competitions were hosted in the city’s most prestigious venues – the Zvejų Culture Palace, the former City Culture Palace (now the Klaipeda State Music Theatre), the Klaipeda Drama Theatre, and the Concert Hall. This allowed the tournament to develop not only as a sporting event but also as a cultural phenomenon.
Today, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the “Amber Prix” we celebrate together with the Klaipeda City Municipality and the entire city community, recognizing a long-standing partnership, shared contribution, and a common commitment to promoting Klaipeda worldwide.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
“Amber Prix” 2019
In 2019, the international WFF-WBBF tournament “Amber Prix” was held in Klaipeda, Lithuania.
During that year, the leaders of the World WFF-WBBF Federation devoted considerable attention to the organization of the World Amateur and Professional Championship in Kaunas, Lithuania. Various organizational possibilities were discussed, including the potential participation of the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, in the opening ceremony.
The Federation also organized the international “Universe” contest in the resort city of Pattaya, Thailand. Expanding international cooperation, federation officials visited Madrid and Paris. Official permission was obtained from the administration of the Eiffel Tower to organize a WFF-WBBF event on the second level of the Eiffel Tower.
WFF-WBBF representatives participated in an international sports conference in Lviv, Ukraine, after which they were received at the residence of the city’s mayor, Andriy Sadovyi. A coaches’ seminar was organized in Klaipeda by the International Sport University, an associated member of UNESCO. In Raudondvaris Castle, sports veterans from various countries were honored and awarded during a ceremonial event.
International Tournament “Amber Prix”
The competition brought together 242 athletes from 17 countries.
Overall Winners
Women's Overall Champion: Moumita Mazumder (India)
Men's Overall Champion: Golap Rabha (India)
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
Total revolution in our sport.
The 2024 “Amber Prix”
In 2024, the political and economic situation in the world remained largely unchanged. Russia’s war against Ukraine continued, affecting many areas of public life, including sport.
The crisis in bodybuilding also continued to deepen. Lithuania became one of the most evident examples of this process. The national IFBB federation, which had coordinated bodybuilding in Lithuania for many years, gradually distanced itself from traditional bodybuilding. Against the backdrop of recurring doping-control problems and related scandals, the federation faced the risk of losing state funding. Some athletes moved to other organizations, while those who remained increasingly failed to reflect the principles of natural sport. Similar tendencies were observed in other European countries.
The World WFF-WBBF Federation has been searching for solutions to these problems for decades. As early as 2005, Rune Andersson, then Director of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), officially confirmed in writing that the World Fitness Federation had joined the Anti-Doping Code. However, due to substantial financial obligations, the process was never fully completed. This issue remains unresolved today, pending the availability of the necessary funding.
Since the establishment of the World Fitness Federation in 1995, efforts have been made to develop sports disciplines focused on healthy lifestyles, aesthetics, and physical activity. Although the Federation consistently sought to distance itself from the extreme forms of bodybuilding, this proved difficult in practice, as athletes’ muscle mass continued to increase. Since 1999, special attention has been paid to the development of the Fit-Kids program and sports for athletes with disabilities. In 2004, Fitness Model categories were introduced into international competitions.
In 2024, the leadership of the WFF-WBBF Federation made a strategic decision to fundamentally change the direction of its activities. New sporting disciplines were presented and tested at the “World Grand Prix” tournaments in Kandava (Latvia) and Vilkaviskis (Lithuania), at the 16th “Georg Tenno Memorial” in Estonia, at the “Amber Prix” competition in Klaipeda, and at the Universe competition in Nida.
The Federation decided that, while maintaining bodybuilding disciplines until all formal issues concerning cooperation with WADA are resolved, its future focus would be placed on non-doping sports disciplines. To achieve this goal, several new physical activity disciplines were created and introduced, with plans for further expansion in the future. These developments laid the foundation for a sports reform that became fully visible at the 2025 “Amber Prix” competition in Klaipeda.
To discuss the future development of sport, two international congresses were organized in Klaipeda in 2024. During these congresses, eight entirely new sports disciplines were presented, and their judging and evaluation principles, as well as future development prospects, were discussed. In the same year, WFF-WBBF leaders visited Tallinn, Estonia, where joint projects and future cooperation plans were negotiated with representatives of Estonian sports organizations.
Following the 2024 “Amber Prix” tournament, leaders of foreign delegations were officially received at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. During the ceremony, organizers and athletes from various countries were awarded the World WFF-WBBF Federation “Honorary Silver Medal” for their contribution to the development of international sports cooperation.
2024 International Tournament “Amber Prix”.
Athletes from ten countries participated in the competition: Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, India, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Slovakia, Finland, and Ukraine.
Over All Winners: Women: Jelena Ivanova (Latvia); Men: Rahul Joshi (India).
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
50 bodybuilding federations – 1000 World Champions every year.
2026 — The Peak of Bodybuilding’s Degradation.
Modern bodybuilding has reached a point where the title of “world champion” has lost any real meaning.
This is no longer a sport operating under a single system. It is a fragmented network of federations, where each organization writes its own rules, distributes its own titles, and declares its own winners.
The result is an absurd reality: dozens of federations and hundreds of “world champions” every year.
This is no longer a sporting hierarchy. It is a title production industry.
In the bodybuilding world today, dozens of organizations operate, but in reality they are not building a unified sport — they are producing events and statuses. Each federation has its own “elite,” its own “pro league,” its own “world championship.” And each of them claims a level of significance that, objectively, no longer exists.
Among them are IFBB, NABBA, NPC, and WFF-WBBF — organizations that operate in parallel, but no longer form a single sport. Instead, they have split bodybuilding into separate, barely comparable realities.
Bodybuilding used to be one sport. Now it is a system of parallel worlds.
Worse still, the very concept of a “champion” has been devalued. When every stage has its own winner, there is no longer a meaningful highest-level achievement. What remains is marketing, certificates, and self-declared “best in the world” status.
Today, speaking of a “world champion” often means only one thing — that a person won one of many local or international events that the organization itself labeled as a “world championship.”
This is no longer a sporting fact. It is a marketing term.
