World Bodybuilding History. BOB HOFFMAN – “FATHER OF WORLD WEIGHTLIFTING”.

Bob Hoffman, known during his lifetime and still often referred to as the “Father of World Weightlifting,” driven by the idea of creating and building a “Muscle Empire,” which he turned into a sport officially recognized throughout the world, Bob Hoffman (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898–1985) was born in the State of Georgia, USA.

At the age of eighteen, he participated in the First World War. During the war, Bob Hoffman was awarded several times for bravery. In 1919, he ended his military service. Speaking about sport, Bob Hoffman stated: “We didn’t get into this business to make money; we got into it to build a stronger and healthier America.”

In 1920, Bob Hoffman entered the oil business, from which he withdrew in 1938. He created his sports empire with the money he had earned from the oil business.

In 1922, Bob Hoffman began publishing the magazine Strength and Health, and in 1932 the magazine Muscular Development. He called his publications “a magazine for real men” and “the family health magazine.”

The exceptional athletic talent of John Grimek and Bob Hoffman’s enormous efforts concentrated the attention of the sports world on York. People eagerly bought bodybuilding magazines featuring photographs of John Grimek and descriptions of his training and went to train in gyms. Bob Hoffman and John Grimek became very close friends, and this friendship lasted until Bob Hoffman’s death.

In 1924, Bob Hoffman organized the first weightlifting competitions in America. In 1940, the York Club team, led by Bob Hoffman, took all first places at the U.S. national weightlifting championships.

Between 1936 and 1968, Bob Hoffman was the official coach of the U.S. Olympic weightlifting team. This period is regarded by many specialists in the history of weightlifting as the “Golden Age” of American weightlifting.

In 1930, Bob Hoffman became involved in the activities of the A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union). Sports historians unanimously recognize that from the 1930s until the 1980s, the main center of American weightlifting and bodybuilding was Bob Hoffman’s “York Barbell Company,” founded in the State of Pennsylvania, and the sports club of the same name, the “York Barbell Club.”

Beginning with the 1932 Olympic Games, Bob Hoffman worked extensively for and served the U.S. national weightlifting team. From 1948 to 1968, he was the coach of the U.S. national weightlifting team, while his sports club’s athletes won the U.S. weightlifting championship team trophy forty-eight times.

Jim Murray, who for many years worked as an editor for the magazines of Bob Hoffman and Joe Weider, recalls Bob Hoffman introducing himself: “Hello, my name is Bob Hoffman. I’m the coach of the U.S. Olympic team, and I just might be the world’s healthiest man.”

Among other products, Bob Hoffman’s company manufactured barbells and dumbbells, which he sold according to a model devised back in 1902 by Alan Calvert, the owner of the “Milo Barbell Company.” Bob Hoffman purchased Alan Calvert’s company in 1924.

It was precisely through the activities of his company that, throughout all those years, Bob Hoffman sought to involve Americans in health and physical education activities. He stated that “the success of every American’s life is achieved through physical development of the body.” For millions of people, Bob Hoffman turned American York into a true “Mecca for lifters everywhere.”

Sometimes new, non-standard activities were introduced to the public. John Figarelli wrote that in 1962 Bob Hoffman introduced people to isometric training, which required little time and effort to achieve results.

Bob Hoffman was the first to begin the business of selling exercise equipment and nutritional supplements. The press called him a “living pioneer of the health food industry.”

Throughout his entire period of activity, Bob Hoffman was a leader in the production and sale of health and sports products. He gathered promising American athletes, provided them with jobs in his companies, and prepared them for national and international weightlifting and bodybuilding competitions.

Among these athletes were John Grimek, Steve Stanko, John Davis, John Terpak, Tony Terlazzo, John Terry, Dick Bachtell, Yas Kazuhara, Jim Park, and Jules Bacon.

One of Bob Hoffman’s followers was also Sigmund Klein. Some of Bob Hoffman’s famous athletes, such as John Grimek, Steve Stanko, and Tommy Kono, were simultaneously successful weightlifters and bodybuilders.

Bob Hoffman believed that it was possible to lift enormous weights and at the same time be a good bodybuilder and look good. Time showed that he was mistaken.

Having himself been an athlete, Bob Hoffman throughout his life won and was presented with more than six hundred various prizes and awards.

In 1961, Bob Hoffman was officially received at the White House, where, during an official meeting, he inducted U.S. President John Fitzgerald Robert Kennedy (1917–1963) as an honorary member of the A.A.U.

In 1969, together with Congressman George Atlee Goodling, Bob Hoffman was officially received at the White House for the second time, where he met with U.S. President Richard Milhous Nixon (1913–1994).

Bob Hoffman was a supporter of U.S. President Richard Nixon and, together with athletes, participated in the president’s election campaign. He published a monthly sports publication, Activity Report, and regularly provided it to the President of the country and many members of the U.S. Congress.

In 1970, President Richard Nixon appointed Bob Hoffman as his adviser on physical fitness matters, while Bob Hoffman himself referred to himself as the “Father of Physical Fitness.”

Famous for his philanthropic activities, Bob Hoffman supported various sports competitions and various educational institutions. During the 1970s, he appeared on various U.S. television programs and was frequently written about in the American press. Throughout his life, Bob Hoffman published a number of popular books.

The world press frequently carried information about the fierce competition in bodybuilding and commerce between Bob Hoffman and the President of the I.F.B.B., Ben Weider.

Until 1970, when the I.F.B.B. took its decisive step at its founding congress in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, Bob Hoffman was the single most influential figure both in professional American bodybuilding and in the country’s physical culture.

Before that, Bob Hoffman had no competitors in officially recognized bodybuilding because he represented an officially recognized sport. Bodybuilding was under the F.I.H.C. federation, which in turn was a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.).

In 1970, the situation changed. Following the founding congress held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, the I.F.B.B. federation quickly became a member of G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations), and in this way closed the way to official recognition for other international federations for several decades.

Bob Hoffman publicly expressed his outrage at this injustice, all the more because Oscar State, Secretary General of the World Weightlifting Federation, who through his personal assistance to I.F.B.B. President Ben Weider played a decisive role in Belgrade, had for many years been his close colleague in weightlifting activities.

Bob Hoffman stated that “IFBB is not a democratic organization because it does not allow its athletes to participate in A.A.U. competitions.”

At the same time, also angered by Oscar State’s cooperation with the Weider brothers, in Europe an authoritative continental bodybuilding leader, called the “anti-Weider Crusade,” the Englishman Oscar Heidenstam, adopted a strict anti-Weider position.

