CNN Report from Klaipėda – An Unprecedented Event in Lithuania.

Until recently, the idea that CNN would produce a report from Klaipėda would have seemed almost unimaginable. One might have assumed that one of the world's largest television networks would only take an interest in Lithuania's seaport city because of a natural disaster, a political crisis, or another event of global significance.

This time, however, it was sport that attracted international attention.

The 50th Anniversary International "Amber Prize" Tournament, held together with the WFF-WBBF "Universe" Championship in Klaipėda, generated unexpected worldwide interest. Although bodybuilding and fitness rarely receive coverage from major international broadcasters, these competitions attracted the attention of CNN.

The event brought together 198 athletes from 17 countries: Belgium, Belarus, Estonia, Germany, India, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan. The broad international participation once again confirmed that the WFF-WBBF championships organized in Klaipėda had long since outgrown the status of national competitions and had become significant international sporting events.

The decisive turning point came after the Indian national team returned home. Indian media extensively covered their athletes' performances and victories in Klaipėda, and these publications caught the attention of CNN's editorial staff.

While preparing its report, CNN journalists contacted the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in New Delhi, requesting official information and video material. The embassy forwarded the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, which in turn contacted Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. Under his coordination, Svetlana Pugacheva, Chair of the WFF-WBBF Technical Committee, prepared the official information and video archive that were subsequently provided to CNN.

Shortly afterwards, CNN broadcast a report introducing Lithuania, the city of Klaipėda, and the international WFF-WBBF championships held there to its global audience.

The report was significant not only for the federation and the event organizers. It represented international recognition that bodybuilding and fitness championships organized in Lithuania had reached world-class standards. It is particularly symbolic that the path to CNN began not in Lithuania but in India, where extensive media coverage of the athletes' achievements encouraged CNN journalists to investigate the event further.

The broadcast became one of the most important international recognitions of the WFF-WBBF Federation's activities. It demonstrated that the organization's reputation, built over many years through professionally organized championships and the consistent work of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in developing the global bodybuilding and fitness movement, had earned genuine international acknowledgment.

Millions of CNN viewers heard the names of Lithuania and Klaipėda in the context of international sport, professional event organization, and international cooperation. Such worldwide exposure was not achieved through advertising campaigns but through decades of dedicated work, making this a landmark achievement for Klaipėda, Lithuanian bodybuilding, and the entire WFF-WBBF Federation.

Conclusions

CNN's report on the international WFF-WBBF championships held in Klaipėda became an exceptional milestone in the history of Lithuanian sport. The attention of one of the world's leading television networks was earned through the international scale of the competitions and their impact far beyond Lithuania's borders.

The event demonstrated that years of dedicated work, professional organization of international championships, and strong global partnerships can open the doors to the world's most influential media organizations. Klaipėda became the city from which the story of Lithuanian sport reached millions of viewers around the world.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

क्लाइपेडा से CNN की रिपोर्ट – लिथुआनिया के इतिहास में एक अभूतपूर्व घटना

कुछ समय पहले तक यह कल्पना करना भी कठिन था कि CNN क्लाइपेडा से कोई विशेष रिपोर्ट प्रसारित करेगा। यह माना जा सकता था कि दुनिया का यह प्रतिष्ठित समाचार चैनल लिथुआनिया के इस बंदरगाह शहर में केवल किसी प्राकृतिक आपदा, राजनीतिक संकट या वैश्विक महत्व की घटना के कारण ही रुचि लेगा।

लेकिन इस बार दुनिया का ध्यान खेल ने आकर्षित किया।

क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित 50वीं वर्षगांठ अंतरराष्ट्रीय "Amber Prize" Tournament तथा WFF-WBBF "Universe" Championship ने अप्रत्याशित रूप से वैश्विक ध्यान आकर्षित किया। यद्यपि बॉडीबिल्डिंग और फिटनेस प्रतियोगिताएँ सामान्यतः विश्व के प्रमुख समाचार माध्यमों में स्थान नहीं पातीं, फिर भी इस आयोजन ने CNN का ध्यान अपनी ओर खींच लिया।

प्रतियोगिता में 17 देशों के 198 एथलीटों ने भाग लिया। इनमें बेल्जियम, बेलारूस, एस्टोनिया, भारत, इटली, यूनाइटेड किंगडम, साइप्रस, लातविया, लिथुआनिया, दक्षिण अफ्रीका, रूस, सर्बिया, स्लोवाकिया, तुर्की, यूक्रेन, उज्बेकिस्तान और जर्मनी शामिल थे। प्रतिभागियों की यह व्यापक अंतरराष्ट्रीय उपस्थिति इस बात का प्रमाण थी कि क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताएँ बहुत पहले ही राष्ट्रीय स्तर से आगे बढ़कर प्रतिष्ठित अंतरराष्ट्रीय खेल आयोजनों का स्वरूप ग्रहण कर चुकी थीं।