The entire system increasingly resembles an entertainment industry, where stages are filled with competitors and the number of titles is directly proportional to the federation’s size and ambition. The more events there are, the more “champions.” The more “champions,” the lower the value of each one.
Even historical context no longer slows this degradation. Since its early days, bodybuilding has balanced between sport and aesthetics, but today that balance has long disappeared — leaving only aesthetic performance amplified by commercial interests.
The question is simple: can this still be considered a sport if it no longer has a unified judging system, a unified hierarchy, or a single undisputed champion?
Is this still competition, or just an organized chaos of performances?
Bodybuilding today is no longer a sport where the best is determined.
It is a system where everyone can be “the best” — as long as they choose the right stage.
And that is precisely the clearest proof of this sport’s decline.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
60-th “Amber Prix” is very close.
“Amber Prix” 2026
In 2026, the international political and economic situation remained tense. Armed conflicts continued in various parts of the world, prices fluctuated, and public concern and uncertainty persisted. For various reasons, not all athletes who wished to participate in the traditional international “Amber Prix” contest in Klaipeda had the opportunity to attend.
Despite these challenges, active preparations for the upcoming 60th Jubilee “Amber Prix” began at the very start of the year. Dedicated organizers and supporters of the tournament’s history met twice in Gargzdai to discuss future plans and organizational matters.
At the beginning of 2026, two international congresses were organized in Klaipeda. During these events, questions regarding the introduction of new categories and improvements in judging procedures were discussed. Later, an international seminar for coaches and judges was held in Klaipeda, where the topics raised during the congresses were further developed and refined.
Several important meetings took place at Klaipeda City Municipality during the year. Two meetings were held with municipal administration leaders, and an earlier meeting took place with the Mayor of Klaipeda, Arvydas Vaitkus. During these meetings, the activities of the World WFF-WBBF Federation in Klaipeda were reviewed, and strategic plans were outlined for organizing the 60th Jubilee “Amber Prix” in 2027.
Following prior arrangements with Professor Dr. Vytautas Landsbergis, a meeting was held in Vilnius between him and the leaders of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. During the meeting, the situation of sport in Lithuania was discussed, and participants recalled the 1991 visit of IFBB President Ben Weider to newly independent Lithuania. Dr. Edmundas Daubaras also presented Professor Landsbergis with original telegrams sent by German bodybuilders who had supported Lithuania during the Soviet economic blockade.
International “Amber Prix” 2026
The 2026 International Amber Prix attracted 289 athletes from 10 countries: Egypt, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Denmark, Slovakia, Poland, and Israel.
This year the competition was held over two days at the Klaipeda Zveju Palace of Culture. Due to the large number of participants, the event lasted 13–14 hours on each day. Considering the continued growth of the tournament, the organizers decided that beginning in 2027 the event will be held over three days.
Overall Champions
Women – Jasmin Norgard (Denmark)
Men – Grazvydas Narusevicius (Lithuania)
“Amber Prix” 2026 once again confirmed its importance within the international fitness and bodybuilding movement. The competition brought together hundreds of athletes from numerous countries, while Klaipeda maintained its position as one of the leading centers of fitness and bodybuilding in Europe. The record participation and growing international interest suggest that the 60th Jubilee “Amber Prix” in 2027 will be even larger and more significant.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
The 2009 “Amber Prix” and Other Important International Events
In 2009, while preparations were underway for the WFF–WBBF World Amateur and WBBF Professional Championships in Estonia, the WFF Professional Championship in Prague, and the international “Universe” contest in Slovakia, the traditional international tournament “Amber Prix” was held in Klaipeda, Lithuania.
However, when recalling the events of 2009, it is impossible not to highlight the significant developments in Slovakia, which played an important role in the advancement of international bodybuilding and fitness.
Slovakia Becomes an International Center of Bodybuilding and Fitness
The year 2009 was exceptional in the history of Slovak sport. During this period, Slovakia established itself as one of the most important international centers of bodybuilding and fitness in the World.
Through the initiative and support of patron Stefan Hrcka (Štefan Hrčka), the international WFF–WBBF “Universe” Championships were organized at the Slovak health resort of Brusno Kupele. Athletes from thirteen countries participated in this prestigious event.
Among the distinguished guests was Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Government Youth and Sports Commission Dusan Galis (Dušan Galis), who attended the event to welcome the competitors. During the official ceremony, he presented a Letter of Appreciation from the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, to the President of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, Edmundas Daubaras.
The international sports forum was officially opened by former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Vladimir Meciar (Vladimír Mečiar). In recognition of his contribution to the development of sport and the promotion of healthy living in Slovakia and internationally, WFF–WBBF President Edmundas Daubaras awarded him the federation’s highest distinction, the “International Honour Gold Medal”.
Before concluding his visit to Slovakia, Edmundas Daubaras received an official invitation to the Government Palace in Bratislava for a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. During the meeting, discussions focused on the development of international sport, future cooperation opportunities, and the organization of forthcoming international sporting events in Slovakia.
The meeting was also attended by the Chancellor of the Slovak Government, Frantisek Hatar (František Hatar). As a sign of appreciation for the Slovak Government’s support of sport and international cooperation, Edmundas Daubaras presented Prime Minister Robert Fico with the “International Honour Gold Medal”.
The events held in Slovakia in 2009 became an important milestone in the history of the international sport movement. They strengthened Slovakia’s reputation within the global bodybuilding and fitness community and laid the foundation for further international sporting events in the country.
Preparations for the World Championship in Estonia
During the same year, as preparations continued for the World Championship in Estonia, a series of official meetings took place with representatives of political parties in the Estonian Parliament, the Estonian Minister of Sport, and the Secretary General of the Estonian National Olympic Committee.
These meetings addressed organizational matters related to the forthcoming championship, international cooperation, and the future development of bodybuilding and fitness sport in the region.
The International “Amber Prix” Tournament
The 2009 “Amber Prix” held in Klaipeda was one of the largest WFF–WBBF events organized that year.
A total of 201 athletes from eleven countries participated in the competition: Iran, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Germany, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation. The impressive number of participants once again confirmed the growing prestige of the tournament and its importance within the international bodybuilding and fitness calendar.