Seeking to calm the passions, Ben Weider came up with the idea that the I.F.B.B. could become a member of the A.A.U. Thus, in 1972, Ben Weider registered as a participant in the A.A.U. congress held in the State of Kansas.

The congress discussed the legitimacy of the I.F.B.B.’s membership in the G.A.I.S.F. organization. A number of well-known sports personalities were outraged by the Weiders’ actions and threatened to protest against the I.F.B.B.’s membership in G.A.I.S.F.

It is not surprising that at that time the A.A.U. congress did not support Ben Weider’s initiative, which was supported by only two congress participants. The I.F.B.B. was not admitted to the A.A.U., and Oscar Heidenstam was especially pleased about this.

The ideology of both Ben Weider and Bob Hoffman was the same – it was a synthesis of personal ego, sport, and business.

Ben Weider was more energetic, and therefore he managed to overtake the A.A.U. According to Oscar Heidenstam, Ben Weider significantly overtook Bob Hoffman through aggressive bodybuilding magazine publishing and magazine distribution.

Oscar Heidenstam regarded the I.F.B.B.’s membership in the G.A.I.S.F. organization as a great mistake (“it was a terrible mistake”) and expected a stronger protest from Bob Hoffman.

Of course, Bob Hoffman was also dissatisfied. He wrote that through membership in the G.A.I.S.F. organization, “the Weiders, who for many years had been engaged in publishing pornography, seek only material benefit” (“Weiders who for many years had been ‘publishing pornographic magazines’ were only interested in money...” ).

The opposition to the Weider brothers failed.

After almost five decades of dominating bodybuilding, Bob Hoffman had to give way to the Weider brothers. For Bob Hoffman, this was a real tragedy of his life.

Nida Welcomes Young Sports Talents from Around the World – 27th Fit-Kid World Championship.

From October 24 to 26, Nida will become an international center of children’s sport. The 27th Fit-Kid World Championship will take place in this Lithuanian seaside resort, bringing together young athletes from various countries. For three days, the stage of the Agila Cultural Centre in Nida will belong to children who will showcase their physical fitness, sporting skills and stage performance in an international competition.

This year’s championship is being held as part of the 37th World Amateur and Professional Championships of the WFF-WBBF Federation. It is one of the federation’s major annual events, bringing together athletes, coaches and sports professionals from different countries. For young Fit-Kid participants, the championship is an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities on an international stage and compete for World Championship titles.

Sport, Discipline and Stage Performance

Fit-Kid is a children’s sports discipline in which success is based on more than just one physical quality. Competitors demonstrate strength, flexibility, coordination, posture, movement technique, physical fitness and the ability to perform confidently on stage.

Every performance is therefore not only a sporting challenge, but also a carefully prepared presentation. Young athletes have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have achieved through training, how well they can control their bodies and how they perform under the pressure of competition.

Behind every performance lies a long journey – regular training, the work of coaches, family support and the athlete’s own determination. International competitions give children valuable experience, teach them to pursue their goals and help them understand that both victories and defeats are an important part of the sporting journey.

27 Years of Fit-Kid World Championship Tradition

This year marks the 27th Fit-Kid World Championship. Over more than two decades, this children’s sports discipline has developed into an international event bringing together young athletes from different countries and sporting backgrounds.

The World Championship is about more than competing for medals. It is also an international meeting place for young athletes, where new friendships are formed, experience is exchanged and the next generation takes its first steps onto the international sporting stage.

The World Championship Comes to Nida

This year, Nida will host the championship. Usually associated with the Baltic Sea, dunes and summer holidays, the Lithuanian resort will become an international meeting point for young athletes for several days in October.

From October 24 to 26, the Agila Cultural Centre in Nida will welcome athletes representing different countries as they compete for the highest honours. Spectators will have the opportunity to witness first-hand how much dedication, determination and preparation stand behind every young athlete’s performance.

The 27th Fit-Kid World Championship is an event where results are only part of the story. It is an opportunity for children to experience the atmosphere of international competition, test themselves against some of the strongest athletes in their age groups and take another important step in their sporting development.

Nida is ready to welcome young sports talents from around the world.

More information about the 27th Fit-Kid World Championship, the competition programme and WFF-WBBF Federation events is available on the international websites www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt.

2009 WFF-WBBF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. In 2009, Lithuania Was Among the Leaders in Tallinn: 263 Athletes, 28 Countries and 11 Lithuanian Podium Finishes

November 21, 2009, became an important day for the global fitness and bodybuilding community. A total of 263 athletes from 28 countries gathered in Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. Among them were representatives of Lithuania, who returned home with as many as 11 podium finishes, including five category victories.

The sports hall in Tallinn was filled that day with both tension and a wide variety of sporting cultures. The championship programme was exceptionally broad — ranging from children’s “Fit-Kid” and aerobic fitness to model fitness, strength fitness and various bodybuilding categories.

Yet when looking at the official results today, more than fifteen years later, a more interesting picture emerges: Lithuania was considerably more visible on the international fitness and bodybuilding scene at the time than one might expect simply by looking at the country’s size.

263 Athletes, 28 Countries and One Results Table

The 2009 championship was a true international sporting map. The results recorded athletes from almost fifty countries.

However, a relatively clear group dominated the podiums. The analysed results show a total of 108 podium finishes, with Poland leading the way with 24. Russia was close behind with 22.

They were followed by South Africa with 13 podium finishes, Lithuania with 11, Ukraine with 9, while Slovakia and Estonia recorded 8 each.

The figures may appear dry at first glance. Yet it is precisely the relationship between them that reveals an important point: the country with the most podium finishes did not necessarily have the most champions.

Five Champions for Lithuania

From this perspective, Lithuania’s result is particularly interesting.

Of Lithuania’s 11 podium finishes, 5 were first places, 4 were second places and 2 were third places.

That means that almost every second Lithuanian podium finish was a victory.

Poland, meanwhile, had the highest total number of podium finishes — 24 — and won 6 categories. Russia, with 22 podium finishes, recorded 8 first-place finishes.

Thus, the strength of the Lithuanian delegation lay not in quantity, but in the concentration of top-level results.

Lithuanian Names Appeared Across Different Categories

It is also interesting that Lithuania’s victories were not concentrated in a single discipline.

Aušra Tasiukevičiūtė and Eglė Girtavičiūtė took first place in the “Model Fitness” category.

In strength fitness, Nikita Butylkinas won the junior category, while Vytautas Juknevičius took first place in the senior division.

Another top result in the older athletes’ category was achieved by Vidmantas Malakauskas.

This is an important detail: Lithuanian representatives competed successfully across different sporting disciplines rather than in just one specific bodybuilding category.

