WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY IN ONE PAGE.

ARTICLE IS ON THE WAY.

In the article we will speak about official sport only. We will cover World bodybuilding history shortly.

During the last Century World was didvided in to two parts – „Capitalist“ („Western“) and Socialist. Being in confrontation both parts communicated in between very little. Through A.A.U. („Amateur Athlete‘s Union“, established in 1888) basing on Olympic weightlifting sport in 1940 bodybuilding was controlled by USA weightlifting authority BOB HOFFMAN (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 - 1985 m.). Due to efforts of BOB HOFFMAN World‘s bodybuilding sterted to be governed by International F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., „Federation Internationale Halterophile“) federation. F.I.H.C. was a member of the International Olympic Committee (Tarptautinis Olimpinis Komitetas, I.O.C., М.О.К., Международный Олимпийский Комитет). This way bodybuilding became officially recognized sport. For many years there were many misunderstandings about the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) commercial company. In 1946 one of founders of the I.F.B.B. BEN WEIDER wrote in his biography, saying he was so much happy when I.F.B.B. made it‘s first business – sold for several dollars two barbells... That was the start of the I.F.B.B. company. When I.F.B.B. commercial company started organizing bodybuilding contests – F.I.H.C. was leading World‘s bodybuilding at that time. Nobody could replace I.O.C. member F.I.H.C.. World‘s bodybuilding strategy was created and developed by F.I.H.C..

„Socialist“ bodybuilding was separated from the „Western“. Both did not communicate at all. In 1959 BOB HOFFMAN presenetd bodybuilding sport to Socialist countries. Influenced by BOB HOFFMAN International „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») was created. It was governed by the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.»). The federation was not working. Then in 1968 another „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ was created in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). This federation was not under the U.S.S.R. Government and it was active until bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist Countries in 1973.

WHAT HAPPENINGS ARE IMPORTANT IN OUR SPORT?

Before we start speaking about World bodybuilding history we should discuss about essential basics. Which happening are important in World bodybuilding history? We will speak about them now and later in the article.

Bodybuilder lifted impressive weight – is this important for sport in general?

Bodybuilder has impressive biceps - is this important for sport in general?

Bodybuilder won a definite contest - is this important for sport in general?

Let us make conclusion – this has no effect to the development of International Sport.

Let us have an example. One really big Lithuanian bodybuilder was invited to teach youngsters at the seminar. The best result of this bodybuilder is the winning first place at the contest of the International Federation of Homosexual Bodybuilders. There was no wins in his life, this bodybuilder is proud of having an “I.F.B.B. Pro Card”. But he never was even on the third place at the Pro competitions. And again - “I.F.B.B. Pro Card” of which I.F.B.B.? I.F.B.B. of RAFAEL SANTONJA or I.F.B.B. of JIM MANION? Anyway this has no value to the development of International bodybuilding sport. Even to Lithuania sport it has zero value…

Yes, there are exceptions. Let us speak about the life story of ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. Millions of fans dream to follow his way. Be no naïve. We do not know anybody else in bodybuilding which wife represents powerful KENNEDY family or something similar to it. Basing on the KENNEDY FAMILY our ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER had success in Hollywood. Without Hollywood he would be as a number of other great bodybuilder of his time. Not better. KENNEDY family made ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER the Governor of the California State. KENNEDY family even started making steps to make of ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER the President of the United States. But one awful step and down behavior stopped the connections with KENNEDY family. This way ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER lost his family, he lost the Governor’s post and big future… Being on top of his life ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER could influence World’s bodybuilding sport so much. But refusing work together with WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN he went his own way. WEIDER brothers were seeking Olympic recognition at that time. The only one thing that remains for ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER is forty years lasting his competition “Arnold Classic”. But “Arnold Classic” is not recognized at any World’s country and it is just a private toy of ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. It is not official.

Full article we will present in parts soon. Follow International Page www.wff.lt

60 YEARS WE ARE CREATING WORLD SPORT HISTORY.

CHAIRMEN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION VISITED PRESIDENT REPUBLIC LITHUANIA.

On January 22, 2026 International Chairmen of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  visited historic President of the Republic Lithuania Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS.

At the several hours lasting discussion with Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS took part President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, for social work awarded with Honour Diploma of the International U.N.E.S.C.O. organization President of the Lithuania Sport Fitness Federation DARIUS DAUBARAS, representing „Rotary“ Club of the Lithuanian Republic Docent of the Klaipeda University historic VIDIMANTAS RAUDYS.