The “Amber Prix” together with the international events held in Slovakia and Estonia in 2009 became a significant chapter in the history of the global sport movement, reflecting the federation’s continuous growth and the strengthening of international cooperation.
Absolute Winners of the “Amber Prix”
• Women – Alina Isidorova (Latvia)
• Men – Aleksandr Shchyogolev (Russian Federation)
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
2025 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Activities in Scandinavia
News from Scandinavian Countries
Over the past three decades, the WFF–WBBF has consistently developed international cooperation with the Scandinavian region. Athletes from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway regularly participate in the federation’s World and European championships, contributing to the development and promotion of bodybuilding and fitness sports in the region.
Within Scandinavian sports communities, bodybuilding remains a steadily growing discipline. Cooperation with international federations creates opportunities for athlete exchanges, referee education, and the harmonization of competition and organizational standards.
International Visits and Cooperation
In recent years, Edmundas Daubaras visited Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. During these visits, he met with leaders of national sports organizations, club representatives, and well-known Scandinavian bodybuilding athletes.
The main objectives of these visits included:
• strengthening cooperation between national federations;
• expanding participation of young athletes in international competitions;
• discussing the organization of joint events and championships;
• aligning judging and competition standards.
In addition, official Scandinavian delegations have visited the headquarters of WFF–WBBF in Klaipėda on multiple occasions. Among them was Simo Bogdanoff, who actively participated in discussions regarding future sports projects and regional development initiatives.
The Role of Scandinavia in Federation Activities
The Scandinavian countries have long been an important part of the WFF–WBBF sporting system. Athletes from the region demonstrate a high level of preparation, and their participation in international events contributes to raising the overall quality and competitiveness of competitions.
This cooperation also contributes to:
• the professionalization of sports in the region;
• the development of international club networks;
• the improvement of training and competition methodologies;
• strengthening the global image of bodybuilding as a sport.
The Kingdom of Denmark Honor Book
In 2008, in recognition of long-term international sporting activity, Edmundas Daubaras was included in the Honor Book of the Kingdom of Denmark upon the recommendation of the Danish National Federation.
The award was presented during the World Professional Championship held in Vilnius, in the presence of international sports delegations. This recognition is considered a significant acknowledgement within the global bodybuilding community.
In an official statement, Danish delegation leader Anders Buus emphasized that Mr. Daubaras:
“is a constant source of knowledge and experience for the world of bodybuilding sport. His contribution to fitness and bodybuilding is exceptional. He has always been the athletes’ No. 1 representative, and his work will remain significant for all those interested in this sport.”
The document also notes that he was included among distinguished international figures in the sporting community, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Conclusions
1. Long-term cooperation with Scandinavia demonstrates that the region is one of the most stable and active parts of WFF–WBBF international activity.
2. International visits and dialogue between federation leadership and Scandinavian sports representatives contribute to the harmonization of sport standards and improvement of organizational quality.
3. Participation of Scandinavian athletes enhances the competitive level of international championships and raises the prestige of the sport in the region.
4. Institutional recognition (Honor Book of Denmark) shows that the activities of Edmundas Daubaras are acknowledged not only in sports but also by official sporting institutions.
5. Overall trend indicates that bodybuilding and fitness sports in Scandinavia continue to grow steadily, with international cooperation serving as a key driver of development.
More information, documents are 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
• Organizer: World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation
• Location: Lithuania
• Established: 1967
• First Overall Winner: Klemensas Alsauskas (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
“Amber Prix” – 60 Years: A Legend Rooted in the History of Klaipėda and World Sport
In May 2027, Klaipeda will become the center of a unique sporting and cultural event – the anniversary of one of the oldest traditional bodybuilding and fitness competitions in the world. The “Amber Prix” marks its 60th anniversary. This is not only a milestone, but a living history that over six decades has shaped generations of athletes, gathered thousands of participants, and left a distinct mark on the international sports community.
The anniversary event will span three days and promises to become an exceptional celebration bringing together sport, culture, history, and living legends. Distinguished representatives of the worlds of sport, public life, and culture from various countries are expected to be invited to Klaipeda.
Among the honorary guests are world-renowned personalities Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ralf Moeller, and Alexander Nevsky, the WFF–WBBF Federation representative in the United States. The names of these athletes have long been etched into the history of international bodybuilding.
All three have earned the prestigious “Mr. Universe” title and have gone on to build successful careers in the film industry as actors, directors, and producers. Their participation in the anniversary event would add exceptional international prestige to the celebration and make it a significant occasion for both the Lithuanian sporting community and visitors to the city.
The journey of the “Amber Prix” began at a time when bodybuilding was still forming its international identity, and the dissemination of information required exceptional dedication and belief in a vision. A special role in this movement’s history was played by Edmundas Daubaras, who in 1989 published the magazine “Arnoldas Švarcenegeris rekomenduoja” in an impressive print run of 2 million copies. This publication became not only training and educational material for athletes, but also a symbolic bridge connecting sportspeople across different countries and inspiring a new generation to pursue the highest goals.
Over the decades, the “Amber Prix” has grown into an international phenomenon where sport intertwines with culture, diplomacy, and personal stories. Representatives of public and political life from various countries have been involved in the activities of the WFF-WBBF federation. Among them was the former President of the Austrian Parliament, Professor Alfred Gerstl, who not only supported event initiatives but also attended competitions as an honorary guest, contributing to their international recognition.
Special symbolic significance in the history of the “Amber Prix” is also held by its earlier anniversaries. During the 40th jubilee, Klaipeda hosted an exhibition of original photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger, presented through Professor A. Gerstl, as well as a documentary film about his life journey. These materials became a highlight of the event, attracting significant public attention.
During the 50th anniversary, the event reached an even broader international audience – through the mediation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, a report from Klaipeda was broadcast to a global audience by CNN television. This became an important recognition not only of the event itself, but also of Lithuania’s contribution to the global bodybuilding movement.