Poland Led in Podium Finishes, Russia in First-Place Results

If the championship results table were turned into a kind of sporting map, two countries would clearly stand out at the top — Poland and Russia.

Poland recorded the highest number of podium finishes — 24. Its athletes were particularly visible across various age groups and disciplines.

Russian representatives reached the podium 22 times, but on 8 occasions they took first place.

This was especially evident in the WBBF bodybuilding categories. Russian athletes’ names appear repeatedly throughout the results protocol in various bodybuilding divisions, ranging from classic categories to more extreme disciplines.

At the same time, the Polish athletes’ performance was broader, covering different age groups and disciplines.

The Youngest Championship Participants — Another Important Signal

The Tallinn competition was not simply a celebration of adult bodybuilding.

The programme devoted considerable attention to children and young athletes. In the “Fit-Kid” categories, athletes aged 8, 10, 12 and 14 competed.

Poland was particularly prominent in these events. Its representatives won several of the youngest categories, while in some age groups Polish athletes occupied both first and second place.

In the junior categories, Lithuania, Slovakia, Ukraine and Estonia also joined the leading group.

This allows us to look at the 2009 championship as more than just a competition from a single season. The results also reveal how, at the time, federation sports systems were being developed across different age groups — from children to veterans.

One Athlete — Several Stages

The results protocol also includes athletes who successfully competed in more than one category.

For example, Slovak representative Miriama Zigalova won two different categories. Eva Martinkova also appeared on the winners’ list in more than one event.

This is an important consideration when evaluating the statistics: 108 podium finishes do not mean 108 different athletes. Some athletes may have been awarded in multiple categories.

Therefore, the results table tells us not only about the strength of national delegations, but also about the versatility of individual athletes.

WFF and WBBF — Two Different Faces of the Championship

Another interesting trend emerges when the WFF and WBBF programmes are analysed separately.

In the WFF section, Poland was the most prominent nation, with its representatives collecting 18 podium finishes. Lithuania had 7, while Slovakia recorded 6.

In the WBBF section, the situation changed. Russia stood out most clearly, with its athletes taking 21 of the analysed podium places.

Thus, the Tallinn championship essentially had two different faces in terms of results: Poland and Lithuania were particularly prominent in fitness, model and related disciplines, while Russian representatives were much more dominant in bodybuilding.

Where Does Lithuania Fit Into This Story?

More than 15 years later, the 2009 results can be viewed as one of the notable moments in the history of Lithuanian fitness and bodybuilding.

Lithuania did not arrive in Tallinn with the largest delegation. Yet its name appears eleven times in the results table — and five of those appearances are at the very top.

It was a performance in which Lithuanian athletes were not merely competing for places in the finals. They were winning.

11 Lithuanian podium finishes. 5 first places. 28 countries. 263 athletes.

Today, these figures allow us to look at the 2009 Tallinn championship as more than an old competition results sheet. It is a snapshot of a period when Central and Eastern European countries were actively shaping the international fitness and bodybuilding competition landscape, and Lithuania was clearly visible on that map.

In Tallinn in 2009, there were fewer Lithuanian athletes than representatives of some of the larger nations, but their results in the official record were more than enough to keep Lithuania among the championship’s leading countries.

The Contribution of WFF–WBBF to the Development of Global Fit-Kid: 27 Years of International Sporting Tradition.

The history of Fit-Kid Championships from 1999 to 2025 represents 27 years of the development of international children’s and youth sport. An analysis of the results from this period shows not only the changing geography of championship victories, but above all the continuity of the international competition system developed within the framework of the W.F.F. – World Fitness Federation and W.B.B.F. – World Bodybuilding Federation.

Fit-Kid is a children’s fitness discipline that combines elements of gymnastics, aerobics, acrobatics, physical preparation and stage presentation. Its significance, however, extends beyond sporting competition itself. For children and young people, participation in competitions involves systematic training, physical development, discipline, cooperation with coaches and the opportunity to represent their country on the international stage.

WFF–WBBF as an International Platform

One of the most important elements in the history of Fit-Kid is the operation of the WFF–WBBF international competition system. Regular international championships make it possible to establish a long-term sporting tradition involving athletes, coaches, clubs, national teams and sports organizers from different countries.

Within this system, the international federation plays an organizational and integrating role. International competitions create a common environment for sporting competition, enable comparisons of athletic performance and provide continuity for the development of successive generations of participants.

From this perspective, Fit-Kid is not a separate, one-time project. It is part of a broader international fitness system in which, over decades, a structure of competitions, age categories, judging procedures and cooperation between clubs and national teams has been developed.

27 Years and Eight Countries

The results of the absolute Fit-Kid Championships for 1999–2025 show that titles were won by representatives of eight European countries: Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Hungary.

The geography of the championship victories changed over the years. During different periods, particular countries were more frequently represented among the champions, while new national representatives subsequently joined the competition. This demonstrates that the championship system was not limited to one country or one region, but developed across a broader European sporting environment.

Over the 27-year period, 27 championship titles were awarded. Some athletes won the title more than once, demonstrating the possibility of maintaining a high level of preparation and continuing competitive development. At the same time, new names regularly appeared, reflecting generational change and continuity within the system.

Continuity Between Generations

One of the most important characteristics of the Fit-Kid history is continuity. With each successive period, new participants, coaches and teams appear, while the international competition structure continues to operate.

This model is particularly important in children’s sport. A child who begins training can gradually progress through different stages of sporting development, participate in national and international competitions, gain experience and eventually become part of the next generation that continues the sporting tradition.

In this way, the history of Fit-Kid is not simply a list of champions. It represents a long-term sporting tradition developed across generations.

The International Character of the System

The results also demonstrate the distinctly international character of Fit-Kid. Championship victories have been distributed among several countries, while the geographical composition of the participants has changed over the years.

This is important for the development of children’s fitness because international competition provides additional motivation for training and development. Participants have the opportunity to meet athletes from other countries, experience different approaches to preparation and gain valuable experience in an international competitive environment.

Coaches and clubs also play an important role in this process. The development of an athlete is not based solely on individual talent, but also on long-term coaching, organizational support and the involvement of families.

The Social Significance of Fit-Kid

The 27-year history of the championships also has a broader social dimension. Children’s sport helps develop habits associated with physical activity, consistency and responsibility.

Participation in international competitions allows young athletes to gain experience, manage the pressure associated with performing and function within a sporting environment where rules, preparation and mutual respect are important.

For this reason, the development of Fit-Kid can be assessed not only through the number of championship titles, but also through the sustainability of the wider sporting environment that has developed around the discipline.

2025 – A Continuation of the Tradition

The year 2025 represents another stage in this history. According to the results provided, the absolute champion was Elzbieta Matoga of Poland.