BLOCKADE TELEGRAMS

In 2015 communication with Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke about 1990 possibilities to ruin the U.S.S.R. economic Lithuania blockade. At that time knowing about the difficulties with goods and products bodybuilders of German Democratic Republic (D.D.R.) proposed their help to the Lithuanian Republic. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received their two telegrams. Germans suggested to address the Government of Lithuania as nobody had so much money at that time. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS called to the Government and spoke with the Prime Minister KAZIMIERA PRUNSKIENE. Then she refused the help of the D.D.R. businessmen and bodybuilders. Hearing this Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS asked to give him those telegrams. The archieves of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International are really rich and big. Only now the telegrams were found. During the 2026 visit to the President Republic Lithuania Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented him the telegrams.

INTERNATIONAL HONORABLE AWARD.

No one other President of the Republic Lithuania is so much historically connected with International Bodybuilding sport but Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS. During the meeting with Professor International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS awarded Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS with the Highest International Honour Award – the „International Honour Gold Medal“.

Detailed historic article is on the way. Follow International Page www.wff.lt

DOCTOR OF SCIENCES – DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA.

HIGH EVALUATION OF WORK DONE.
On June, 2013 the International President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS paid the Official Visit to the Ukraine City Lvov.
Having beautiful historic background and nice history rich with the original architectural monuments and buildings Lvov with it‘s 800 000 Citizen is a real old European City.
Coming to Lvov the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was respectfully met by the Lvov City Official Representatives and who followed him to the best ancient Lvov City „Leopolis“ Hotel Apartments.

After the evaluation of the International work done by the President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the Lvov Stavropigion University (started it‘s history in 1788) Academic Council presented EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the Honorable Academic „University Science Doctor‘s“ Degree (Doctor Honoris Causa, Doctor of Sciences, DSc). And this is the Highest Academic Degree.
At the Lvov City Stavropigion University Honour Ceremony were present many High Representatives of Science, among them the Rector of Lvov Stavropigion University, Vice President the U.N.E.S.C.O. Program Centre Professor DSc. JAROSLAV KMIT (Ярослав Кмiт), the Rector Moscow University and Academic of the International Academy of Euroasia, Academic Science Academy of High Schools Ukraine, Professor VIKTOR IDZIO (Вiктор Iдзьо).

The Article will be continued.

More Information is on Global Site www.wff.lt

International Activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation in the Context of Europe's Geopolitical Developments

The year 2018 was a period in which international cooperation acquired particular importance throughout Europe. Following the events in Ukraine in 2014 and the beginning of Russia's military aggression against the country, many international public, academic, and sports organizations sought to preserve and strengthen their cooperation with Ukraine. Such relations were regarded not only as a form of professional collaboration but also as an expression of moral support for the country's society, cultural institutions, and academic community.

Within this context, the visits of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, to Ukraine assumed a broader significance. They extended well beyond cooperation in the field of sport. Meetings with university leaders, representatives of public organizations, historical orders, and Cossack associations demonstrated a commitment to maintaining international dialogue, expanding cultural cooperation, and strengthening civil society partnerships.

Lithuania and Ukraine share historical ties dating back to the period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Over the centuries these political, cultural, and social connections have evolved into a modern partnership based on mutual support for democracy, statehood, and European integration. In this respect, the activities of Lithuanian public organizations in Ukraine represented a natural continuation of longstanding bilateral cooperation.

Relations with Poland were equally significant. Lithuania and Poland are linked by a common historical heritage originating from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Following the restoration of Lithuanian independence, both countries became strategic partners within the European Union and NATO. Consequently, cooperation between Lithuanian and Polish public organizations acquired importance not only in the fields of culture and sport but also as a contribution to broader regional cooperation and European integration.

Dr. Edmundas Daubaras' visit to Poland in 2018 represented a continuation of this longstanding partnership. His participation in international events and the presentation of the historic Order of Saint Stanislaus symbolized recognition of many years of dedicated work in promoting cooperation among public organizations throughout Europe.

It is important to emphasize that the World WFF-WBBF Federation based its international activities on the principles of what is commonly referred to as public diplomacy or people-to-people diplomacy. Such initiatives complement official interstate relations by creating opportunities for cooperation among universities, sports organizations, cultural institutions, historians, and non-governmental organizations. International sporting events thereby become not only venues for athletic competition but also platforms for cultural dialogue, professional networking, and the strengthening of mutual understanding among nations.