निर्णायक मोड़ तब आया जब भारतीय राष्ट्रीय टीम अपने देश लौटी। भारत के समाचार माध्यमों ने क्लाइपेडा में भारतीय खिलाड़ियों के प्रदर्शन और उनकी उपलब्धियों को व्यापक रूप से प्रकाशित किया। इन्हीं समाचारों ने CNN के संपादकीय विभाग का ध्यान आकर्षित किया।

अपनी रिपोर्ट तैयार करने के लिए CNN के पत्रकारों ने नई दिल्ली स्थित लिथुआनिया गणराज्य के दूतावास से आधिकारिक जानकारी और वीडियो सामग्री का अनुरोध किया। दूतावास ने यह अनुरोध लिथुआनिया के विदेश मंत्रालय को भेजा, जिसने डॉ. एडमुंडस दौबारस से संपर्क किया। उनके समन्वय में WFF-WBBF की तकनीकी समिति की अध्यक्ष स्वेतलाना पुगाचेवा ने आधिकारिक जानकारी और वीडियो अभिलेख तैयार किए, जिन्हें बाद में CNN को उपलब्ध कराया गया।

कुछ ही समय बाद CNN ने अपने वैश्विक दर्शकों के लिए लिथुआनिया, क्लाइपेडा और वहाँ आयोजित अंतरराष्ट्रीय WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताओं पर विशेष रिपोर्ट प्रसारित की।

यह केवल एक खेल समाचार नहीं था। यह इस बात की अंतरराष्ट्रीय मान्यता थी कि लिथुआनिया में आयोजित बॉडीबिल्डिंग और फिटनेस प्रतियोगिताएँ विश्व स्तरीय आयोजनों के रूप में स्थापित हो चुकी हैं। विशेष रूप से उल्लेखनीय यह तथ्य है कि CNN तक पहुँचने का मार्ग लिथुआनिया से नहीं, बल्कि भारत से प्रारंभ हुआ। भारतीय मीडिया में प्रकाशित समाचारों ने ही CNN के पत्रकारों को इस आयोजन के बारे में और अधिक जानकारी प्राप्त करने के लिए प्रेरित किया।

यह रिपोर्ट WFF-WBBF महासंघ की अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रतिष्ठा का एक महत्वपूर्ण प्रमाण बनी। इसने सिद्ध किया कि वर्षों से निर्मित संगठन की प्रतिष्ठा, पेशेवर ढंग से आयोजित चैंपियनशिप और विश्व स्तर पर बॉडीबिल्डिंग तथा फिटनेस आंदोलन के विकास के लिए डॉ. एडमुंडस दौबारस के निरंतर प्रयासों को वास्तविक अंतरराष्ट्रीय मान्यता प्राप्त हुई है।

CNN के करोड़ों दर्शकों ने पहली बार लिथुआनिया और क्लाइपेडा का नाम अंतरराष्ट्रीय खेल, उत्कृष्ट आयोजन क्षमता और वैश्विक सहयोग के संदर्भ में सुना। यह वैश्विक पहचान किसी विज्ञापन अभियान का परिणाम नहीं थी, बल्कि दशकों की निरंतर मेहनत और समर्पण का प्रतिफल थी। यह उपलब्धि क्लाइपेडा, लिथुआनियाई बॉडीबिल्डिंग तथा संपूर्ण WFF-WBBF महासंघ के लिए एक ऐतिहासिक क्षण बन गई।

निष्कर्ष

क्लाइपेडा में आयोजित अंतरराष्ट्रीय WFF-WBBF प्रतियोगिताओं पर CNN की रिपोर्ट लिथुआनियाई खेल इतिहास की एक असाधारण उपलब्धि थी। विश्व के सबसे प्रभावशाली समाचार नेटवर्कों में से एक का ध्यान इस आयोजन को उसके अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर और विश्वव्यापी प्रभाव के कारण प्राप्त हुआ।

इस घटना ने यह सिद्ध कर दिया कि वर्षों का समर्पित कार्य, अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रतियोगिताओं का पेशेवर आयोजन और वैश्विक खेल समुदाय के साथ मजबूत संबंध विश्व की सबसे प्रभावशाली समाचार संस्थाओं तक पहुँचने का मार्ग खोल सकते हैं। क्लाइपेडा वह शहर बन गया जहाँ से लिथुआनिया के खेल की कहानी दुनिया भर के करोड़ों लोगों तक पहुँची।

OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA. PRESIDENT OF THE W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. FEDERATION AWARDED THE U.R.K. “SILVER CROSS” ORDER.

On May 13, 2024, following a series of major international W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. events held in Kandava (Latvia), Pärnu (Estonia), Klaipėda and Vilkaviškis (Lithuania), a group of international leaders and public figures paid an official visit to the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania (Seimas) in Vilnius.

The visit became an important highlight of international cooperation and a symbolic recognition of the long-standing activities carried out by the World W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation in promoting sport, strengthening cultural ties, and developing cooperation among public organizations throughout Europe.