However, the significance of this result should be viewed within the context of the entire 27-year period. One championship title is part of a much broader history involving many generations of athletes, coaches, clubs and national teams.

Conclusion

Twenty-seven years of Fit-Kid Championships demonstrate, above all, the continuity of an international sporting tradition. Between 1999 and 2025, 27 championship titles were awarded to athletes representing eight countries, with both returning champions and new generations of participants becoming part of the history of the competition.

From the perspective of WFF–WBBF, one of the most important achievements of this process is the creation and maintenance of an international platform for the development of children’s fitness. The competition system brings together athletes, coaches, clubs, national teams and organizers within a shared international sporting tradition.

The history of Fit-Kid is therefore not only a history of individual victories. It is above all 27 years of international children’s fitness development within the WFF–WBBF system, reflecting continuity, international cooperation and the emergence of successive generations of young athletes.

SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING — THE UNKNOWN PART OF WORLD SPORT HISTORY.

Against the Background of Western Bodybuilding — Another History That Remained Behind the Iron Curtain for Decades

What is known today about the bodybuilding that developed on the other side of the Iron Curtain?

When we speak about the history of world bodybuilding, we most often think of the United States, Great Britain, California, the famous “Mr. Universe” and “Mr. Olympia” competitions, world-renowned athletes, and the major Western bodybuilding organizations.

But this is only one side of the story.

On the other side of the Iron Curtain, bodybuilding also existed. There were athletes, coaches, judges, gyms, clubs, competitions, organizers, and people who, despite the political system and various restrictions, created their own bodybuilding traditions.

Today, this part of history remains virtually unknown to many followers of world bodybuilding.

And that is precisely why it must be remembered.

HISTORY WAS WRITTEN NOT ONLY BY THE WEST

Since 2012, the World WFF-WBBF Federation has been preparing a major historical project in three languages — the World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia.

This is not simply another book about champions, medals, and sporting records.

It is an attempt to look at bodybuilding as a global historical phenomenon.

As this material has been researched, one fact has become increasingly clear: until now, the history of world bodybuilding has often been presented primarily from a Western perspective. Much attention has been devoted to sports organizations and competitions in Western countries. This is an important part of bodybuilding history, but it is far from the whole story.

During the 20th century, the world was divided into two major political and economic systems — East and West.

There were not only political borders between them.

There was also an information barrier.

The sporting world was divided as well.

As a result, for many years the West knew very little about what was happening in Eastern Europe and other socialist countries.

But sporting history did not stop there.

It was simply being created on the other side of the border.

A BODYBUILDING THAT “DID NOT EXIST”?

In a certain sense, the history of socialist bodybuilding is a paradox.

Bodybuilding existed even though it was not always recognized within the official sports system.

Athletes trained even though their sport was viewed with suspicion in some countries.

Competitions were held even though many of them never became part of the official international sporting record.

There were people who created bodybuilding clubs and traditions, even though their activities often depended on the attitude of the particular political and sporting system.

Therefore, socialist bodybuilding cannot be judged today solely by how much information about it survived in the Western press.

The absence of information is not proof that historical events did not take place.

This is one of the main reasons why the history of socialist bodybuilding deserves to be studied separately.

FOUR PERIODS IN THE HISTORY OF SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING

Based on the historical material collected so far, four major periods in the development of socialist bodybuilding can be identified.

I. THE ROMANTIC PERIOD OF BODYBUILDING — 1963–1973

This was a period of beginnings and enthusiasm.

Bodybuilding was only beginning to establish itself within the sporting world. There was no unified system, no common set of rules, and no international flow of information comparable to what exists today.

Individual enthusiasts played an enormous role.

They searched for information, read foreign magazines, studied photographs, followed Western athletes, developed training methods on their own, and tried to apply whatever knowledge they were able to obtain.

A new culture gradually developed in gyms.

The body became not only a symbol of physical strength, but also an object of discipline, aesthetics, and personal improvement.

Many traditions that would survive for decades were born during this period.

This was the romantic period of bodybuilding — a time when the sport was often built not for financial gain, but through enthusiasm and dedication.

II. THE PERIOD OF BANS AND PERSECUTION — 1973–1987

This period was completely different.

In some socialist countries, bodybuilding faced official distrust, various restrictions, bans, and administrative pressure.

Attitudes toward bodybuilding were contradictory.

In some countries it was regarded as something foreign, unnecessary, or ideologically unacceptable. Particularly controversial was the influence of Western culture, which increasingly reached Eastern European athletes through the press, photographs, sports literature, and training methods.

Yet something paradoxical happened.

The more restrictions appeared, the more bodybuilding moved into the sphere of enthusiasts, sports clubs, and private gyms.

It did not disappear.

It continued to exist.

Sometimes officially.

Sometimes semi-officially.

Sometimes almost underground.

This period is especially important because it tested the determination of many bodybuilding enthusiasts.

Some were forced to withdraw.

Others continued their work.

Still others became mentors to a new generation of bodybuilders.

Therefore, this period can be described not only as a period of bans, but also as a period of bodybuilding's survival.

III. THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD — THE COLLAPSE OF THE SOCIALIST SYSTEM

At the end of the 1980s, the political map of Europe began to change rapidly.

Sport changed as well.

New opportunities for travel emerged.

Information channels opened.

Athletes gained the opportunity to see directly what was happening in the West.

They could participate in international competitions, establish direct contacts with foreign organizations, and exchange experience.

The bodybuilding world, which for decades had been divided into two separate systems, began to come together.

But another process began at the same time.

The old history began to disappear.

Some of the people who had built bodybuilding during the socialist period withdrew from active involvement.

Some archives remained in private hands.

Some documents were lost.

Many old competitions and their participants were not included in later international historical publications.

Thus, political borders collapsed, but the historical gap did not disappear overnight.

IV. THE PRESENT PERIOD

Today, bodybuilding is global.

An athlete from Lithuania can compete in the United States.

A coach from Europe can communicate directly with colleagues in Asia.

Information about training, nutrition, and sporting methods is available throughout much of the world.

But globalization has another side.

Globalization can sometimes erase historical differences.

The new generation sees the present, but does not always know what came before it.

That is why it is especially important today to preserve not only current sporting achievements, but also the history of the people, organizations, and competitions that shaped the sport.

THE “AMBER PRIX” — A LIVING TESTIMONY OF HISTORY

In the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding, the “Amber Prix” holds a special place.

In 2027, Klaipėda will mark the 60th anniversary of this traditional bodybuilding event.

This is not simply a symbolic anniversary.

It represents six decades of sporting history.