Today, the “Amber Prix” looks to the future with even greater ambition and respect for its history. A newly released comprehensive book by Arnold Schwarzenegger “Arnold” serves as a reminder of the profound influence this figure has had on the entire sporting era, while the upcoming jubilee in Klaipeda becomes a living continuation of that legacy.
As the 60th anniversary approaches, another important project is being prepared at the initiative of the Klaipeda City Municipality administration and a group of enthusiasts – a large-scale historical book dedicated to the “Amber Prix” will be published. The text in Lithuanian is already completed, and translations into other languages are currently in progress, aiming to make the history of the event even more widely known around the world.
Today, the “Amber Prix” is more than a competition. It is a tradition that unites generations. A stage where legends are born. A name of Klaipeda resonating on the world map of sport. And a story that is far from over.
More information you can get on international site www.wff.lt
Indian Athletes Have Developed a Strong Affection for the “Amber Prix” Tournament
Athletes from a number of Asian countries actively participate in the activities of the International WFF-WBBF Federation. Among the most prominent are India, Pakistan, and Turkey, while Egypt has also become increasingly active in recent years.
We first met Indian bodybuilders in 2008 at the WFF-WBBF “World Grand Prix” held in Greece. Closely following the activities of the international federation, Indian organizers staged the first WFF-WBBF India National Championship in 2010 and invited the federation’s leaders to attend. Since then, our cooperation has continued to grow, and we have participated in various events in India on as many as nineteen occasions.
Over the years, Indian athletes have become regular participants in the prestigious “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Many of them have won titles in their respective categories, while two Indian representatives, Dharminder Singh and Navtej Singh, achieved an exceptional distinction by becoming Overall Champions of the tournament.
The success of Indian athletes once again highlights the growing strength of bodybuilding in India and the close ties that have been established with the international WFF-WBBF community.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
1976–1977 “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENTS.
THE FIRST PUBLIC BODYBUILDING COMPETITIONS IN THE USSR AFTER THE BAN.
In 1976, Edmundas Daubaras organized the “Amber Prix” tournament together with the “Zemaitija Cup” in the city of Telsiai, Lithuania. The strength events were held in one of the city’s schools, while the physique presentation program took place at the Telsiai Culture Palace. These competitions became the first publicly held bodybuilding contest in the Soviet Union after bodybuilding had been officially banned.
At that time, bodybuilding in the USSR was prohibited and actively persecuted by Soviet authorities. Nevertheless, Edmundas Daubaras succeeded in convincing the administration of the Culture Palace that the event violated no regulations. The competition was openly advertised to local residents, and the hall was filled with spectators. Organizing such an event involved considerable personal risk, but the tournament proceeded successfully and without consequences from the authorities.
Athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated in the event.
Winners of the 1976 Tournament
Junior Group Winners
• Rimas Apulskis
• Stasys Stanius
• Rimas Cesaitis
Youth Group Winners
• Antanas Basermanas
• Aimontas Dolgichas
• Evaldas Sorius
Adult Group Winners
• Valentinas Vandys
• Risardas Krinickis
Overall Champions
• Rimas Apulskis
• Evaldas Sorius
• Rišardas Krinickis
For comparison, an international bodybuilding event held in Kaunas the same year took place secretly in a factory cultural hall outside the city and without spectators. Another international bodybuilding competition organized in Kalinin (now Tver, RSFSR) was officially prohibited by authorities, yet athletes still staged the contest in a tiny local sports club as an act of protest. Only a small circle of supporters attended.
In 1976, while training at the Vilnius “Viktorija” club, Edmundas Daubaras met lawyer Grigorij Leonov, who had just graduated from the Faculty of Law at Vilnius University and had been appointed as a people’s judge in Klaipėda.
After Grigorij Leonov moved to Klaipeda, Edmundas Daubaras persuaded him to assume leadership of the city’s bodybuilding movement. The reasoning was practical: a judge’s position opened doors among city officials and made it easier to establish legal opportunities for athletes. While Edmundas Daubaras continued to manage organizational matters, Grigorij Leonov worked on creating legitimate legal foundations for bodybuilding activities in Klaipeda.
In 1977, the “Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation” was officially registered under the Klaipeda City Sports Committee. This was an unprecedented development in the entire Soviet Union. Although bodybuilding remained banned throughout the USSR, Klaipeda now had an officially functioning bodybuilding federation. It remained the only legally operating bodybuilding federation in the Soviet Union until 1987, when the USSR Bodybuilding Federation was established under the USSR Ministry of Sports.
By legal means, all unofficial bodybuilding clubs in Klaipeda were closed, leaving only three clubs operating under the federation:
• “Gintaras” — headed by Edmundas Daubaras
• “Satrija” — headed by Sigitas Vilutis
• “Alksnyne” — headed by Oleg Serov
The public competitions in Telsiai caused a sensation throughout the Soviet bodybuilding community. Many were astonished that such an event could take place openly. The leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945–2002), sent a letter of support to Edmundas Daubaras and promoted the “Amber Prix” tournament in Czechoslovak sports publications.
Encouraged by the success in Telsiai, Edmundas Daubaras, assisted by his father Vytautas Daubaras, organized the 1977 “Amber Prix” tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. This event featured only physique presentation categories without strength exercises. Once again, the tournament was public, and local athletes personally spread information about the competition among supporters. The hall was filled with enthusiastic spectators.
Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the 1977 tournament, which further strengthened Lithuania’s role as the center of unofficial Soviet bodybuilding during the years of prohibition.
1977 “Amber Prix” Tournament
In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras organized the public “Amber Prix” bodybuilding tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the competition. The hall was full of spectators invited by the athletes and their supporters. These contests became one of the first public bodybuilding events in the Soviet Union after the sport had been officially banned.