It is therefore significant that the international distinctions conferred upon Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in 2018 recognized not athletic achievements but his contribution to international public activities. This demonstrates that the work of the World WFF-WBBF Federation was appreciated by its international partners in a much broader sense—as a long-term contribution to international cooperation, academic exchange, preservation of historical heritage, and the promotion of dialogue among the peoples of Europe.

Viewed from a historical perspective, the events of 2018 constituted an important stage in the international development of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. Over several decades, the Federation evolved from an international bodybuilding organization into a broad platform for international public cooperation. Its activities expanded beyond the promotion of bodybuilding and fitness to include partnerships with universities, academic institutions, public organizations, and organizations dedicated to preserving Europe's historical and cultural heritage. This development was the result of consistent long-term efforts that significantly strengthened the Federation's international prestige and recognition across numerous European countries.

Special Focus on the International Activities of the WFF–WBBF Federation in 2018 Expansion of International Activities in Europe

The year 2018 marked an important stage in the international development of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Throughout the year, the organization actively expanded its international relations in Europe while strengthening cooperation with academic institutions, public organizations, and cultural partners. Representing the Federation at numerous international events, its President, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, participated not only in sports-related activities but also in academic, public, and historical initiatives.

Official visits to Ukraine and Poland became significant milestones in the Federation's international activities during 2018. During these visits, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received several prestigious international public and historical distinctions in recognition of his long-standing contribution to international cooperation, the development of sport, and public service.

Visits to Ukraine

During 2018, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras visited Ukraine on several occasions. Meetings were held with university leaders, representatives of public organizations, officials of historical orders, and leaders of Ukrainian Cossack organizations. These meetings focused on strengthening international cooperation in the fields of culture, history, sport, and public activities.

Award at Lviv University

In January 2018, during an international scientific conference held in Lviv, Professor Yaroslav Kmit, Rector of the historic Ukrainian Stavropigion University, presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the university's highest distinction—the Order of Merit.

The award was conferred in recognition of his active international public service, long-term cooperation, and significant contribution to the development of international relations among various public organizations. The prestige of this distinction is reflected by the fact that, during the same period, it was also awarded to Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Ukraine, one of Ukraine's most prominent religious and public figures.

The Order of Hetman Ivan Sulima

In March 2018, during another visit to Ukraine, a ceremonial event was held at the Greek Catholic Church in Lviv, where the leadership of the Ukrainian Cossack League presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the Order of Ukraine Hetman Ivan Sulima.

This historical distinction was awarded for his outstanding international public activities, contribution to strengthening cooperation among nations, and active participation in international projects. Hetman Ivan Sulima occupies an important place in Ukrainian history as a symbol of statehood, freedom, and national identity. Consequently, the order bearing his name is regarded as one of the country's most honorable historical public distinctions.

The Order of the Crown of Christ

In October 2018, during another visit to Lviv, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received the Sovereign Knights Order of Christ the Saviour, commonly known as the Order of the Crown of Christ, during an international ceremony held in one of the city's historic churches.

The decoration was presented by the Grand Master of the international historical Order of the Brothers of Christ. It recognized Dr. Daubaras for his long-standing efforts in promoting international public cooperation, encouraging dialogue among nations, and preserving the historical traditions of Europe.

Visit to Poland

In March 2018, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras also visited Poland, where he participated in international public events and held meetings with representatives of various organizations.

During the visit, he was invested with the historic Order of Saint Stanislaw in recognition of his active international work and his contribution to the development of international cooperation.

The Order of Saint Stanislaw was established on May 7, 1765, by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last monarch of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Over more than two and a half centuries, the order has become one of Europe's best-known historical distinctions, symbolizing service to society, the state, and Christian values.

Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received the order in recognition of his long-standing efforts to strengthen international relations among public organizations, cultural and sports institutions, and to promote international dialogue.

The International Standing of the WFF–WBBF Federation

The international distinctions received in 2018 reflected not only the personal recognition of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras but also the growing international prestige of the World WFF–WBBF Federation.

By this time, the Federation's activities had expanded well beyond the traditional framework of bodybuilding and fitness. The organization actively participated in international cultural, historical, academic, and public projects while developing cooperation with universities, research institutions, historical organizations, and civic movements throughout Europe.

This broad range of activities strengthened the Federation's role as a platform for international cooperation and contributed significantly to its growing international reputation.

