THE “AMBER PRIX” IN WORLD SPORT.
WHO CAN COMPARE?
As they leaf through this book, many readers may wonder why it does not describe bodybuilding events that were taking place at the same time in other Lithuanian cities or in other countries. The reason is simple: this book is dedicated to the sixtieth anniversary of the “Amber Prix”.
Comprehensive information about the development of bodybuilding in Lithuania, the USSR, the socialist countries, Europe, and the rest of the world has been collected and documented since 2012 in our ongoing “World Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding”. The first volume of the encyclopedia—one of a planned three-volume series—is already nearly ready for publication.
In this book, we seek to reveal everything connected with the “Amber Prix” competition: its history, circumstances, background, and behind-the-scenes events. It is difficult to find another bodybuilding event in the world whose history encompasses such a remarkable variety of experiences and occurrences—both positive and negative, extraordinary and unforgettable.
Few bodybuilding events have had as great an influence on the development of this sport as the “Amber Prix”. Throughout its history, it has been described in many different ways: as an illegal competition, a Lithuanian tournament, and an international event. The USSR Ministry of Sports even referred to it as the “Unofficial USSR Bodybuilding Championship.”
For athletes, participation in the “Amber Prix” was always a matter of honor and prestige. Their names have been permanently inscribed in the history of the sport. At a time when opportunities to travel abroad and compete in European and World Championships were extremely limited, the “Amber Prix” provided many athletes with an alternative that allowed them to experience the atmosphere of high-level international competition.
A look at the history of these contests reveals an astonishing abundance of facts and events. Naturally, there were people who did not approve of them. There are still such people today. Yet that is human nature: alongside the ability to appreciate and create, there is always a tendency to criticize and reject. Such is an inseparable part of every significant story.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
The Years of Bodybuilding Prohibition in Klaipeda.
The Period Before the Public “Amber Prix” Tournament (Until 1976).
The history of bodybuilding in Klaipeda differed little from developments in other Lithuanian cities or throughout the socialist countries. It was a period when an officially prohibited sport survived solely through the efforts of enthusiasts — in basements, bomb shelters, and illegal clubs. Today, this era is regarded as a unique testimony to its time and an important part of Lithuania’s sports history.
In 1969, Edmundas Daubaras purchased his first barbell and, together with Algis Zivelis, began training at home. Soon, increasing numbers of local young people gathered at the Daubaras family apartment to exercise. As the constant flow of visitors became difficult for the family to accommodate, training sessions were moved first to the basement of an apartment building and later to the railway workers’ pioneer camp in Giruliai. One of the leading authorities of the time became Rimantas Budrys. Although conditions were extremely modest, the athletes remained dedicated.
In 1970, after the withdrawal from active activity of Klaipeda bodybuilding leader Antanas Jonuskutis (1942–2003), the city’s athletes dispersed among various adapted and non-adapted training premises. Nevertheless, the bodybuilding movement did not stop.
A major turning point came in 1971, when Klaipeda Seaport employee Vytautas Daubaras obtained premises for young athletes in a bomb shelter belonging to the port on Sportininku Street. There, the “Gintaras” (“Amber”) club was established, becoming the main bodybuilding center in Klaipeda during the harshest prohibition years. Around one hundred enthusiasts attended the club. Remarkably, the club’s traditions continue to this day — it is now known as “Amber Gym” and remains one of the organizers of the “Amber Prix” competition.
In 1971, in Tallinn, then part of the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945-2002) launched the tournament that later became a traditional event known as the “Georg Tenno Memorial.” The overall winners of the first competition were Valdas Aliubavičius from Vilnius in the junior division (the 1968 overall junior winner of the “Amber Prize” tournament) and Vladimir Dubinin from Leningrad in the adult division.
A few words about Georg Tenno. An officer in the Soviet Army, he was accused of espionage in 1948 and sentenced to imprisonment in the Gulag system. While incarcerated, he shared a prison cell with the future Nobel Prize laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. During his imprisonment, Georg Tenno attempted to escape five times. In his famous work “The Gulag Archipelago” (“Архипелаг ГУЛАГ”), Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn dedicated a chapter to him titled “The Convicted Escapee” (“Убежденный беглец”).