Junior Division
First Height Category
1st place – Viaceslav Chleborodov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Edvardas Burba (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Rimas Apulskis (Klaipėda)
Second Height Category
1st place – Boris Dolgov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Benas Uckus (Kaunas)
3rd place – Nikolajus Kuznecovas (Vilnius)
Third Height Category
1st place – Stepan Nevera (Vilnius)
2nd place – Evaldas Sorius (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Edvardas Miseniovas (Kaunas)
Adult Division
First Height Category
1st place – Algimantas Kersulis (Vilnius)
2nd place – Vytautas Daubaras (Vilnius)
3rd place – Jonas Zurauskas (Kaunas)
Second Height Category
1st place – Kestutis Petrosius (Vilnius)
2nd place – Risardas Krinickis (Vilnius)
3rd place – Stasys Maksimovas (Kaunas)
Third Height Category
1st place – Stasys Cukanovas (Vilnius)
2nd place – Albertas Besakirskas (Kaunas)
3rd place – Vytautas Zenkevicius (Klaipėda)
Overall Winners
Junior Division – Borisas Dolgovas
Adult Division – Stasys Cukanovas
THE 1977 STRUGGLE AGAINST THE POLITICAL DECISIONS OF THE USSR AUTHORITIES.
1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR
In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras once again travelled to the Czechoslovak SSR for two months under a university exchange program. The sports activity program was similar to that of previous years and included meetings with the President of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation, Vojtech Fiala, as well as with the federation’s vice-president, Professor Frantisek Bulva.
Seeking to demonstrate loyalty to their government, the Czechoslovak officials organized a meeting for Edmundas Daubaras, as a representative of Soviet bodybuilding, with the leadership of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports. At that time, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation already had its own office within the ministry, where the federation’s secretary, the well-known bodybuilder Peter Tlapak, was working.
Vojtech Fiala also arranged Edmundas Daubaras’ visit to the national Olympic training center located in a mountain resort area. At that time, members of the national bodybuilding team were preparing there for the World Championships. Meetings and discussions took place with athletes and coaches.
Later, Edmundas Daubaras visited the city of Brno, where Professor Frantisek Bulva organized two meetings of the Council of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation. Edmundas Daubaras attended these meetings as a guest and delivered a presentation on the situation of bodybuilding in the USSR.
1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR
In 1977, the persecution of bodybuilding in the USSR intensified even further. The USSR Ministry of Sports issued directives calling for stricter measures against bodybuilding, and the sports ministries of the Soviet republics repeated and actively enforced these orders. At the same time, a coordinated campaign against bodybuilding began in the Soviet press. Particularly aggressive criticism came from journalist Dmitry Ivanov of the newspaper Sovietsky Sport. As pressure mounted, nearly all prominent bodybuilding organizers throughout the USSR fell silent.
Refusing to accept the situation and drawing inspiration from the examples he had witnessed in Czechoslovakia, Edmundas Daubaras began corresponding with the editorial office of Sovietsky Sport, the USSR Weightlifting Federation, and officials of the USSR Ministry of Sports. However, these efforts produced no positive results.
At the end of 1977, Edmundas Daubaras, together with the best bodybuilders of the city, took part in the “Georg Tenno Memorial” held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It was one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the USSR at the time. The most successful performance came from Patras Stanius, who won third place in the junior category.
You can find more information on international site www.wff.lt
“History of “Amber Prix”.
“Mr. Absoliutus SSSR”
Sports organizers and administrators hold competitions in which athletes strive for victory and the highest achievements. It is through these competitions that victories and outstanding performances become known to the public through the media. Without sporting achievements, many athletes would remain unknown to the wider public.
Victories bring joy and pride not only to the athletes themselves, but also to their families, coaches, teammates, and the entire sporting community. Every victory is a recognition of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
Although countless athletes compete in sporting events, only a select few leave a lasting mark on the history of sport through their exceptional achievements. These athletes become role models for younger generations and inspire others to pursue excellence and strive for the highest goals.
Today’s athletes usually know the strongmen of past decades only through stories and recollections. Yet there was a time when one man’s name resonated throughout the bodybuilding world of the Soviet Union. That man was Viktoras Jucys from Klaipeda. By the late 1980s, he had become the undisputed leader of Soviet bodybuilding. Vladimir Dubinin, President of the Russian IFBB Federation, once referred to him as “Mr. Absoliutus SSSR” – a title that perfectly reflected his dominance in competition during that era.
His journey to the top began in Klaipeda. The first time he saw the competitors of the famous “Amber Prix” tournament, he was astonished by their physiques and athleticism. Leaving the event, he made a promise to himself: “I will become like them.” That moment marked the beginning of a goal that would change his life.
He did not join a gym immediately. Instead, he began training alone in a garage near the seaside. The conditions were primitive. During winter he worked out wearing a heavy jacket and gloves to keep warm, and at times his evening training sessions were lit only by candlelight. Yet such hardships never discouraged him. Like many enthusiasts of that era, he learned discipline, perseverance, and the determination to pursue his dream regardless of circumstances.
After eventually joining a bodybuilding club, Viktoras was encouraged by his coach to compete. His first attempt, however, was unsuccessful. Disappointed, he turned his attention to karate. At that time, both bodybuilding and karate were viewed unfavorably by Soviet authorities and were, at various periods, effectively banned. Such restrictions only strengthened the commitment of those who practiced them. Having mastered the basics of martial arts, Jucys competed successfully until the authorities closed the city’s only karate club. He then returned to where his sporting journey had begun – the bodybuilding gym.
From that point on, training became the center of his life. The results soon followed. In 1984 and 1985, Jucys won the overall title in the youth division of the “Amber Prix” tournament. In 1985, he also captured first place at the “Komsomol Cup” competition in Kaunas. Soon afterward began the most remarkable period of his career.
From 1986 onward, Viktoras won every competition he entered. He claimed victory twice at the “White Nights” Tournament in Leningrad, won the “Amber Prix” three times, and became the overall champion of the first official USSR Bodybuilding Cup. He also accumulated nineteen victories in international competitions. During those years, he had no equal in the Soviet Union.
His physical attributes were equally impressive. Standing 174 centimeters tall, he weighed approximately 109 kilograms between competitions. Both his biceps and calves measured an extraordinary 50 centimeters in circumference. Jucys preferred training with extremely heavy weights, and although his workouts were relatively short, they were exceptionally intense. In the gym, certain pieces of equipment even acquired nicknames: “Viktoras’s barbell” and “Viktoras’s dumbbells.” These were weights so heavy that few other athletes dared to use them.