Among the distinguished guests were official representatives of the Republic of Estonia from U.R.K. EESTI KASAKATE ÜHING S.A.: Colonel General Andrei Gritskov, Colonel General Vassili Trofimov, Aleksej Filatov, and Evgenia Toffert.

During the official ceremony, the Estonian delegation presented the President of the World W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, with the U.R.K. “Silver Cross” Order (U.R.K. Order “Silver Cross”). The decoration was awarded in recognition of his active international public service, his long-standing contribution to the promotion of sport, and his leadership in implementing international projects of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation.

This distinguished award represents significant international recognition, confirming that decades of dedicated work devoted to the development of sport, the strengthening of international relations, and public service have earned respect and appreciation far beyond the borders of Lithuania.

Conclusion

The official visit to the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and the presentation of the U.R.K. “Silver Cross” Order to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras marked an important event in international cooperation. It once again demonstrated that the activities of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation extend far beyond the field of sport, bringing together organizations from different countries, strengthening international partnerships, and contributing to the development of public and cultural cooperation. This distinction recognizes not only the personal achievements of the Federation's President but also the many years of dedicated work carried out by the entire W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community on the international stage.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

Martin Kuta and Štefan Hrčka Challenged the World's Finest Organizers of International Sporting Events

Sometimes, history witnesses events that become lasting benchmarks of excellence. Such were the World WFF-WBBF Professional Championships and International Congresses held in Prague between 2006 and 2009.

Within the magnificent Žofín Palace, Martin Kuta—President of the Czech National WFF-WBBF Federation, entrepreneur, and patron of sport—created events that impressed not only the athletes but also the international sporting community. Impeccable organization, a prestigious atmosphere, the world's elite professional competitors, and distinguished guests transformed Prague into one of the most important centers of the International movement.

Yet, this was only the beginning.

Few could have imagined that the torch would soon be passed to Štefan Hrčka, President of the Slovak National WFF-WBBF Federation, entrepreneur, and patron of sport. Between 2009 and 2014, the international events organized in the Slovak Republic matched—and in many respects surpassed—the Prague competitions in scale, prestige, and organizational excellence, setting a new standard for international WFF-WBBF events.

What really happened inside Prague's historic Žofín Palace? Which world-renowned athletes and sports leaders took part in these remarkable gatherings? What important decisions were made during the international congresses? And why are these championships still remembered as some of the most outstanding events in the history of the World’s sport?

In our upcoming publications, we will return to those unforgettable years. We will revisit the extraordinary personalities, remarkable moments, historic decisions, and behind-the-scenes stories that helped shape the modern history of the World’s sport.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

No Other International Bodybuilding Organization Has Its Own Magazine. The Unique Publishing Activity of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F..

Since 1989, the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.) have maintained continuous international publishing activity. Today, the Federation unites 140 national member organizations on all continents, and its publications are distributed during major international bodybuilding and fitness events as well as throughout all member countries.

Over nearly four decades, the Federation has published 37 magazines in several languages under various titles, with a combined circulation exceeding two million copies. These publications are preserved in the major libraries of Lithuania, while selected editions have also been included in the collections of the German National Library in Leipzig.

Most importantly, no other international bodybuilding organization has established and continuously published its own international magazine for decades. W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. publications have become not only an important source of sports information but also a permanent documentary record of the history of world bodybuilding.

Publications That Educated Generations of Athletes

The first internationally recognized publication was "Arnold Schwarzenegger Recommends" (Арнольд Шварценеггер рекомендует), published in Lithuania with an extraordinary circulation of 2,000,000 copies and successfully distributed throughout many countries of Eastern Europe.

At a time when specialized bodybuilding literature was almost nonexistent, this publication became the principal educational guide for athletes. For many years it was regarded as the "bodybuilding bible," introducing generations of sportsmen to training methodology, exercise programming, and the fundamentals of bodybuilding theory.

Subsequent publications presented advanced training systems for both amateur and professional athletes, principles of exercise programming, workload planning, scientifically based training methods, and practical experience from the world's leading bodybuilders. These materials significantly influenced the development of bodybuilding in numerous countries.

An Information Bridge Between East and West

During the years when bodybuilding was officially prohibited in many socialist countries, almost no periodical publications covered the sport. The principal exceptions were the Polish magazine "Sport Dla Wszystkich", the Czechoslovak magazine "Trener", and later the East German publication "Schwer Atlet Training."

During this period, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras maintained close cooperation with these editorial offices as well as with Ben Weider's "Flex" magazine, regularly supplying articles and information about bodybuilding events and athletes in the USSR.

Particular attention was devoted to the "Amber Prix International" held annually in Klaipėda. During the years of the bodybuilding ban, together with “Georg Tenno Memorial” this was the only international bodybuilding tournament regularly organized in the socialist world. Through these publications, reliable information about bodybuilding behind the Iron Curtain reached the international sports community.