In 1972, Edmundas Daubaras left to study philology at Vilnius State University but maintained close ties with Klaipeda athletes. He continued to lead the “Gintaras” club through his associates Algimantas Stalnionis and Algimantas Ratas.
After the USSR and other socialist countries officially banned bodybuilding, activities moved underground. In 1973, Edmundas Daubaras organized illegal bodybuilding competitions in the basement of the old city prison, attended by the bravest Klaipeda athletes of the time. In the adult division, Mindaugas Liaugaudas won first place, while the youth category was won by Algimantas Ratas.
That same year, Edmundas Daubaras gathered athletes from illegally operating clubs in Vilnius and organized strength dual competitions. Forty-six athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated. It was one of the first attempts to preserve a united Lithuanian bodybuilding community despite the prohibitions.
In 1974, the “Amber Prix” tournament was held in the bomb shelter premises of the “Gintaras” club. Athletes from four underground Klaipeda clubs took part. The competition program consisted of three parts: strength exercises, mandatory posing routines, and freestyle performances.
The junior divisions were won by Antanas Kazlauskas, Algimantas Ratas, and Sigitas Kisonas. In the youth divisions, the strongest competitors were Kestutis Virketis and Evaldas Sorius, while the adult categories were won by Sigitas Vilutis and Vytautas Zenkevicius. The absolute winners of their respective age groups were Antanas Kazlauskas, Evaldas Sorius, and Vytautas Zenkevicius.
After a two-year break, Estonian organizer Inar Mardo (Innar Mardo, 1945–2002) managed to revive the “Georg Tenno Memorial” competition in 1974. He succeeded in convincing Estonian political authorities that bodybuilding was a national Estonian sport with deep traditions. The competition took place at the Tallinn Technical School. Athletes from the “Vilnius School of Bodybuilding” won all first places except in the tallest height category, where Estonian Olev Annus defeated the favored RSFSR representative Vladimir Dubinin. The overall champion became Pranas Murauskas.
In 1975, the “Amber Prize” tournament was already being held in one of Klaipėda’s secondary schools. In addition to local athletes, competitors from Telšiai and Vilnius participated. The junior groups were won by Leonidas Rodionovas, Rimas Apulskis, and Antanas Dobrodzejus. In the youth categories, first places were claimed by Antanas Bašermanas, Algimantas Ruplys, and Aimontas Dolgichas. In the adult groups, the winners were Vytautas Zenkevičius, Olegas Serovas, and Rišardas Krinickis. The absolute winners were Rimas Apulskis, Algimantas Ruplys, and Rišardas Krinickis.
Despite prohibitions, constant surveillance, and poor training conditions, bodybuilding in Klaipeda not only survived but continued to grow stronger. During this period, the foundations were laid for a tradition that would later become one of most famous international bodybuilding events — the “Amber Prix” competition.
In 1975, during a university student exchange program, Edmundas Daubaras spent two months in Prague (Czechoslovak Socialist Republic). There he met Vojtech Fiala, president of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation. Vojtech Fiala was delighted to meet a representative of Soviet bodybuilding after a ten-year break. Seeking to demonstrate good relations with the USSR, he introduced Edmundas Daubaras to officials of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports (ČSTV – Československý svaz tělesné výchovy).
Edmundas Daubaras was surprised that, during the years when bodybuilding was banned in the USSR, Czechoslovak bodybuilders enjoyed official government support. In 1975, they participated for the first time in the IFBB European Championship held in the West. At that championship, Czech athlete Petr Stach not only won his category but also became the overall European champion.
At the initiative of Vojtech Fiala, Edmundas Daubaras visited the town of Rodotín, where the renowned athlete Petr Stach lived. The European champion welcomed the distinguished guest by holding an exhibition training session, during which he demonstrated his excellent physical condition and impressive musculature.
Among the participants of the “Amber Prix” tournaments were individuals who later became prominent Lithuanian public officials. Risardas Krinickis, who served for many years as one of the leaders of the State Control Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, made a significant contribution to organizing numerous international “Amber Prix” tournaments between 1995 and 2008. For his merits to the international bodybuilding movement, he was awarded the “International Honor Gold Medal” of the World WFF-WBBF Federation in 2008.