Six decades during which political systems, state borders, the organization of sport, access to information, and bodybuilding itself all changed.

But the tradition survived.

That is why the history of the “Amber Prix” is important not only to Lithuanian sport.

It is part of the broader European and world history of bodybuilding.

There are few traditional bodybuilding competitions in the world whose history reaches back so many decades.

Only the NABBA “Mr. Universe,” organized in England since 1950, and the “Mr. Olympia” competition, organized in the United States since 1965, have older traditions.

Therefore, the 2027 anniversary is an opportunity not only to remember the past, but also to take a new look at the history of bodybuilding.

WHY DO WE NEED TO RETURN TO THE PAST TODAY?

Because history very quickly becomes legend.

And legend does not always coincide with fact.

One person remembers events one way.

Another remembers them differently.

One publication gives one date.

Another gives a different one.

One athlete remains in collective memory.

Another, although perhaps equally important, is forgotten.

That is why history must not only be told.

It must be documented.

Old competition records must be found.

Photographs must be preserved.

Competition posters must be collected.

Those who personally witnessed these events must be interviewed.

Dates and facts must be verified.

And, above all, history must be viewed from a broader perspective.

NOT EAST AGAINST WEST, BUT ONE COMMON HISTORY OF BODYBUILDING

When we speak about the history of socialist bodybuilding, the goal is not to set East against West.

Quite the opposite.

The goal is to show that both parts of this history existed simultaneously and influenced one another.

Western bodybuilding influenced the East.

Eastern athletes and coaches also developed their own methods, traditions, and sporting culture.

The conditions were different.

The opportunities were different.

The political environment was different.

But the human desire to become stronger, to improve oneself, and to achieve better physical development was the same.

Therefore, there is little value today in asking which side of bodybuilding history is more important.

What matters is understanding that without one of these parts, the history of world bodybuilding remains incomplete.

HISTORIES THAT MUST NOT BE LOST

The preparation of the World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia and the historical project dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the “Amber Prize” provide an opportunity to fill one of the significant gaps in the history of world bodybuilding.

It is an opportunity to bring together, in a single historical narrative, what was divided for decades.

The history of Western and Eastern bodybuilding.

The world's major competitions and smaller events that were nevertheless historically significant.

International organizations and local sports clubs.

Famous champions and the people who never became world champions but whose work laid the foundations for future generations.

Because sporting history is created not only by winners.

It is created by people.

And if we do not preserve their stories today, tomorrow there may be no one left to tell them.

THE HISTORY OF BODYBUILDING HAS NOT YET BEEN FULLY WRITTEN

The history of bodybuilding is not a finished book.

It is still being written.

Every newly discovered document, every old photograph, every competition record, and every eyewitness account can add something to the overall picture of world bodybuilding.

Therefore, studying the history of socialist bodybuilding is not simply a look into the past.

It is a responsibility to the future.

So that future generations will know that bodybuilding did not emerge in one country, one city, or one organization.

It developed in many places.

Under different conditions.

Within different political systems.

In different languages.

But it was created by people who shared the same desire — to become stronger, to improve themselves, and to build a sport.

Therefore, socialist bodybuilding is not a forgotten footnote in the history of world sport.

It is a part of world bodybuilding history that finally deserves to be told.

DORIAN YATES SPEAKS OUT: IS THE OLYMPIA MOVING AWAY FROM REAL BODYBUILDING?

Six-time Mr. Olympia champion Dorian Yates has not hidden his disappointment with the direction professional bodybuilding is taking today. The Briton's criticism goes beyond the athletes' physiques – it raises a much bigger question about what judges should actually be rewarding on the Olympia stage.

Dorian Yates needs little introduction. From 1992 to 1997, the Brit won the Mr. Olympia title six consecutive times, permanently securing his place in bodybuilding history.

His formula for victory was brutally simple and extraordinarily difficult to replicate: enormous muscle mass, incredible density, razor-sharp conditioning and extreme muscular detail.

Today, however, Yates watches professional bodybuilding from a different perspective – as a former champion and one of the sport's most influential observers.

And not everything he sees appears to impress him.

“Is this really what bodybuilding is supposed to look like?”

The 2026 Olympia once again demonstrated just how heated the debate over the direction of professional bodybuilding has become.

What should matter most today – maximum muscle mass, proportions, aesthetics, conditioning or the overall presentation on stage?

Some fans believe that the modern Open division is moving further and further away from the classic concept of bodybuilding. Athletes are becoming enormous, reaching levels of muscularity that previous generations could hardly have imagined.

But at the same time, one question keeps coming back:

Does a bigger physique automatically make someone a better bodybuilder?

This is where Dorian Yates' voice becomes particularly relevant.

The former champion has repeatedly criticized the modern pursuit of extreme physiques and has also spoken about the use of synthetic fillers such as Synthol and PMMA. In his view, practices like these can distort the very essence of bodybuilding – developing muscle and creating balanced proportions.

The 2026 Olympia sparks another wave of debate

The 2026 Mr. Olympia contest in Las Vegas was no exception.

Nick Walker won the title, Samson Dauda finished second, and Derek Lunsford took third.

The results quickly became a major topic of discussion among fans, coaches and former competitors.

But there is one important point to understand: the Olympia is not a competition where the winner can be determined by a single objective number.

Judges evaluate the complete package – muscular development, proportions, symmetry, conditioning and posing.

That is precisely why the same question returns every year:

Which of these criteria should carry the greatest weight?

One viewer sees incredible size. Another focuses on aesthetics. A third looks primarily at conditioning. A fourth asks whether a particular physique still matches their definition of an ideal bodybuilder.

That is why the Olympia has never been simply about one line on the final scorecard.

From the Yates era to the present day

The professional bodybuilding standards during Yates' era were already extreme. In fact, Yates himself was one of the athletes who helped push the sport into a new era of muscularity.

But Yates was defined by more than size.

His back became one of the most iconic physiques in bodybuilding history. Density, detail, separation and extreme conditioning were his trademarks.

He wasn't simply “big” – he looked incredibly dense, dry and hard.

Today, the situation has changed.

Athletes have become even larger. Advances in training methodology, nutrition, recovery and professional preparation have allowed competitors to reach levels of physical development that previous generations could barely imagine.

But along with that progress comes another question:

Where is the limit?

When “more” no longer means “better”

This is perhaps the central question behind Yates' criticism.

Bodybuilding has always been a sport built around the pursuit of more.

More muscle. More detail. Better proportions. Better conditioning.

But the pursuit of extremity can also become a trap.

When mass becomes the primary objective, waistlines, proportions, aesthetics and overall presentation can suffer.