The story of Viktoras Jucys is the story of a man who rose from training in an unheated garage in Klaipeda to the pinnacle of Soviet bodybuilding. His achievements stand not only as a testament to extraordinary determination and talent, but also as an important chapter in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
WFF-WBBF South America
WFF–WBBF President for South America – Jorge Cedale
In recent years, growing political and economic tensions around the world have also affected international sports activities. Nevertheless, the history of the WFF–WBBF Federation preserves the memory of individuals whose dedication made a significant contribution to the organization's development across different continents. One of them was the long-serving WFF–WBBF President for South America, the Argentine Jorge Cedale (1958–2024).
South American bodybuilders began actively participating in international WFF–WBBF events in 1996. Since 2005 under Jorge Cedale's leadership, athletes from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay competed in World Championships and other WFF–WBBF events held in Europe and Asia. Among them were Jamila Vanessa Toledo, Fernanda Yiouglar, Rosalia Dutra de Campos, Merina Broggia, Farreyra Maryangeles, Carolina Elizabeth Magnani, Antuanez Aurora Beatriz Faguendez, Alejandra Mariel Rubio, Liliana Escudeiro de Cangeri, Maria Sol Farinelli, Fernando Ariel Perdomo, Glayson Souto, Crecky Chavez, Dalvaniza Aquino, Cordeiro Ricardo Fernandes, Damascena Hugo Rafael de Almeida, Tourun Ignacio Daniel Torres, Alexandra Ximena Aguiar Fernandez, Antonio Osta, Maria Melgarejo Fernandez, and Claudia Mendoza Ramirez.
In 2011, the President of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, visited Argentina to attend the annual South American WFF–WBBF Championship. During his years of service, Jorge Cedale organized eight South American Championships, which served as the principal qualifying events for the Federation's World Championships. The best athletes from these competitions went on to represent their countries successfully at international WFF–WBBF events in Europe and Asia.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Federation, Jorge Cedale was awarded the WFF–WBBF “Honorary Silver Medal” in 2008. As a frequent participant in international WFF–WBBF events held in Lithuania, he was several times an honored guest at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and took part in international press conferences organized by the ELTA National News Agency. He also played an important role in strengthening the Federation's international relations.
Conclusions
Jorge Cedale was one of the most distinguished leaders of the WFF–WBBF Federation in South America. Through his efforts, a strong system of continental championships was established, providing athletes from South America with the opportunity to qualify for World Championships and gain international recognition.
For more than two decades, Jorge Cedale made an invaluable contribution to the growth of the WFF–WBBF Federation and to the expansion of international cooperation between South America, Europe, and Asia. His organizational achievements remain an important part of the Federation's history, and he will be remembered as one of the most dedicated and influential WFF–WBBF officials in South America.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
Mexican Athletes at the International “Amber Prix” Tournament
2006 WFF-WBBF “Mexico Grand Prix” – An Important Step in International Cooperation
From 2006 to 2010, the activities of the World WFF-WBBF Federation in the United States were coordinated by Mike Glass. Under his leadership, the Federation significantly expanded its presence throughout North and Latin America. One of the most important achievements of this period was the organization of the 2006 WFF-WBBF “Mexico Grand Prix” in Mexico City.
The event attracted considerable attention from the international bodybuilding and fitness community, bringing together more than 300 athletes from numerous countries. The “Mexico Grand Prix” became a major milestone in the development of the WFF-WBBF Federation in Latin America and further strengthened the Federation's international reputation.
Following the successful organization of the competition, Manuel Solano was appointed President of the WFF-WBBF Federation of Mexico. During his leadership, the Mexican national team became an active participant in the international activities of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. Mexican athletes regularly competed in World Championships, international cup events, and numerous other WFF-WBBF competitions.
A special place in Mexico's international sporting activities belonged to the prestigious annual “Amber Prix” tournaments held in Klaipėda, Lithuania. Mexican delegations participated in these historic competitions on numerous occasions, where their athletes demonstrated outstanding athletic excellence, won top awards, and contributed significantly to the growing international prestige of the tournament.
The long-standing cooperation between Mexico and Lithuania became an excellent example of how the World WFF-WBBF Federation united athletes, coaches, and sports officials from different continents. These sporting relationships not only promoted the development of bodybuilding and fitness but also encouraged friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual respect among nations.
Mexican Delegations at the International “Amber Prix” Tournaments in Klaipėda
The international “Amber Prix” tournaments held in Klaipėda became more than just prestigious sporting events—they also served as a platform for international cooperation and cultural diplomacy. Among the regular participants were delegations from Mexico, whose athletes and officials visited Lithuania on numerous occasions.
During their visits, the Mexican delegations took part not only in the competitions but also in a series of official events. They were received at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, where meetings were held to promote friendship and strengthen sporting and cultural ties between Lithuania and Mexico. The official program also included press conferences at ELTA, Lithuania's national news agency, where the tournaments, their participants, and the importance of international sports cooperation were presented to the public.
These visits demonstrate that the “Amber Prix” tournaments extended well beyond the realm of sport. They contributed to the international recognition of Klaipėda and Lithuania while fostering cooperation, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships among participating nations. The participation of Mexican delegations remains an important chapter in the history and international legacy of the Amber Prix tournaments.
Conclusions
The 2006 WFF-WBBF “Mexico Grand Prix” marked one of the most significant stages in the Federation's expansion throughout Latin America. The event strengthened the Mexican National WFF-WBBF Federation, which subsequently became an active participant in the Federation's international activities. Mexican athletes became regular competitors at World Championships as well as at the prestigious “Amber Prix” tournaments held in Klaipėda, Lithuania.
The achievements of Mexican athletes and the long-term cooperation between the Mexican and Lithuanian organizers made a valuable contribution to the international recognition of the “Amber Prix” tournament. Their participation further confirmed the World WFF-WBBF Federation's mission of bringing together the bodybuilding and fitness communities of different continents while promoting athletic excellence, friendship, and international cooperation.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
Philosophical Reflections
The Road Traveled in Life. The Road Traveled in Sport. Who Are You After All of It?