Another participant was Kestutis Virketis, long-time Director of the Legal Department of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. He also made an important contribution to organizing the 40th anniversary “Amber Prix” tournament. In 2024, he too was awarded the “International Honor Gold Medal” of the World WFF-WBBF Federation for his contribution to the international bodybuilding movement.
More information is 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 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
The Years of Bodybuilding Prohibition in Klaipeda.
The Period Before the Public “Amber Prix” Tournament (Until 1976).
The history of bodybuilding in Klaipeda differed little from developments in other Lithuanian cities or throughout the socialist countries. It was a period when an officially prohibited sport survived solely through the efforts of enthusiasts — in basements, bomb shelters, and illegal clubs. Today, this era is regarded as a unique testimony to its time and an important part of Lithuania’s sports history.
In 1969, Edmundas Daubaras purchased his first barbell and, together with Algis Zivelis, began training at home. Soon, increasing numbers of local young people gathered at the Daubaras family apartment to exercise. As the constant flow of visitors became difficult for the family to accommodate, training sessions were moved first to the basement of an apartment building and later to the railway workers’ pioneer camp in Giruliai. One of the leading authorities of the time became Rimantas Budrys. Although conditions were extremely modest, the athletes remained dedicated.
In 1970, after the withdrawal from active activity of Klaipeda bodybuilding leader Antanas Jonuskutis (1942–2003), the city’s athletes dispersed among various adapted and non-adapted training premises. Nevertheless, the bodybuilding movement did not stop.
A major turning point came in 1971, when Klaipeda Seaport employee Vytautas Daubaras obtained premises for young athletes in a bomb shelter belonging to the port on Sportininku Street. There, the “Gintaras” (“Amber”) club was established, becoming the main bodybuilding center in Klaipeda during the harshest prohibition years. Around one hundred enthusiasts attended the club. Remarkably, the club’s traditions continue to this day — it is now known as “Amber Gym” and remains one of the organizers of the “Amber Prix” competition.
In 1971, in Tallinn, then part of the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945-2002) launched the tournament that later became a traditional event known as the “Georg Tenno Memorial.” The overall winners of the first competition were Valdas Aliubavičius from Vilnius in the junior division (the 1968 overall junior winner of the “Amber Prize” tournament) and Vladimir Dubinin from Leningrad in the adult division.
A few words about Georg Tenno. An officer in the Soviet Army, he was accused of espionage in 1948 and sentenced to imprisonment in the Gulag system. While incarcerated, he shared a prison cell with the future Nobel Prize laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. During his imprisonment, Georg Tenno attempted to escape five times. In his famous work “The Gulag Archipelago” (“Архипелаг ГУЛАГ”), Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn dedicated a chapter to him titled “The Convicted Escapee” (“Убежденный беглец”).
In 1972, Edmundas Daubaras left to study philology at Vilnius State University but maintained close ties with Klaipeda athletes. He continued to lead the “Gintaras” club through his associates Algimantas Stalnionis and Algimantas Ratas.
After the USSR and other socialist countries officially banned bodybuilding, activities moved underground. In 1973, Edmundas Daubaras organized illegal bodybuilding competitions in the basement of the old city prison, attended by the bravest Klaipeda athletes of the time. In the adult division, Mindaugas Liaugaudas won first place, while the youth category was won by Algimantas Ratas.
That same year, Edmundas Daubaras gathered athletes from illegally operating clubs in Vilnius and organized strength dual competitions. Forty-six athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated. It was one of the first attempts to preserve a united Lithuanian bodybuilding community despite the prohibitions.
In 1974, the “Amber Prix” tournament was held in the bomb shelter premises of the “Gintaras” club. Athletes from four underground Klaipeda clubs took part. The competition program consisted of three parts: strength exercises, mandatory posing routines, and freestyle performances.
The junior divisions were won by Antanas Kazlauskas, Algimantas Ratas, and Sigitas Kisonas. In the youth divisions, the strongest competitors were Kestutis Virketis and Evaldas Sorius, while the adult categories were won by Sigitas Vilutis and Vytautas Zenkevicius. The absolute winners of their respective age groups were Antanas Kazlauskas, Evaldas Sorius, and Vytautas Zenkevicius.