And when athletes begin using synthetic fillers to alter the visual appearance of particular body parts, the debate becomes even more complicated.

That is why the criticism surrounding modern bodybuilding is about far more than one Olympia result.

It is a debate about the future of bodybuilding itself.

Should judges protect aesthetics?

This question is not going away.

If the sport continues to reward maximum muscularity above all else, athletes will have even more incentive to pursue extreme size.

If greater emphasis is placed on proportions, symmetry and aesthetics, the direction of the sport could change.

However, the official Olympia judging criteria have never simply been about “whoever is biggest wins.” Judges evaluate the athlete's physique as a complete package.

And that is precisely why every judging decision becomes a subject of debate:

Did the judging panel truly evaluate that “complete package” in the way the sport and its fans believe it should be evaluated?

Yates has become an uncomfortable voice

Dorian Yates is no longer fighting for the Sandow trophy. He is no longer stepping onstage or trying to win the approval of judges.

That gives his comments a different kind of weight.

He speaks as someone who has already stood where today's best bodybuilders are trying to go. He knows what it means to prepare for the Olympia, understands the level of conditioning required to compete at the highest level, and belongs to the generation that transformed professional bodybuilding.

That is why his criticism raises an uncomfortable question:

Is modern bodybuilding still trying to create the perfect physique – or has it become a competition to see who can become the biggest human being on the stage?

The answer will not depend solely on the judges.

It will be shaped by the athletes themselves, their coaches, promoters and millions of fans around the world.

One thing is certain: Dorian Yates' era ended nearly three decades ago, but his vision of what an elite bodybuilder should look like continues to fuel debate.

And judging by the reaction to the 2026 Olympia, that debate is far from over.

World Bodybuilding History.

WFF-WBBF PROFESSIONAL DIVISION FOR ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES.

From the 1998 Palanga Congress to the International Professional Stage

The WFF-WBBF International Congress held in Palanga in 1998 became an important milestone in the history of sport for people with disabilities. Following the decisions adopted at the Congress, the World WFF-WBBF Federation (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) began systematically developing activities involving athletes with disabilities. According to the federation's historical sources, continuous work with athletes with disabilities began in 1999.

This was an important step from individual athlete appearances toward a consistent international competition system for athletes with disabilities, in which athletes could compete for World and European Championship titles and participate in international tournaments.

The First Generation of Champions

The first international WFF-WBBF champions among athletes with disabilities were Garib Jounis (Netherlands), Torsten Petersen (Denmark), Aleksandr Koroliov (Estonia), and Sergej Beglik (Lithuania).

A special place in this history belongs to Lithuanian athlete Sergej Beglik (Lithuania). The federation's historical sources emphasize that he won all the official international competitions that were possible at the time — the World and European Championships, as well as the international “Universe” tournament. Then his trainer was the best Lithuania bodybuilder of all times Natalija Murnikoviene.

The official WFF-WBBF historical list of champions shows that Torsten Petersen (Denmark) became World Champion in 1999, 2000 and 2002, Aleksandr Koroliov (Estonia) in 2001, Sergej Beglik (Lithuania) in 2003, and Garib Younis (Netherlands) in 2004.

This first generation of athletes laid the foundations for the international WFF-WBBF tradition in sport for people with disabilities.

An International Sports Movement

In subsequent years, numerous high-level international athletes from different countries emerged in the WFF-WBBF division for athletes with disabilities.

Among them were:

Mickael Louvel (France), Peter Smit (South Africa), Tolga Murat Balikci (Turkey), Dian Michailov (Bulgaria), Petar Milenkovič (Serbia), Anastasia Belkovskaja (Russia), Gustavo Rodrigues (Brazil), Karol Milewski (Poland), Mariusz Krzystof Kupczak (Poland), Grzegorz Dabrowski (Poland), Aleksandr Golub (Ukraine), Nias Izmailov (Ukraine), Oleg Abornev (Ukraine), Oleg Pileckij (Ukraine), Aleksandr Rossomakin (Ukraine), Ravinder Singh (India), Anand Arnold (India), and Aleksejs Petkevics (Latvia).

Lithuania was represented by Viktoras Topolis (Lithuania), Nikolajus Mironovas (Lithuania), Arturas Krutulis (Lithuania), Genadijus Zametaškinas (Lithuania), Karolis Stončius (Lithuania), and Artūras Bolyčevas (Lithuania).

This list of athletes demonstrates the true international character of the division: it represents countries from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.

The World Champions’ Chain

The historical list of World Champions published by WFF-WBBF shows a consistent succession of champions from different countries. Following the first generation, the World Champions were:

Oleg Abornev (Ukraine) — 2014; Karol Milewski (Poland) — 2015; Anand Arnold (India) — 2016; Mariusz Krzystof Kupczak (Poland) — 2017 and 2019; Tolga Murat Balikci (Turkey) — 2018; Aleksejs Petkevics (Latvia) — 2020, 2021 and 2022; Grzegorz Piotr Dabrowski (Poland) — 2023.

This succession of champions clearly demonstrates how the geographical distribution of leading athletes in disability sport changed over more than two decades — from athletes representing Lithuania, Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands to champions from Ukraine, Poland, India, Turkey and Latvia.

The Professional Division — A New Historical Stage

Another essential step for WFF-WBBF was the creation of a professional division for athletes with disabilities.

The Executive Council of the federation decided to establish the WFF-WBBF Professional Division for Athletes with Disabilities.

It consists of two main categories:

general category for professional athletes with disabilities; category for professional athletes with disabilities competing in wheelchairs.

Athletes who meet the WFF-WBBF professional requirements may receive a WFF-WBBF Professional Card (“Pro Card”) and participate in professional competitions.

This represented a qualitatively new stage. An athlete with a disability became not only a participant in international amateur competitions, but also an athlete within the professional sports system.

In 2018, Tolga Murat Balikci (Turkey) became the first-ever WFF-WBBF World Professional Champion among athletes with disabilities. In the same year, he also won the World Amateur Championship among all participating athletes.

Professional Champions

Among the most prominent WFF-WBBF professional athletes in disability sport were:

Anand Arnold (India); Aleksejs Petkevics (Latvia); Tolga Murat Balikci (Turkey); Mickael Louvel (France); Kamil Kowalczyk (Poland).

The international character of the professional division continued in later years.

14 Countries — One Sporting History

The historical list of WFF-WBBF athletes in disability sport represents 14 countries:

the Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, South Africa, Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, Poland, France, India, and Latvia.

This is not merely a statistical fact. The geography of 14 countries demonstrates that the WFF-WBBF disability sport division has grown into an international sports system, bringing together representatives of different continents and sporting schools.

