Philosophical Reflections

Philosophical Reflections The Road Traveled in Life. The Road Traveled in Sport. Who Are You After All of It?

A life devoted to sport is a long and demanding journey. Along the way there are discoveries and achievements, victories and disappointments. As the years pass, we increasingly find ourselves saying farewell to colleagues, like-minded friends, and our "iron brothers."

We have already bid farewell to the pioneers of bodybuilding in Europe and Lithuania, the founders and leading representatives of the famous Vilnius School of Bodybuilding—Ceslav Tamulevic, Vitalij Asovskij, Riaard Krinickij, and Valerij Koreskov. Their life's work and accomplishments will remain forever in the history of world bodybuilding. They left behind not only remarkable sporting achievements but also an example for future generations.

After the collapse of the socialist world, we entered the era of Western democracy. Sport changed as well. What did we find? Some managed to adapt while remaining true to their principles, but many others were simply swallowed by the new system.

Today, athletes wander among dozens of bodybuilding federations. The choice is enormous. There is "natural" bodybuilding, countless alternative organizations, and every one of them crowns its own world champions. Every year, hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of new world champions are created. Yet within a year, few people remember their names. There was a time when every true bodybuilding enthusiast knew the world champions by name.

With only a few exceptions, modern bodybuilding has lost what once gave it its prestige: clear sporting value and genuine authority. Everyone is free to choose whatever path they prefer. Many now express themselves through sports festivals, which have become increasingly common. They offer titles, trophies, applause, and recognition.

But it is worth asking yourself one question: when your competitive career is over, years from now, will you truly be proud of the titles you won at festivals?

In just a few days, Vilnius will host Lithuania's famous Song Celebration—a magnificent cultural festival. Its participants also receive awards and public recognition. Is a victory at a sports festival fundamentally different from a victory at a cultural festival? Let every athlete answer that question for themselves.

It is regrettable that so many bodybuilders today rarely stop to reflect, analyze, or think strategically. Too often they move forward with confidence, yet without asking whether they are heading in the right direction. Visionary coaches and leaders—people capable of looking beyond the next competition and thinking about the future of the sport—have become increasingly rare.

After the death of Inar Mardo, Estonian bodybuilding was led for many years by a man – restaurant cook - better known for his personal connections than for sporting achievements. Another federation leader became widely known as a trader in the country's markets. Were these the sporting authorities capable of leading a national sport? Where is Estonian bodybuilding today? As for Latvia, its situation hardly inspires greater optimism.

Athletes—observe. Think. Analyze. Draw your own conclusions.

Life passes quickly. Lost time can never be recovered. That is why it is not enough simply to win today. What truly matters is choosing a path that you will still be proud of many years from now. Only then will the years devoted to sport have their deepest meaning.