After a two-year break, Estonian organizer Inar Mardo (Innar Mardo, 1945–2002) managed to revive the “Georg Tenno Memorial” competition in 1974. He succeeded in convincing Estonian political authorities that bodybuilding was a national Estonian sport with deep traditions. The competition took place at the Tallinn Technical School. Athletes from the “Vilnius School of Bodybuilding” won all first places except in the tallest height category, where Estonian Olev Annus defeated the favored RSFSR representative Vladimir Dubinin. The overall champion became Pranas Murauskas.
In 1975, the “Amber Prize” tournament was already being held in one of Klaipėda’s secondary schools. In addition to local athletes, competitors from Telšiai and Vilnius participated. The junior groups were won by Leonidas Rodionovas, Rimas Apulskis, and Antanas Dobrodzejus. In the youth categories, first places were claimed by Antanas Bašermanas, Algimantas Ruplys, and Aimontas Dolgichas. In the adult groups, the winners were Vytautas Zenkevičius, Olegas Serovas, and Rišardas Krinickis. The absolute winners were Rimas Apulskis, Algimantas Ruplys, and Rišardas Krinickis.
Despite prohibitions, constant surveillance, and poor training conditions, bodybuilding in Klaipeda not only survived but continued to grow stronger. During this period, the foundations were laid for a tradition that would later become one of most famous international bodybuilding events — the “Amber Prix” competition.
In 1975, during a university student exchange program, Edmundas Daubaras spent two months in Prague (Czechoslovak Socialist Republic). There he met Vojtech Fiala, president of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation. Vojtech Fiala was delighted to meet a representative of Soviet bodybuilding after a ten-year break. Seeking to demonstrate good relations with the USSR, he introduced Edmundas Daubaras to officials of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports (ČSTV – Československý svaz tělesné výchovy).
Edmundas Daubaras was surprised that, during the years when bodybuilding was banned in the USSR, Czechoslovak bodybuilders enjoyed official government support. In 1975, they participated for the first time in the IFBB European Championship held in the West. At that championship, Czech athlete Petr Stach not only won his category but also became the overall European champion.
At the initiative of Vojtech Fiala, Edmundas Daubaras visited the town of Rodotín, where the renowned athlete Petr Stach lived. The European champion welcomed the distinguished guest by holding an exhibition training session, during which he demonstrated his excellent physical condition and impressive musculature.
Among the participants of the “Amber Prix” tournaments were individuals who later became prominent Lithuanian public officials. Risardas Krinickis, who served for many years as one of the leaders of the State Control Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, made a significant contribution to organizing numerous international “Amber Prix” tournaments between 1995 and 2008. For his merits to the international bodybuilding movement, he was awarded the “International Honor Gold Medal” of the World WFF-WBBF Federation in 2008.
Another participant was Kestutis Virketis, long-time Director of the Legal Department of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. He also made an important contribution to organizing the 40th anniversary “Amber Prix” tournament. In 2024, he too was awarded the “International Honor Gold Medal” of the World WFF-WBBF Federation for his contribution to the international bodybuilding movement.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
GREAT ORGANIZATION.
GREAT DATES.
As 2028 approaches, the International WFF–WBBF Federation is preparing to commemorate a significant milestone – the 60th anniversary of its international activities. During this period, the organization has grown into a global sports movement, bringing together members from 141 countries across all continents.
Despite the challenges that have affected the world in recent years – including the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and other international developments – the Federation has maintained active operations, consistently promoting initiatives in sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living. Our mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and physical abilities to participate in sporting activities while strengthening international cooperation in this field.
The Federation's history is closely linked with Lithuania and its contribution to the development of international sport:
• In 1967, the international tournament “Amber Prix” was established in Lithuania. In 2027, the event will celebrate its anniversary in Klaipėda.
• In 1968, the International Athletic Gymnastics (Bodybuilding) Federation was founded in Lithuania and coordinated the development of this sport in numerous countries.
• During challenging historical periods, the Federation faced various restrictions; however, its community successfully preserved sporting traditions and ensured the continuity of its activities.
• Following 1991, the Federation actively expanded its participation in the international sports movement, developing cooperation with sports organizations and institutions in many countries.
• Since 1999, special attention has been devoted to children's sports through the “Fit-Kid” programs and to the development of sports opportunities for persons with disabilities.