A special place in this history belongs to Lithuania. It was not only the home country of one of the first champions — Sergej Beglik (Lithuania) — but also one of the countries from which several high-level international athletes emerged. Furthermore, the international congress held in Palanga in 1998 is identified in the federation's history as an important starting point for further work with athletes with disabilities.

Conclusion

The history of WFF-WBBF disability sport is not merely a history of World Champions, medals and titles.

It is a journey of more than two decades — from the decisions of the 1998 Palanga Congress to an international professional sports system in which athletes from 14 countries competed for World Championship titles and professional status.

During this period, several generations of athletes emerged. Among them were Torsten Petersen (Denmark), Garib Jounis (Netherlands), Aleksandr Koroliov (Estonia), Sergej Beglik (Lithuania), Oleg Abornev (Ukraine), Karol Milewski (Poland), Anand Arnold (India), Tolga Murat Balikci (Turkey), Mariusz Krzystof Kupczak (Poland), Aleksejs Petkevics (Latvia), Grzegorz Piotr Dabrowski (Poland) and many other athletes who became part of WFF-WBBF disability sport history.

The most important message of this history is that disability is not an obstacle to achieving the highest level of sporting excellence. An athlete with a disability can be a World Champion, a professional, a representative of their country, and an equal member of the international sporting community.

Therefore, the history of the WFF-WBBF disability sport division can be viewed as a long-term project of sporting excellence, internationalism, professionalism and inclusion.

Its origins are linked to Lithuania, while its achievements belong to the entire international sporting community.

The History of Champions — More Than a List of Titles

WFF-WBBF historical data records a consistent succession of World Champions among athletes with disabilities. It includes athletes from different generations: from Torsten Petersen, Garib Jounis and Sergej Beglik to Tolga Murat Balikci, Karol Milewski, Mariusz Krzystof Kupczak, Anand Arnold, Aleksejs Petkevics and Grzegorz Dabrowski.

Several athletes stand out particularly. In 2018, Tolga Murat Balikci became the first-ever WFF-WBBF World Professional Champion among athletes with disabilities. Aleksejs Petkevics subsequently emerged as one of the most prominent athletes with disabilities in the world, while Mariusz Krzystof Kupczak won the World Championship title more than once.

The Professional Division — A New Historical Stage

Another important step was the creation of the WFF-WBBF Professional Division for athletes with disabilities. By decision of the federation's Executive Council, a professional system was established, providing top-level athletes with the opportunity to move from amateur to professional sport.

The professional division includes two main categories:

general category for professional athletes with disabilities; category for professional athletes with disabilities competing in wheelchairs.

Athletes who meet the WFF-WBBF professional criteria may receive a WFF-WBBF Professional Card (“Pro Card”) and participate in professional competitions.

This was a fundamental change: an athlete with a disability became not only a competition participant, but also a part of the professional sports system.

Professional Champions

Among the most prominent WFF-WBBF professional athletes in disability sport are:

Anand Arnold (India); Aleksejs Petkevics (Latvia); Tolga Murat Balikci (Turkey); Mickael Louvel (France); Kamil Kowalczyk (Poland).

The professional division remains part of the WFF-WBBF competition system today. In more recent competition data published by the federation, the “Disabled Bodybuilding” category is listed among the professional categories.

The Main Conclusion of WFF-WBBF Disability Sport History

The history of WFF-WBBF disability sport is more than the history of individual champions and medals.

From the decisions adopted in Palanga in 1998 to the creation of the professional division, a journey was made from individual international appearances to an organized and international sports system.

During this period, several generations of champions emerged, while athletes from Lithuania, Europe, Asia, Africa and South America demonstrated that disability is not an obstacle to achieving the highest sporting results, becoming a World Champion, or attaining professional status.

The most important message of this history is that an athlete with a disability is not an exception here. They are an athlete striving for the highest level of sporting excellence, with the right to international recognition, professional status, and a place on the world sporting stage.

Therefore, the history of the WFF-WBBF disability sport division can be regarded as a long-term project of inclusion, sporting professionalism and international competition, whose origins are associated with Lithuania and, in particular, with the 1998 international congress in Palanga

WFF-WBBF International since 1968

Trainer‘s and Coaches seminar since 1986

September 27, 2026, Klaipeda, Lithuania

Official information: www.wff.lt; www.worldfitness.lt

Slovakia as an International Center of W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Bodybuilding and Fitness: The Role of Patron Stefan Hrčka (2009–2013). Introduction

At the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century and the beginning of the second, the Slovak Republic emerged as one of the most important centers of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement in Europe. This development was closely linked to the activities of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.), as well as to the exceptional support provided by Slovak patron and public figure Stefan Hrčka. Through his initiative and organizational capabilities, Slovakia became the host of a series of high-level international sporting events that attracted the attention not only of the sports community but also of the country’s highest political institutions.

The 2009 “Universe” Contest in Brusno Kupele

A significant milestone was the international “Universe” contest held on November 6–8, 2009, in the Brusno Kupele resort located in the Tatra region of Slovakia. Athletes from thirteen countries participated in the event: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

The international status of the contest was underscored by the presence of high-ranking Slovak state officials. Among them was Dušan Galis, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Government Committee for Youth and Sports, who presented a Letter of Appreciation from the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, to the President of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. This gesture reflected the official recognition of the Federation’s activities and its contribution to the organization of international sporting events.

International Recognition and the “International Honour Gold Medal”

During the 2009 event, former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Vladimír Mečiar was awarded the International Honour Gold Medal. The award recognized his personal contribution to the development of sport and the promotion of health and fitness both nationally and internationally.

At that time, the medal represented one of the highest distinctions conferred by the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. Prior to Mečiar, it had been awarded only to former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl. This practice reflected the Federation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between sport and public institutions while recognizing individuals who contributed significantly to the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Cooperation with Slovak State Institutions

Following the 2009 “Universe” contest, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received an official invitation to the Government Office of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. During the meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico and Chancellor František Hatar, discussions focused on the future development of international sport and the prospects for organizing further W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events in Slovakia.

During the visit, Robert Fico was presented with the International Honour Gold Medal as a symbol of the Federation’s appreciation for his support of sport and health-promotion initiatives.

This cooperation continued in 2012. While preparing for the World Championship in Brusno Kupele, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a second official meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. The meeting was attended by Stefan Hrčka and Lubomir Martinka, the official W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. representative in Slovakia. During the discussions, Prime Minister Fico agreed to serve as Patron of the World Championship, once again demonstrating the Slovak Government’s support for the event.

Slovakia as a Center of International Bodybuilding Events

Between 2009 and 2013, the Brusno Kupele resort became the permanent venue for the most important W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events, including World Amateur and Professional Championships and international “Universe” contests. The organizational foundation of these events was built upon the close cooperation between the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and Stefan Hrčka.