Conclusions

The year 2018 became one of the most significant milestones in the international history of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Official visits to Ukraine and Poland strengthened the Federation's ties with academic institutions, historical organizations, and public movements.

The international distinctions awarded to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras constituted official recognition of his many years of dedicated work while also reflecting the Federation's contribution to the development of international cooperation. They demonstrated that the Federation's activities were appreciated not only within the sporting community but also among academic, cultural, and public institutions.

The events of 2018 once again confirmed that the World WFF–WBBF Federation based its mission on more than sporting achievements alone. It consistently promoted international cooperation, encouraged dialogue among nations, supported the preservation of historical heritage, and fostered public partnership. These principles became an important foundation for the Federation's growing international prestige and now form a significant chapter in its history.

2008 INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT "AMBER PRIX"

Klaipėda, Lithuania, 2008

In 2008, alongside the international “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipėda, the organizers of the global WFF–WBBF federation were actively working on staging the traditional “Universe” competition in Vilnius, as well as the WBBF World Professional Championship. At the same time, the WFF World Professional Championship, featuring substantial prize money, was again organized in Prague at the Žofín Palace by Czech businessman Martin Kuta.

Following a meeting between the leaders of the WFF-WBBF Federation and the Minister of Sport of the Republic of Poland, Zbigniew Pacelt, Bydgoszcz businessman Jerzy Gotowski took the initiative to organize the WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in his city.

This important decision became a significant step in strengthening the Federation’s international recognition and promoting the development of bodybuilding and fitness sports throughout Europe. The organization of the event brought together the efforts of the city authorities, the business community, and sports organizations, while the championship itself became one of the most important WFF-WBBF sporting events of the year.

The World Amateur Championship held in Bydgoszcz gathered athletes from numerous countries and further reinforced the Federation’s position in the international sports arena.

“Amber Prix”

The 2008  "Amber Prix" competition took place in the sports hall of LCC International University.

On the occasion of the event, former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl presented the people of Klaipeda with a unique collection of original photographs of his protégé, then Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as a documentary film depicting Schwarzenegger’s life journey and athletic career.

The photographs were displayed in an exhibition held on the premises of LCC International University, while the documentary film was screened for the large audience gathered to watch the competition.

The official opening ceremony was attended by members of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, representatives of national and municipal institutions, and other distinguished guests. The event was filmed by a production crew from the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), which had arrived from Vilnius.

During the 2008 “Amber Prix” tournament, both living and deceased veterans were honored. After the competition, heads of foreign delegations visited the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, and also attended a press conference held at the ELTA news agency.

On the occasion of the event, a historical trilingual magazine (10,000 copies) and 3,000 copies of the competition DVD were published. These materials were distributed free of charge at various international events around the world.

A total of 293 athletes from 21 countries participated in the event: Argentina, Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, and Ukraine.

Results

(only first three places)

FIT-KIDS DIVISION

Girls up to 8 years

Marcelina Porożyńska (Poland) Maja Dembowska (Poland) Karolina Młot (Poland)

Girls up to 10 years

Nikola Szydłowska (Poland) Natalia Janta (Poland) Ugnė Klumbyte (Klaipeda, Lithuania)

Girls up to 12 years

Klaudia Korpan (Poland) Paulina Rocławska (Poland) Aleksandra Dudáková (Slovakia)

Girls up to 14 years

Miriama Zigálová (Slovakia) Stanislava Dolinská (Slovakia) Kateryna Bezrodna (Ukraine)

Girls up to 16 years

Joanna Kwiatkowska (Poland) Oksana Didukh (Ukraine) Sylwia Kaczmarek (Poland)

Boys up to 10 years

Anton Florija (Vilnius, Lithuania)

Boys up to 14 years

Dmytro Girya (Ukraine)

AEROBIC FITNESS

Up to 18 years

Anita Bekus (Poland) Radvile Jokubauskyte (Klaipeda, Lithuania) Marta Noska (Poland)

Up to 21 years

Alina Olefirenko (Ukraine) Agata Czerkawska (Poland) Daria Shumarova (Ukraine)

Women – Category I

Natalia Bocian (Poland) Ivana Sokolova (Slovakia) Elena Tarasova (Russian Federation)

Women – Category II

Marija Deksne (Latvia) Irina Nikitina (Klaipeda, Lithuania) Vilma Asijaviciene (Marijampole, Lithuania)