• In 2004, fitness model competitions were introduced into the Federation's event program, attracting broad international interest.
• Since 2024, the Federation has further intensified its activities in fitness, physical activity, and wellness, promoting sport as a means of improving public well-being and quality of life.
The results achieved in recent years confirm the relevance of these activities and the growing public interest in them. In 2026, approximately 300 athletes from various countries participated in the professional “Universe” competition held in Klaipėda, while the European Amateur Championship in Croatia attracted more than 2,000 participants.
Throughout its history, the Federation has sought constructive cooperation with national and local authorities, sports organizations, and public institutions. In many countries, our events have been recognized as a meaningful contribution to promoting physical activity, strengthening international relations, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. In recent years, the Federation's work has received attention and recognition in Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Estonia, India, and other countries.
The forthcoming 60th anniversary represents not only an important historical achievement for our organization but also an opportunity to once again emphasize the importance of sport in strengthening public health, international cooperation, cultural dialogue, and social unity.
We look forward to continuing meaningful cooperation and to contributing, through joint efforts, to the promotion of sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living on an international scale.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
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
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)
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
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
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 – Gražvydas Naruševičius (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
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
“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
Professor Vasilij Bespalenko – The Founder of Modern Bodybuilding in Ukraine
A Personality Who United Science, Sport and Public Service
Professor Vasilij Bespalenko is one of the most distinguished figures in the history of Ukrainian bodybuilding. His life's work encompasses competitive sport, scientific research, higher education, public service, and cultural activities. Throughout a professional career spanning more than four decades, he has successfully combined the roles of athlete, coach, university professor, researcher, and sports administrator, becoming an authority for several generations of athletes and coaches.
In 1983, Vasilij Bespalenko graduated in Art and Design from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. He later continued his education in Physical Culture at Lviv State University and subsequently earned a Master's degree in Practical Psychology. Combining knowledge from sport science and psychology, he developed effective educational and training methodologies that have been widely applied in coaching and higher education.
For many years Professor Bespalenko taught at various Ukrainian universities, educating future specialists in physical education and sports science. As Head of the Department of Physical Culture at Lviv Stavropigion University, he devoted significant attention to developing modern educational curricula and improving professional standards in sports education. Today he continues to contribute to higher education by developing academic programs at the International Sports University.
Beyond academia, Professor Bespalenko is widely recognized as a charismatic public figure. His reputation has made him a frequent guest on Ukrainian television and radio programs, a sought-after interviewee for newspapers and magazines, and a participant in artistic photography projects as well as Ukrainian and Polish film productions.
Athlete and Coach – A Pioneer of Ukrainian Bodybuilding
The sporting career of Vasilij Bespalenko is inseparable from the history of bodybuilding in Ukraine. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern competitive bodybuilding in the country.
His contribution became particularly significant during the years when bodybuilding was officially prohibited or severely restricted throughout most socialist countries (1973–1987). Despite these political and ideological obstacles, Bespalenko became the first representative of the Ukrainian SSR to participate regularly in bodybuilding competitions held in the Baltic States. His activities helped establish international sporting contacts and contributed to preserving and promoting bodybuilding during one of the most difficult periods in its history.
Throughout his competitive career, Professor Bespalenko won numerous World and European championship titles. Among all his achievements, he considers his victories at the prestigious "Amber Prix" ("Gintarinis Prizas") tournament to be especially significant. Winning the Overall Champion title at the 2022 Amber Prix represented another milestone in his remarkable sporting career and demonstrated his exceptional longevity and competitive excellence.
His contribution extends far beyond his own athletic achievements. As a coach, Professor Bespalenko has trained numerous elite athletes who successfully represented Ukraine at international competitions. His coaching philosophy combines physical excellence with psychological preparation, discipline, ethical values, and personal responsibility.
Leadership and Public Activities
An equally important part of Professor Bespalenko's life has been dedicated to sports administration and public service.
He became the first President of the Ukrainian SSR IFBB Federation and played a decisive role in establishing organized bodybuilding in Ukraine. Today he serves as President of the Ukrainian WFF–WBBF Federation, promoting international cooperation and healthy lifestyles through sport.