Particularly significant were the events held in 2013, which were attended by the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Ján Figeľ. During his visit, he not only participated in the official ceremonies but also presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the Slovak Parliament’s Certificate of Honour and a special Parliamentary Medal in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the development of international fitness and bodybuilding.

Subsequently, at the invitation of the Speaker, Dr. Daubaras paid an official visit to the Parliament of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. The meetings focused on issues related to sports policy, public health promotion, and international cooperation.

International Recognition and Continuity

The support of Slovak state institutions for the Federation’s activities continued beyond 2013. During the 2016 W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. World Championship held in Lithuania, Slovak delegation leader Lubomir Martinka presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with a Certificate of Honour from the Parliament of the Slovak Republic. The document was signed by Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Andrej Hrnčiar.

This award symbolized the long-term cooperation between Slovakia and the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and served as recognition of outstanding contributions to the development of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement.

Development of International Relations

The expansion of international relations also played an important role in the Federation’s activities. In 2011, an official visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Bratislava was organized. The meeting with the Cuban Ambassador was attended by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras and Stefan Hrčka. Discussions focused on opportunities for Cuban athletes to participate in W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events and on future prospects for sports cooperation.

Conclusions

The period from 2009 to 2013 occupies a special place in the history of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. During these years, Slovakia became one of the most significant international centers of fitness and bodybuilding in Europe. This status was achieved not only through the regular organization of world-class sporting events but also through the active involvement of Slovak state institutions.

An analysis of this period demonstrates that a decisive role was played by patron Stefan Hrčka, whose initiatives, organizational efforts, and financial support created the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of long-term international projects. His contribution stands as a notable example of how private patronage and civic initiative can enable a relatively small European nation to become a focal point of a global sporting movement.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES AND TRAINERS SEMINAR IN KLAIPEDA. WHEN BODYBUILDING BECAME JUST ABOUT MUSCLES: WHERE DID THE ART OF POSING GO?

Bodybuilding was once about much more than displaying muscles. It was about the stage, music, movement, artistry, and the ability to turn one’s physique into a true stage performance. Today, much of that has disappeared. Has bodybuilding become too simplistic?

This question will be discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda, Lithuania, at an international seminar for coaches and judges, organized by the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University (ISU).

One of the main topics of the seminar will be the art of posing, its importance in competition, new categories and judging principles, as well as the future development of bodybuilding.

There Was a Time When Muscles Alone Were Not Enough

There was a period in bodybuilding history when an athlete had to be more than physically well prepared. He had to know how to present his physique.

In 1987, during the establishment of the USSR Bodybuilding Federation, a series of specialized seminars was organized. One of them was conducted by Vitalijus Asovskis, then head of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.

Together with Česlavas Tamulevičius, the founder of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, and drawing on their practical experience and years of work with athletes, he developed a classification of the main bodybuilding poses.

This was not merely technical work. Posing was understood as a special language through which an athlete told the story of his physique on stage.

On Stage, It Was Not Enough to Be Strong — You Had to Know How to Show It

At that time, the free posing routine played a particularly important role.

An athlete did not simply perform the mandatory poses. He created his own performance: choosing the music, arranging the sequence of poses, transitions and movements, and creating a complete stage presentation.

Judges evaluated the overall impression of the routine, artistry, stage presence, musicality, posing technique and the athlete’s ability to move smoothly from one pose to another.

This forced athletes to develop far beyond the gym.

Lifting weights alone was not enough to become a stage virtuoso. Athletes had to learn how to control their bodies, understand music, use the stage, connect with the audience and present themselves to the judges.

Anyone can lift a barbell. Far fewer can command a stage.

As a result, there were occasions when a physically outstanding athlete lost to a competitor who was better able to present his physique on stage.

This judging philosophy encouraged bodybuilders to work harder and develop not only their physiques, but also their stagecraft.

The Vilnius School Created Not Only Physiques, but Stage Art

Specialists of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding carefully studied the experience of other sports. They analyzed routines from artistic gymnastics and figure skating, examining their structure, artistry, musicality and judging principles.

This experience was then adapted to bodybuilding.

As a result, Lithuania produced an entire generation of athletes for whom the stage was just as important as the training hall.

Among them were Pranas Murauskas, Jevgenijus Gorelikas, Jevgenijus Žurcevas, Rišardas Krinickis, Vytautas Pleckevičius, Saulius Misevičius, Vladas Kapcevičius, Viačeslavas Chleborodovas and many other athletes of that era.

Their performances were not simply demonstrations of poses.

They were performances.

What Happened to Bodybuilding Today?

Today, free posing routines are no longer evaluated in many bodybuilding competitions.

And this creates one of the fundamental problems.

If posing skill has no impact on the final result, why should an athlete spend hundreds of hours developing it?

Perfecting posing requires time. It requires coaching, specialized knowledge, stage experience, musical awareness and countless rehearsals.

As a result, athletes naturally focus on the elements that directly influence their competitive results.

The result is increasing uniformity.

The same movements. The same poses. The same stage solutions.

The athlete walks onto the stage, displays his physique and walks off.

But where has the individuality gone? Where is the personality of the performance? Where is the moment when spectators are waiting not only to see what kind of physique an athlete has brought to the competition, but how he will present it?

Is Bodybuilding Losing Its Stage Identity?

Bodybuilding has always been unique because it brought together sport and stage performance.

Muscle was only one part of the equation.

The other was the ability to present it.

When the artistic component disappears from the judging system, competitions become increasingly uniform. And the more uniform they become, the fewer reasons spectators have to look forward to the next athlete’s performance.

Perhaps this is why it is time to look again at something that was once considered an essential part of bodybuilding.

2027 Could Become a Year of Change

The WFF-WBBF Federation has announced plans to reintroduce the evaluation of free posing routines for professional bodybuilders starting in 2027.

This would represent an attempt to bring back an element that once encouraged athletes to become not only physically powerful, but also true stage performers.

Will this change bodybuilding?

The answer will depend on how the judging criteria are formulated and how the idea is received by athletes, coaches and judges.

But one thing is clear:

Bodybuilding cannot be reduced to a display of muscles.

An athlete on stage should not simply stand there.

He should perform.

This will be one of the key subjects discussed on September 27, 2026, in Klaipėda at the International Seminar for Coaches and Judges.

Perhaps it is time to remember that bodybuilding does not begin when an athlete steps onto the stage.

It begins when an athlete learns how to tell the story of his physique on stage.

More information about the seminar: www.worldfitness.lt