Men

Andrius Smaguris (Vilnius, Lithuania) Mikhail Glazunov (Russian Federation) Piotr Grinevich (Belarus)

Women's Masters

Erzsébet Herczog (Hungary) Elena Odentsova (Ukraine) Svetlana Galkina (Russian Federation)

ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES DIVISION

Wheelchair Category

Petar Milenković (Serbia) Arturas Krutulis (Marijampole, Lithuania) Genadij Zametaskin (Kaunas, Lithuania)

General Disability Category

Nikolaj Mironov (Vilnius, Lithuania)

FITNESS MODEL

Category I

Lenka Maková (Slovakia) Aušra Tasiukeviciute (Kaunas, Lithuania) Weronika Krajewska (Poland)

Category II

Roberta Burokaite (Kaunas, Lithuania) Ksenija Dunderski (Serbia) Juste Matulyte (Kaunas, Lithuania)

Category III

Eva Martinková (Slovakia) Jadwiga Krizanovska (Latvia) Sylwia Kaczmarek (Poland)

Category IV

Rita Elksniņa (Latvia) Aleksandra Sizonova (Klaipeda, Lithuania) Veronika Juhaseva (Slovakia)

WOMEN'S SPORT FITNESS

Juniors up to 16 years

Brigita Vecerskaite (Palanga, Lithuania) Vaida Grebliauskaite (Kaunas, Lithuania) Aleksandra Ivanova (Bulgaria)

Juniors up to 18 years

Radvile Jokubauskyte (Klaipeda, Lithuania) Juste Matulyte (Kaunas, Lithuania) Anita Bekus (Poland)

Youth up to 21 years

Zita Satkauskaite (Telsiai, Lithuania) Alina Olefirenko (Ukraine) Lenka Maková (Slovakia)

Women – Category I

Oksana Rumyantseva (Russian Federation) Nataša Maksimović (Serbia) Nora Loranen (Finland)

Women – Category II

Oksana Usachova (Russian Federation) Kristina Serksnaite (Kaunas, Lithuania) Tatiana Dudneva (Russian Federation)

Women – Category III

Jamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina) Irina Pateshkina (Russian Federation) Kirsi Marika Tuominen (Finland)

Women – Category IV

Monika De Jesus Bolaños (Mexico) Odeta Vaisnoriene (Vilnius, Lithuania) Natalia Lysenko (Ukraine)

Women – Category V

Ilona Kokos (Vilnius, Lithuania) Irina Fedoruk (Belarus) Andrea Koflach (Austria)

MEN'S SPORT FITNESS

Juniors up to 16 years

Rokas Kasperavicius (Kaunas, Lithuania) Deividas Savickas (Vilnius, Lithuania) Valdas Miseikis (Klaipeda, Lithuania)

Juniors up to 18 years

Edgaras Linortas (Kaunas, Lithuania) Tadas Tumbortas (Kaunas, Lithuania) Lukás Palaga (Slovakia)

Youth up to 21 years

Erik Tóth (Slovakia) Deividas Ignatavicius (Vilnius, Lithuania) Mantas Stankevicius (Kaunas, Lithuania)

Men – Category I

Anton Yezhov (Russian Federation) Alexey Chigarov (Russian Federation) Artur Sinickij (Vilnius, Lithuania)

Men – Category II

Vadim Gushchin (Russian Federation) Jukka-Pekka Nousiainen (Finland) Deniss Gladkijs (Latvia)

Men – Category III

Leonid Filatov (Russian Federation) Roman Polsin (Estonia) Dmytro Strelnikov (Ukraine)

Men – Category IV

Darius Buksnaitis (Sakiai, Lithuania) Davyd Tukhtayev (Russian Federation) Nikolaos Giannakis (Greece)

Men – Category V

Arvydas Miseikis (Klaipeda, Lithuania) Sergej Kiriuchin (Vilnius, Lithuania) Predrag Milosević (Serbia)

Men – Category VI

Vladimir Polyakov (Russian Federation) Normunds Jurans (Latvia) Eduard Larin (Russian Federation)

Men – Category VII

Vitalijus Kuzmycius (Vilnius, Lithuania) Aleksandr Shevtsov (Estonia) Alexey Tarasov (Russian Federation)

OVERALL CHAMPIONS

Women's Overall Champion: Jamila Vanessa Toledo (Argentina)

Men's Overall Champion: Darius Buksnaitis (Lithuania)