The International Magazine “Sport of Fitness and Bodybuilding”

Since 1989, the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. has published the international magazine "Sport of Fitness and Bodybuilding" (Спортивный фитнес и культуризм), which serves as the Federation's official publication.

The magazine is distributed throughout all member countries and at the world's major bodybuilding and fitness championships. Its articles have been reprinted or cited by internet media, newspapers, and specialized sports magazines in Argentina, Austria, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and many other countries.

Initially focused on training methodology and sports education, the magazine gradually evolved into an important historical and analytical publication, systematically documenting international bodybuilding events, organizational activities, and the long-term development of the sport.

The World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia

The logical culmination of decades of publishing activity is the preparation of the World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia.

This unprecedented international project aims, for the first time, to present a comprehensive history of world bodybuilding in a single publication, covering organizations, competitions, athletes, historical documents, and the most significant events in the sport's development.

Conclusions

The publishing activity of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. has become an integral part of the history of world bodybuilding. Over nearly forty years, the Federation has created a unique system of educational, informational, and historical publications unparalleled among international bodybuilding organizations.

These publications have served not only as educational resources for athletes but also as an invaluable archive preserving historical facts that might otherwise have been lost. Today they represent an important source for researchers, historians, coaches, and sports organizations worldwide.

It can therefore be concluded that the publishing work of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. constitutes one of the Federation's most significant contributions to preserving the historical heritage of world bodybuilding. The World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia represents the natural culmination of this long-term commitment and stands as an international cultural and sporting heritage project of exceptional historical importance.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

The Formation of the World WFF Federation

During the period of Lithuania's restoration of independence, Lithuanian bodybuilders led by Edmundas Daubaras participated in the NABBA European Championships held in Épinal, France. At these championships, Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas won the first European championship titles for the newly re-established Republic of Lithuania. Their victories became one of the first significant international sporting achievements of independent Lithuania.

It was during these championships that Edmundas Daubaras met Klaus P. J. Hoffmann, the head of the German NABBA team. Hoffmann had recently joined NABBA after previously working within the World Amateur Body Building Association (WABBA). This meeting marked the beginning of a close professional cooperation between the two organizers.

Beginning in 1995, Klaus Hoffmann succeeded in attracting substantial sponsorship for the German NABBA organization. As a result, his influence within NABBA steadily increased, and he became one of its principal international leaders. At the same time, however, NABBA was experiencing growing internal conflicts. These disputes eventually reached their peak in 1999, when three individuals simultaneously were presidents of NABBA: Irish representative Ivan Dunbar, Australian representative Joe Lopez, and German representative Klaus Hoffmann.

Following the 1995 NABBA Universe Championships, Edmundas Daubaras and Klaus Hoffmann reached a common conclusion that modern bodybuilding had entered a dead end. The continuous pursuit of extreme muscular development had moved the sport away from its original ideals, limiting participation and reducing its appeal to the broader athletic community. They believed that fundamental reforms were necessary.

In 1996, Edmundas Daubaras, Klaus Hoffmann, Austrian representative Peter Papula, and Greek representative Anargiros Tsopouridis gathered in Stuttgart, Germany, where they officially founded the World Fitness Federation (WFF).

The newly established federation was intended to operate alongside NABBA while introducing a completely new vision for the sport. WFF created new competitive categories designed to encourage participation by athletes with different physiques and levels of development. Its primary objective was to restore bodybuilding as a sport based on aesthetics, health, and broad international participation rather than exclusively on extreme muscular size.

The federation's international responsibilities were divided geographically. Edmundas Daubaras assumed responsibility for Eastern Europe and Asia under the name WFF Eastern Hemisphere, while Klaus Hoffmann became responsible for Western Europe under WFF Western Hemisphere.

Immediately following the founding meeting, the first WFF World Championship was organized in the resort city of Kaiserslautern, Germany. Prior to that, WFF had promoted international "World Grand Prix" competitions, which subsequently also became recognized as World Championships.

At the same time, Edmundas Daubaras continued organizing the internationally renowned "Amber Prix International" tournament, which had already become an important meeting place for athletes from numerous countries. In 1996, 1997, and 1998, Lithuania hosted state-supported NABBA European Championships in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga. In 1998, Lithuania also organized the state-supported WFF World Championship. The organizing committees of these events included senior officials of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, demonstrating the state's recognition of the growing international importance of the sport.

As WFF expanded internationally, it became necessary to establish a formal legal structure for the federation. Klaus Hoffmann declined responsibility for this work, stating that legal matters were not of interest to him. Consequently, the entire responsibility for the legal registration and organizational framework of the World Fitness Federation was assumed by Edmundas Daubaras, who successfully completed the necessary legal and administrative procedures that laid the foundation for WFF's future worldwide development.

Conclusions

The establishment of the World Fitness Federation in 1996 was not an accidental event but a deliberate response to both the internal crisis within NABBA and the broader challenges facing international bodybuilding. WFF introduced a new philosophy that emphasized aesthetics, wider participation, and a more democratic competitive structure.