A life devoted to sport is a long and demanding journey. Along the way there are discoveries and achievements, victories and disappointments. As the years pass, we increasingly find ourselves saying farewell to colleagues, like-minded friends, and our "iron brothers."
We have already bid farewell to the pioneers of bodybuilding in Europe and Lithuania, the founders and leading representatives of the famous Vilnius School of Bodybuilding—Ceslav Tamulevic, Vitalij Asovskij, Riaard Krinickij, and Valerij Koreskov. Their life's work and accomplishments will remain forever in the history of world bodybuilding. They left behind not only remarkable sporting achievements but also an example for future generations.
After the collapse of the socialist world, we entered the era of Western democracy. Sport changed as well. What did we find? Some managed to adapt while remaining true to their principles, but many others were simply swallowed by the new system.
Today, athletes wander among dozens of bodybuilding federations. The choice is enormous. There is "natural" bodybuilding, countless alternative organizations, and every one of them crowns its own world champions. Every year, hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of new world champions are created. Yet within a year, few people remember their names. There was a time when every true bodybuilding enthusiast knew the world champions by name.
With only a few exceptions, modern bodybuilding has lost what once gave it its prestige: clear sporting value and genuine authority. Everyone is free to choose whatever path they prefer. Many now express themselves through sports festivals, which have become increasingly common. They offer titles, trophies, applause, and recognition.
But it is worth asking yourself one question: when your competitive career is over, years from now, will you truly be proud of the titles you won at festivals?
In just a few days, Vilnius will host Lithuania's famous Song Celebration—a magnificent cultural festival. Its participants also receive awards and public recognition. Is a victory at a sports festival fundamentally different from a victory at a cultural festival? Let every athlete answer that question for themselves.
It is regrettable that so many bodybuilders today rarely stop to reflect, analyze, or think strategically. Too often they move forward with confidence, yet without asking whether they are heading in the right direction. Visionary coaches and leaders—people capable of looking beyond the next competition and thinking about the future of the sport—have become increasingly rare.
After the death of Inar Mardo, Estonian bodybuilding was led for many years by a man – restaurant cook - better known for his personal connections than for sporting achievements. Another federation leader became widely known as a trader in the country's markets. Were these the sporting authorities capable of leading a national sport? Where is Estonian bodybuilding today? As for Latvia, its situation hardly inspires greater optimism.
Athletes—observe. Think. Analyze. Draw your own conclusions.
Life passes quickly. Lost time can never be recovered. That is why it is not enough simply to win today. What truly matters is choosing a path that you will still be proud of many years from now. Only then will the years devoted to sport have their deepest meaning.
“Amber Prix” Stories
Albertas Remeika – Unfulfilled Dreams
During the 1970s, bodybuilding in the Soviet Union was considered an ideologically undesirable sport. It was effectively banned, forcing athletes to train in secret—in basements, bomb shelters, and other secluded locations. Despite official repression, these harsh conditions produced a number of exceptionally talented Lithuanian bodybuilders.
In 1975, Albertas Remeika joined the "Gintaras" (Amber) bodybuilding club in Klaipėda, which operated in a bomb shelter beneath the Klaipėda Commercial Seaport. From the very beginning, he stood out for his remarkable ambition, determination, and willingness to work hard. His goal was not only to transform his physique but also to become one of Lithuania's leading bodybuilders and to compete in contests that were considered unofficial—and often unacceptable—by the Soviet authorities.
Albertas was coached by Edmundas Daubaras, one of the best theoretically prepared bodybuilding specialists in the USSR at the time. His training methods were based not only on practical experience but also on foreign bodybuilding publications, contacts with Czechoslovak bodybuilders, and a detailed analysis of a demonstration training session conducted by Peter Stach, the 1975 IFBB European Overall Champion.
The training program was exceptionally demanding. Nutrition was equally rigorous: Albertas consumed approximately two kilograms of cottage cheese and 20–30 eggs every day. In just eighteen months, his body weight increased from 88 to 120 kilograms (194 to 265 pounds), while his biceps reached an impressive circumference of 52 centimeters (20.5 inches). Although he did not specialize in strength sports, his physical abilities were equally remarkable and earned the respect of bodybuilding experts.
While still competing as a junior, Albertas Remeika took part in the “Georg Tenno Memorial” in Tallinn in 1978, where he finished third in the tallest height category. It was an impressive international debut.
Later that same year, he placed second in his height category at the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda. In 1979, although still a junior, he competed against senior athletes at the “Komsomol Cup” Championships held in Kaunas. Judges and specialists were impressed by his extraordinary muscular development, body proportions, and overall physique. Many believed that Klaipėda had produced one of Lithuania's most promising young bodybuilders.
Unfortunately, his sporting ambitions were never fully realized. Continuous disagreements among the leaders of the unofficial Lithuanian SSR Bodybuilding Federation negatively affected the development of bodybuilding throughout the country. At the same time, Edmundas Daubaras left Klaipėda to pursue a second university degree at Vilnius University, while Albertas Remeika decided to retire permanently from competitive bodybuilding.
Thus ended, unexpectedly early, the career of one of the most gifted bodybuilders of his generation in Klaipėda.
Conclusion
The story of Albertas Remeika is more than the biography of a talented athlete with exceptional physical potential. It reflects the experience of an entire generation of bodybuilders who pursued excellence despite political restrictions, limited access to information, and constant organizational difficulties. Remeika possessed all the qualities necessary to become one of Lithuania's outstanding bodybuilders, yet his career was cut short not by a lack of talent or determination, but by the circumstances of his time. His story reminds us how many promising athletes of the Soviet era never reached their full potential because of forces beyond their control. Even so, Albertas Remeika remains an important figure in the history of Klaipėda bodybuilding and a lasting symbol of the “Amber Prix” era.
More information is on international page www.wff.lt
Stories of the “Amber Prix”
Michael Mitchell – Always at the Top
One of the most remarkable personalities associated with the legendary international “Amber Prix” tournament was the outstanding Scottish athlete, actor, film director, and former officer of the British Special Forces, Michael Mitchell (1956–2021). His life was distinguished not only by exceptional sporting achievements but also by an extraordinary range of professional experiences that earned him respect in many countries around the world.