During his leadership he organized numerous national and international bodybuilding events throughout Ukraine. Among the most significant was the WFF–WBBF World Grand Prix, held in 2013, which attracted competitors from many countries around the world.
Representing Ukraine as the head of official sports delegations, Professor Bespalenko has visited Lithuania on numerous occasions to participate in international sporting events. During these visits he was officially received several times at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, contributing to the development of sporting and cultural cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine.
Professor Bespalenko also actively participates in the work of various Ukrainian public organizations. In recognition of his contribution to society and national traditions, the Historical Ukrainian Cossack League awarded him the honorary rank of Lieutenant General.
International Recognition
Professor Bespalenko's lifelong contribution has been acknowledged through numerous national and international distinctions.
In 2017 he received the Medal of the Historic Order of Christ, presented by an organization associated with United Nations public initiatives.
In 2020 his achievements in education, sport, and public service were further recognized when he received a UNESCO Certificate of Honor.
Later that same year, the World WFF–WBBF Federation presented Professor Bespalenko with its International “Gold Medal of Honor”, one of the organization's highest distinctions.
Legacy
The life and work of Professor Vasilij Bespalenko demonstrate how determination, professional excellence, and public dedication can shape the development of an entire sport. He belongs to the generation of pioneers who preserved and developed bodybuilding under extremely difficult political conditions and later contributed to its international recognition.
His legacy extends far beyond championship titles. As a university professor, he educated future specialists; as a coach, he developed champions; as a sports administrator, he helped establish the organizational foundations of bodybuilding in Ukraine; and as a public figure, he strengthened international cooperation through sport.
Today Professor Vasilij Bespalenko is deservedly recognized as one of the most influential personalities in the history of Ukrainian bodybuilding. His achievements, his students, and his organizational work remain an enduring part of both Ukrainian and international bodybuilding history.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
The Historic "Amber Prix" Tournament
A Book Dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of the "Amber Prix"
In 2027, Klaipėda will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the “Amber Prix”, one of the world's oldest continuously held international bodybuilding and fitness tournaments. Preparations for this important milestone began as early as 2025. Initially, the idea was to commission exclusive commemorative medals for sports veterans and the individuals whose dedication helped shape the tournament's history. However, following suggestions from members of the sports community, historians, and various institutions, a far more meaningful initiative emerged—the publication of a historical book.
This decision soon proved to be well justified. Over the past six decades, the “Amber Prix” has become much more than a sporting event. Its history reflects not only athletic achievements but also political developments, economic changes, and cultural exchanges. Few traditional sporting competitions anywhere in the world can claim such a rich and multifaceted legacy.
Work on the project quickly gathered momentum. The manuscripts have already been completed in Lithuanian, English, and Russian. The current stage involves verifying historical facts, selecting archival photographs, and completing the final editorial revisions.
As the writing progressed, it became clear that simply recounting the history of the “Amber Prix” would not be enough. The tournament's true significance cannot be understood without placing it within the broader historical development of bodybuilding itself. For this reason, the book also provides a concise overview of the international evolution of bodybuilding and fitness, tracing their origins and highlighting the most important stages in their development.
To date, no comprehensive history of bodybuilding has been published anywhere in the world. Many legendary athletes—including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Serge Nubret, Vladimir Dubinin, and others—have written autobiographical books that focus primarily on their own careers, touching only briefly on the broader history of the sport. Likewise, the historical publication on Lithuanian bodybuilding offers only a limited perspective, concentrating mainly on the activities of one international federation and the history of a single Lithuanian city.
This book therefore seeks to fill at least part of that historical gap. Although its primary focus is the “Amber Prix” tournament, it also preserves significant events, personalities, and milestones from the history of bodybuilding in Lithuania and around the world. It is not intended to be the definitive history of the sport; rather, we hope it will provide a solid foundation for future researchers and authors who will continue exploring this remarkable story in greater depth.
Conclusions
History survives only as long as it is remembered and passed on to future generations. If the most important facts are not documented today, they may be lost forever tomorrow. The history of the “Amber Prix” is far more than the chronicle of a single tournament. It is a testament to the development of Lithuanian bodybuilding, international sporting cooperation, and the dedication of several generations of athletes, organizers, and enthusiasts.