Edmundas Daubaras became one of the principal founders and architects of the federation. His contribution extended far beyond the organization of competitions: he directed WFF's expansion throughout Eastern Europe and Asia, organized major international championships in Lithuania, and assumed full responsibility for establishing the federation's legal and organizational foundations.

Lithuania consequently became one of the key countries in the formation of the World Fitness Federation. Through its international championships, governmental support, and the long-standing tradition of the Amber Prix International tournament, Lithuania evolved into one of the principal organizational centers of the bodybuilding movement and occupies a significant place in the history of international bodybuilding.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

W.B.B.F. / W.F.F. European Amateur Championships Overall Winners (1996–2026)

Men

Year

Overall Champion

Country

2026

Mantas Lunskys

Lithuania

2025

Szymon Lubecki

Poland

2024

Gatis Sakne

Latvia

2023

Martynas Pakalnis

Lithuania

2022

Roman Polsin

Estonia

2021

Kamil Struminski

Poland

2020

Aleksej Petkevich

Latvia

2019

Pawel Przybylski

Poland

2018

Karol Kownacki

Poland

2017

Sergej Taratynov

Russia

2016

Jasper Bakker

The Netherlands

2015

Normund Jurans

Latvia

2014

Andrej Rumiancev

Estonia

2013

Aleksandr Grenadiorov

Russia

2012

Mohamed Moravej

Iran

2011

Aleksandr Silin

Russia

2010

Danil Bratiska

Russia

2009

Vitalij Aleksandrov

Latvia

2008

Vladimir Poliakov

Russia

2007

Roman Dubovickij

Russia

2006

Michail Malek

Russia

2005

Massimo Monaco

Italy

2004

Aleksandr Maslovskij

Latvia

2003

German Selest

Russia

2002

Jurij Karsetians

Latvia

2001

Marek Kalmus

Estonia

2000

Massimo Monaco

Italy

1999

Giovanni Thomson

The Netherlands

1998

Jurgen Koch

Germany

1997

Mathias Hornung

Germany

1996

Sergej Ogorodnikov

Russia

Men's Overall Champions by Country

Russia – 10 titles Latvia – 6 Poland – 4 Lithuania – 2 Estonia – 2 Italy – 2 The Netherlands – 2 Germany – 2 Iran – 1

Multiple Overall Champion:

Massimo Monaco (Italy) – Overall Champion in 2000 and 2005.

Women

Year

Overall Champion

Country

2026

Rūta Karpaitė

Lithuania

2025

Marina Legenzova

Lithuania

2024

Ineta Rijniece

Latvia

2023

Anna Sobolewska Kucharska

Poland

2022

Natalia Miszkowska

Poland

2021

Silva Socneva

Latvia

2020

Olga Kolesova

Lithuania

2019

Natalia Warzynska

Poland

2018

Olga Listopadova

Belarus

2017

Natalia Abramova

Russia

2016

Valentina Karabanova

Russia

2015

Evelyn Dirocie

Belgium

2014

Marina Vlasova

Russia

2013

Jelena Volkova

Russia

2012

Valentina Kozlovskaja

Belarus

2011

Agnieszka Urbaniak

Poland

2010

Vera Vlasova

Russia

2009

Irina Pateskina

Russia

2008

Ilona Kokosh

Lithuania

2007

Marija Akizanova

Ukraine

2006

Diana DeCesare

Brazil–Ukraine

2005

Ida Guscha

Russia

2004

Svetlana Pugacheva

Russia

2003

Svetlana Pugacheva

Russia

2002

Valerija Judina

Russia

2001

Aksana Len

Lithuania

2000

Marina Burinskaja

Latvia

1999

Rosa Giovana

Italy

1998

Claudia Machmor

Germany

1997

Benedeta Pomati

Italy

1996

Jekaterina Karaban

Russia

Women's Overall Champions by Country

Russia – 11 titles Lithuania – 5 Poland – 4 Latvia – 3 Belarus – 2 Italy – 2 Belgium – 1 Germany – 1 Ukraine – 1 Brazil–Ukraine – 1

Multiple Overall Champion:

Svetlana Pugacheva (Russia) – Overall Champion in 2003 and 2004.