Michael Mitchell became involved in the activities of the World WFF–WBBF Federation in 1996. From the very beginning, he became an active participant in the Federation's events and a loyal supporter of its ideals. For more than twenty-five years, he took part in European and World Championships, international congresses, official Federation meetings, and numerous representative events. Until the very last days of his life, he remained an active member of the WFF–WBBF Federation and one of its most respected international ambassadors.
As an athlete, Michael Mitchell achieved outstanding success. Throughout his long competitive career, he won numerous international championships and earned many prestigious titles. His victories brought recognition not only to his native Scotland but also to the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Owing to his exceptional physical condition, discipline, professionalism, and sportsmanship, he earned great respect among athletes from all over the world. Many representatives of the younger generation regarded him as an example of how sporting excellence could be combined with personal integrity, dignity, and respect for one's competitors.
However, Michael Mitchell's achievements extended far beyond the world of sport. He was also a professional actor and film director, appearing in numerous film productions and participating in international film festivals, where he received several awards for his artistic work. His broad experience enabled him to communicate easily with people from different professions and cultures, making him an outstanding representative of the WFF–WBBF Federation on the international stage.
Equally important was his military career. As a former officer of the British Special Forces, Michael retained throughout his life the qualities expected of a professional soldier—discipline, responsibility, determination, and the ability to make sound decisions under difficult circumstances. These characteristics were clearly reflected in both his sporting career and his public activities.
In 2005, Michael Mitchell purchased a home on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It became his second home, where he spent much of his leisure time. It was there that the idea emerged to organize one of the Federation's most important international events in Turkey.
While preparations were underway for the 2007 international WFF–WBBF Championship at the prestigious LykiaWorld Resort, Michael Mitchell invited WFF–WBBF President Edmundas Daubaras to Turkey in 2006. An official press conference was organized, attended by Turkish journalists, sports officials, and representatives of the Ministry of Sports. During the event, the activities of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, its World Championships, and the forthcoming championship in Turkey were presented. This meeting became an important step in expanding the Federation's activities throughout the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.
Another significant event was the 2007 World Championship held in Vilnius, Lithuania. Following the championship, Michael Mitchell, as a member of the official WFF–WBBF delegation, participated in an official reception at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and in a press conference at the ELTA National News Agency. The meetings focused on recently completed championships, the Federation's future plans, and prospects for international cooperation. The history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament was also presented, together with the project for organizing its forthcoming 40th anniversary event. These official meetings demonstrated that the Federation's activities were recognized not only within the international sports community but also at the governmental level.
Throughout his life, Michael Mitchell received numerous sporting, public, and artistic awards. Among the distinctions he valued most was the WFF–WBBF Federation “Honor Gold Medal”, solemnly awarded to him in 2010. This prestigious award is presented only to individuals whose contributions have had lasting significance in the history of world bodybuilding and whose work has strengthened the Federation's international reputation.
Michael Mitchell's life was filled with challenges, achievements, and meaningful accomplishments. Sport, military service, cinema, and public activity merged into an extraordinary life dedicated to excellence. Whatever field he entered, he always pursued the highest standards. For this reason, the title of this article—"Always at the Top"—perfectly reflects both his character and his life's achievements.
Conclusions
Michael Mitchell was one of the most distinguished personalities in the history of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. His contribution extended far beyond competitive bodybuilding. He became an international ambassador of the Federation, an active promoter of its ideals, and an important figure in the history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament.
His reputation in sport, cinema, and public life helped promote the name of the WFF–WBBF Federation in many countries around the world. Through his personal initiatives, support for international events, and active participation in official Federation activities, he made a significant contribution to the Federation's international recognition and development.
Years after his passing, Michael Mitchell continues to be remembered with great respect. He remains not only a World Champion and accomplished actor but also a man whose loyalty to sport, his friends, and the WFF–WBBF Federation never wavered. For this reason, his name has earned a permanent place in the history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament, while his life's example continues to inspire new generations of athletes around the world.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
NABBA in Lithuania: Does Everyone Really Know the History?
It is regrettable that many bodybuilding athletes and enthusiasts take little interest in the history of their sport. As a result, attractive claims are often accepted without verifying the facts, leading to a distorted understanding of history and, ultimately, misguided decisions.
Let us briefly recall several indisputable historical facts.
In May 1991, the National Bodybuilding Association of Lithuania—the first bodybuilding organization established in the Republic of Lithuania at the initiative of the Ministry of Sport—received from NABBA International an official written recognition of Lithuania's restored independence as well as recognition of the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee. At that time, this was an exceptional event, as no other international sports federation had yet issued such recognition to Lithuania.
Soon afterwards, Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas won NABBA European Championship titles. These became the first European championship victories for Lithuanian athletes within NABBA following the restoration of Lithuania's independence.
In 1996, 1997, and 1998, three NABBA European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga under the leadership of Edmundas Daubaras. In 1997, the NABBA International Congress elected Edmundas Daubaras as Vice President of NABBA International. Official documents confirming this appointment are preserved.
Beginning in 1995, the World WFF-WBBF Federation worked closely with NABBA. Over time, however, it became evident that the international activities, organizational initiatives, and development of WFF-WBBF had significantly surpassed those of NABBA. The turning point came after the highly successful WFF-WBBF World Championship held in Vilnius in 2005. Following this event, the decision was made to end the cooperation with NABBA and continue developing WFF-WBBF as an independent international federation.
It was only after this separation that the so-called "new" NABBA organization appeared in Lithuania, and it continues to operate today. It now presents its own version of history and celebrates a 25-year anniversary, despite having joined NABBA International only in 2006. This naturally raises the question of how such a period of activity is being calculated.
History is not based on declarations or promotional slogans. It is based on documents, dates, and verifiable facts. Therefore, anyone interested in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding can compare the chronology of events and draw their own conclusions.
Another legitimate question should also be asked: what significant international projects, championships, or initiatives has this "new" NABBA organization contributed to Lithuanian bodybuilding over the past two decades? The answer can be found by anyone willing to examine the publicly available historical record.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