This book is our tribute to all those who created the “Amber Prix” and helped make Lithuania known throughout the international bodybuilding community. We hope it will not only preserve the past but also inspire future generations to continue this legacy, appreciate the history of their sport, and take pride in its achievements.
More information is 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 anniversary edition of the Amber Prize Tournament in Klaipėda received exceptional recognition from the Lithuanian state. It was supported by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, while the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania adopted a decision to include funding for the Amber Prize Tournament as a separate line item in the national budget.
The tournament was held in the spacious sports hall of LCC International University. Spectator interest was so great that, after all seats had been filled, several hundred people watched the competitions standing. This once again demonstrated the tournament’s outstanding popularity and its significance in Lithuania’s sporting life.
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)
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA
A UNIQUE EVENT IN THE HISTORY OF WORLD SPORT – OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE VATICAN
While preparing the World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia, it is essential to highlight an exceptional event in the history of world sport – the Official Visit of the President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, to the Vatican.
The Beginning of the Visit to the Vatican
While developing international sports relations, in early April 2011 the President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, visited Poland, Germany, France, Monaco, Italy, and Slovakia. During his stay in Monaco, he received a telephone call from Italy informing him that an official visit to the Vatican had been arranged. Shortly thereafter, he departed for Italy.
Before the official visit, a meeting was organized with a representative of the Vatican in Italy, during which the forthcoming program and scheduled meetings were discussed.
The Vatican Recognized the Struggle for Bodybuilding Recognition
The Vatican is not only the center of the Roman Catholic Church but also the sovereign State of Vatican City. In 2011, an official meeting was organized in the Vatican to present the worldwide activities of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation.
During the meeting, His Eminence Cardinal Jozef Tomko listened with great interest to the history of bodybuilding development and the struggle for recognition of the sport during the period when bodybuilding was prohibited in many countries of the Socialist Bloc. Appreciating these long-standing efforts and activities, Cardinal Jozef Tomko referred to the leaders of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. as “dissidents of the Communist regime.”
Particularly impressive was the Vatican State’s positive evaluation of the federation’s efforts to promote physical activity, health, fitness, and bodybuilding throughout the world.
In recognition of their contribution to the development of the international sports movement, His Eminence Cardinal Jozef Tomko presented the original Vatican Pontifical Medals, Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santità Benedetto XVI, to:
• Dr. Edmundas Daubaras – President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation;
• Stefan Hrčka (Slovakia) – Honorary Official of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation.
The awards were presented on March 29, 2011, at the Headquarters of the Vatican City State.
Acquaintance with the Historical Treasures of the Vatican
During the official visit, Father Paolo, a representative of the Vatican Administration, introduced the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. delegation to the Vatican administrative headquarters, the historic archives, and the repositories housing personal belongings of various Pontiffs that possess exceptional historical value.
On the following morning, at St. Peter’s Basilica, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras was invited to participate in a unique personal Holy Mass. This event became a significant historical milestone in the development of the international bodybuilding movement and an important symbol of international recognition for the activities of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation.
Historical Significance
The official visit of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. International Federation, to the Vatican in 2011 became an outstanding event not only in the history of the federation but also in the broader history of international bodybuilding. During this visit, representatives of the Vatican State officially became acquainted with the activities, history, and efforts of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. to promote physical activity, fitness, and bodybuilding throughout the world.
Particularly significant was the high appreciation expressed by Vatican officials for the federation’s work and for the contribution of its leaders in defending the right of bodybuilding to exist and develop during periods of political restriction in Eastern and Central Europe. Cardinal Jozef Tomko’s characterization of the federation’s activists as “dissidents of the Communist regime” represented a notable moral recognition of their efforts.
The presentation of Vatican Pontifical Medals to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras and Stefan Hrčka testified to the international recognition of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and its contribution to the promotion of healthy living and physical culture worldwide.
This visit remains one of the most important events in the history of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and is regarded as a significant example of international recognition of the global bodybuilding movement in the early twenty-first century.
Among the documented events in the history of modern bodybuilding, this visit stands as one of the rare occasions on which the head of an international bodybuilding organization was officially received at the Vatican and honored with Vatican Pontifical Medals. As such, it occupies a distinctive place in the historical development of international bodybuilding and fitness organizations.
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