Conclusions

Between 1996 and 2026, a total of 31 W.B.B.F./W.F.F. European Amateur Championships were held, crowning Overall Champions in both the Men's and Women's divisions. Russia has been the most successful nation in the history of the Championships, winning 10 Men's and 11 Women's Overall titles. Lithuania has emerged as one of Europe's strongest bodybuilding nations in recent years. Lithuanian athletes captured the Men's Overall titles in 2023 and 2026, and the Women's Overall titles in 2020, 2025, and 2026. The 2026 Championships marked a historic achievement for Lithuania, as both Overall European Champion titles were won by Lithuanian athletes: Mantas Lunskys in the Men's division and Rūta Karpaitė in the Women's division. Throughout the past three decades, Latvia, Poland, and Estonia have also demonstrated a consistently high competitive level, producing numerous Overall Champions. For more than three decades, the W.B.B.F./W.F.F. European Amateur Championships have remained one of the most important independent bodybuilding events in Europe, bringing together outstanding athletes from many countries and contributing significantly to the international development of the sport. More information is on international site www.wff.lt

60 Years of the “Amber Prix” Why Is the “Amber Prix” Book Unique?

In May 2027, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the “Amber Prix International” Bodybuilding Tournament, an academic monograph will be published documenting the history of one of the world's oldest continuously organized international bodybuilding competitions. The book will be released in several languages and will form an important part of the anniversary celebrations to be held in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

What makes this publication different?

A review of the nearly completed manuscript reveals its greatest strength: the originality of its research focus. Until now, most books on the history of bodybuilding have concentrated on the sport's legendary personalities—Eugen Sandow, Steve Reeves, John Grimek, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Joe Weider, and many others who shaped the development of modern bodybuilding.

This monograph takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than focusing on individual athletes, it examines the evolution of bodybuilding organizations, the development of international cooperation, the creation of competition systems, and bodybuilding's long journey toward official recognition as a sport.

This subject has received remarkably little systematic attention in the international historiography of bodybuilding. As a result, the book is not merely the story of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament; it is an original scholarly work that enriches the literature on sports history by presenting a new and previously unexplored perspective.

The history of the “Amber Prix” is presented here as part of a much broader narrative—the story of the emergence of the international bodybuilding movement, the development of its governing organizations, and the worldwide efforts that ultimately led to bodybuilding's recognition as an officially acknowledged sport.

This is the monograph's defining feature and its greatest scholarly contribution.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

The Role of Czechoslovakia in World Bodybuilding and Its Influence on Soviet Bodybuilding

Czechoslovakia – the Socialist World's Gateway to the West

The history of international bodybuilding has largely been written from the perspective of the major organizations, primarily IFBB and NABBA. As a result, many significant historical events have either been overlooked or interpreted from a single point of view. This article does not claim to present the ultimate historical truth; rather, it seeks to draw attention to facts that have long been ignored or insufficiently recognized.

It has often been noted that the IFBB presents its history as one of independent organizational development, while paying little attention to the fact that its acceptance into the official international sports community was closely connected with the work of American sports promoter Bob Hoffman. Many organizational principles, international contacts, and competition models were inherited from already existing structures.

NABBA's historical narrative raises similar questions. The association traces its origins to the 1948 "Mr. Universe" contest held in London under the auspices of the FIHC, although NABBA itself did not yet exist at that time. Even more controversial is the continued use of the image of John Grimek—the second overall FIHC Mr. Universe champion—within NABBA's symbolism. Grimek was an AAU athlete and a protégé of Bob Hoffman, yet there is no evidence that he ever competed in a NABBA event. Such examples illustrate that the history of international bodybuilding still contains numerous issues deserving further scholarly examination.

The year 2027 will mark the 80th anniversary of the official recognition of bodybuilding as a sport. It will also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the "Amber Prix" (Gintarinis prizas), one of the oldest continuously organized bodybuilding tournaments in the world. These anniversaries provide an appropriate opportunity to re-examine bodybuilding history from the perspective not only of Western countries but also of Eastern Europe.

The Unique Position of Czechoslovakia

Between 1973 and 1987, bodybuilding was officially banned or severely restricted throughout most of the Soviet Union and many other socialist countries. Czechoslovakia, however, occupied a unique position.

Following the events of the Prague Spring in 1968, the Soviet leadership sought to avoid provoking additional political tensions within Czechoslovakia. Taking advantage of this situation, Czechoslovak sports officials successfully presented bodybuilding as a system of strength training, physical conditioning, and health promotion. This strategy enabled them to preserve their national bodybuilding federation and maintain contacts with the international bodybuilding community.

This opportunity proved exceptional within the socialist bloc. While athletes from other socialist countries remained largely isolated from the West, Czechoslovak bodybuilders were able to compete internationally, establish relations with the IFBB and other organizations, and maintain regular communication with foreign sports officials.

From today's historical perspective, the greatest achievement was not individual titles or medals but the successful breaking of political isolation.

The Historic Breakthrough of 1975

One of the most significant milestones in bodybuilding during the 1970s was the work of Vojtěch Fiala, President of the Czechoslovak National Bodybuilding Federation.

Through his personal international contacts, Fiala secured Czechoslovakia's participation in the 1975 IFBB European Championships held in Western Europe. At these championships, Petr Stach won the Overall European Championship title.

This victory represented far more than a sporting success. For the first time, a bodybuilder from a socialist country demonstrated that Eastern European athletes could successfully compete against the strongest competitors from the West. Even more importantly, participation itself established a precedent for the entire socialist bloc.

History often remembers those who achieve breakthroughs first, and for this reason the contributions of Vojtěch Fiala and Petr Stach occupy a unique place in international bodybuilding history.

Czechoslovakia's Assistance to Soviet Bodybuilding

Czechoslovak sports leaders understood that national achievements alone were not enough. They also sought to support bodybuilders from other socialist countries.

At the initiative of Vojtech Fiala and Professor František Bulva, several meetings were organized in Prague between Edmundas Daubaras and officials of the Czechoslovak Sports Ministry (ČSTV). Their objective was to obtain official government approval for sporting cooperation between Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union.

During 1978–1979, an ambitious project was developed to organize two joint bodybuilding competitions. One would be held during the Czechoslovak National Championships, while the second would take place in Klaipėda during the traditional “Amber Prix” tournament.

The Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports approved the project, and Edmundas Daubaras received official invitations for the leading Soviet bodybuilders.

The planned Soviet delegation included:

Head of Delegation – Edmundas Daubaras and Estonian Innar Mardo (1945-2002); National Team Coach and Director of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding – Ceslav Tamulevic; Olev Annus (Estonia); Jevgenij Gorelik (Lithuania); Vladas Kapcevičius (Lithuania); Jevgenij Zhurcev (Lithuania); Albertas Besakirskas (Lithuania).

Had the project been realized, it would have become the first officially organized appearance of Soviet bodybuilders in an international sporting environment while bodybuilding remained prohibited within the USSR.

A Lost Opportunity

The project was never implemented. In the author's assessment, internal conflicts within the Soviet bodybuilding community played the decisive role in its collapse. Personal rivalries of Romanas Kalinauskas ultimately destroyed a cooperative initiative that had required several years of preparation and could have fundamentally altered the development of Soviet bodybuilding.

Nevertheless, the work invested was not wasted.

When Edmundas Daubaras later prepared his petition to the highest political authorities in Moscow requesting the legalization of bodybuilding, he drew upon the organizational experience, official documentation, and international contacts established through cooperation with Czechoslovakia. These materials strengthened the argument that bodybuilding could function as a legitimate sport within the Soviet system.

Although bodybuilding officially remained banned, Soviet authorities eventually permitted Daubaras to organize the “Amber Prix” tournament publicly in Klaipėda. In later years, the USSR Ministry of Sport officially recognized this tournament as the unofficial Soviet Bodybuilding Championship.

Thus, the groundwork laid in Czechoslovakia indirectly contributed to the gradual restoration of bodybuilding throughout the Soviet Union.

Historical Recognition

In 2011, the Vatican recognized Edmundas Daubaras for his activities during the years when bodybuilding was prohibited. He was acknowledged as a dissident in relation to the communist regime and was awarded the Medal of Pope Benedict XVI.

This recognition demonstrates that the history of bodybuilding cannot be understood solely through sporting achievements. In many socialist countries, the preservation and promotion of bodybuilding became a form of civic resistance and a defense of the right to free athletic and social activity.

Conclusions

From the perspective of twentieth-century sports history, Czechoslovakia played a far greater role in the development of international bodybuilding than has generally been acknowledged.

It was the first socialist country to establish practical sporting links across the Iron Curtain and maintain regular relations with Western bodybuilding organizations. The organizational efforts of Vojtěch Fiala and Petr Stach's victory at the 1975 IFBB European Championships marked an historic turning point, demonstrating that political barriers could be overcome.

Equally significant was Czechoslovakia's willingness to assist Soviet bodybuilders. The cooperation initiated by Vojtech Fiala and Professor František Bulva and Edmundas Daubaras represented the first serious attempt to establish official sporting relations between Soviet bodybuilding and the Western bodybuilding community while political restrictions were still in force.

Although the joint project was ultimately never realized, its organizational legacy became an important foundation for the subsequent campaign to legalize bodybuilding within the Soviet Union. In this sense, Czechoslovakia's contribution to the development of Soviet bodybuilding was neither accidental nor symbolic—it was strategic.

Ultimately, history is shaped not only by championship titles or outstanding physiques but also by individuals whose decisions transform the course of sport itself. Viewed from this perspective, Vojtěch Fiala, František Bulva, and Edmundas Daubaras occupy an important place in the history of European and world bodybuilding. Their cooperation created a bridge between two opposing political systems at a time when such collaboration seemed almost impossible.

Polish Patron Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski

Today, a long-time friend of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, distinguished Polish businessman, patron, and public figure Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski celebrates his birthday. We extend our warmest congratulations and sincere gratitude for his many years of support, dedication, and friendship.

The cooperation between Jerzy Gotowski and the World WFF-WBBF Federation began in 2006. That year he became one of the organizers of the international WFF-WBBF tournament in Bydgoszcz. However, his involvement quickly went far beyond the organization of a single event. Recognizing the importance of international sports cooperation, Jurek became actively engaged in the Federation's activities and soon emerged as one of its most important supporters in Poland.

His greatest contribution was the organization and sponsorship of the 2008 WFF-WBBF World Championship in Bydgoszcz, which is still regarded as one of the most remarkable events in the history of the Federation. It was not only a competition of the highest sporting standard but also a major international event that attracted widespread attention throughout Europe and beyond.

The championship took place in the prestigious Łuczniczka Sports Arena. The city was decorated with Federation flags and banners, competitors and guests enjoyed outstanding hospitality, and the winners received unique crystal medals. The exceptional level of organization became a benchmark for many World WFF-WBBF championships that followed.

Particular attention was devoted to promoting the event and enhancing its international prestige. Eight international press conferences were organized before and after the championship. Official meetings took place at Bydgoszcz City Hall with Mayor Konstanty Dombrowicz and Deputy Mayor Kazimierz Drozd. On the occasion of the World Championship, Polish Minister of Sport Zbigniew Pacelt hosted an official reception for the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation at the Ministry of Sport in Warsaw. This represented significant recognition of the Federation at the national governmental level.

In the same year, Jerzy Gotowski financed the participation of a large Polish national delegation at the 40th International "Amber Prix" Tournament in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The delegation was led by Bydgoszcz Deputy Mayor Kazimierz Drozd, who also presented several cooperation initiatives between the cities of Bydgoszcz and Klaipėda. These projects were discussed with Viačeslavas Karmanovas, then Director of the Klaipėda City Municipal Administration, further strengthening sporting and cultural relations between Poland and Lithuania.

In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the international development of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, Federation President Dr. Edmundas Daubaras awarded Jerzy Gotowski the International Gold Medal of Honour in 2009. This distinction joined the numerous state decorations he had already received for his outstanding service to the Republic of Poland.

For nearly two decades, Jerzy Gotowski has remained a loyal friend of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. He continues to support Federation events in Poland, regularly attends major championships as an honorary guest, and demonstrates through his actions that true patronage is measured not only by generosity, but also by lasting loyalty to people, ideals, and international cooperation.

On the occasion of his birthday, the World WFF-WBBF Federation sincerely congratulates Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski, wishing him good health, happiness, continued success, and many more years together with our international Federation.

International Recognition of Public Service. Dr Edmundas Daubaras Inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Kingdom of Denmark.

In 2008, during the WFF–WBBF World "Universe" Championships held in Vilnius, Lithuania, Dr Edmundas Daubaras received one of the most significant international distinctions of his career when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2005 by a group of distinguished Danish public figures to recognise individuals whose work has made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of health promotion, fitness, bodybuilding and international sporting cooperation. Each year, a single laureate is selected by an independent jury from among nominees representing different countries.

The standing of the distinction is reflected in its previous recipients. In 2006, the honour was awarded to Arnold Schwarzenegger, then Governor of California and one of the world's most influential figures in the history of bodybuilding. The following year, the Hall of Fame recognised Bruce Bell of Nebraska, USA—an educator, sports photographer, documentary filmmaker and publisher whose lifelong work preserved much of the visual history of international sport and helped promote the sport across the world.

In 2008, the jury considered thirteen internationally respected nominees before unanimously selecting Dr Edmundas Daubaras. The official certificate confirming the decision was presented during the international event in Vilnius by Anders Buus, Chairman of the Hall of Fame of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The citation accompanying the award describes Dr Daubaras as a leading figure in the international fitness and bodybuilding movement whose dedication has played an important role in promoting the sport and strengthening its international standing. It further acknowledges his long-standing commitment to representing athletes' interests and his contribution to fostering cooperation within the worldwide bodybuilding community.

The original citation reads:

"Mr. Edmundas Daubaras is a constant source of wisdom to the muscle sport all over the World, and his work in promoting Fitness and Bodybuilding is without comparison.

Furthermore Mr. Edmundas Daubaras is a true gentleman and always the Athletes' spokesperson No. 1, and his work will forever remain a true gesture to anybody with interest in the fine sport of Bodybuilding and shaping bodies.

It is our hope that Mr. Edmundas Daubaras will remain a true friend of the sport for many years, and we hereby welcome him into the fine company of the HALL OF FAME.

Thirteen other prominent international persons were nominated this year, but the Jury voted for Mr. Edmundas Daubaras, and he is now in the distinguished company of, amongst others, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who received this honour in 2006.

Anders Buus
Chairman, Hall of Fame of the Kingdom of Denmark

Dr Daubaras's induction into the Hall of Fame represented not merely a personal distinction but also international acknowledgement of Lithuania's contribution to the development of organised fitness and bodybuilding. His selection from a field of thirteen distinguished international nominees reflected the high regard in which his organisational leadership, public service and long-term commitment to the sport were held by the international community.

The award confirmed Dr Edmundas Daubaras's position as one of the foremost figures in the international fitness and bodybuilding movement. His work over several decades contributed substantially to the sport's institutional development, strengthened cooperation between national federations and consistently advanced the interests of athletes at the international level.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt