The Years of Bodybuilding Prohibition in Klaipeda. The Period Before the Public “Amber Prix” Tournament (Until 1976).

The history of bodybuilding in Klaipeda differed little from developments in other Lithuanian cities or throughout the socialist countries. It was a period when an officially prohibited sport survived solely through the efforts of enthusiasts — in basements, bomb shelters, and illegal clubs. Today, this era is regarded as a unique testimony to its time and an important part of Lithuania’s sports history.

In 1969, Edmundas Daubaras purchased his first barbell and, together with Algis Zivelis, began training at home. Soon, increasing numbers of local young people gathered at the Daubaras family apartment to exercise. As the constant flow of visitors became difficult for the family to accommodate, training sessions were moved first to the basement of an apartment building and later to the railway workers’ pioneer camp in Giruliai. One of the leading authorities of the time became Rimantas Budrys. Although conditions were extremely modest, the athletes remained dedicated.

In 1970, after the withdrawal from active activity of Klaipeda bodybuilding leader Antanas Jonuskutis (1942–2003), the city’s athletes dispersed among various adapted and non-adapted training premises. Nevertheless, the bodybuilding movement did not stop.

A major turning point came in 1971, when Klaipeda Seaport employee Vytautas Daubaras obtained premises for young athletes in a bomb shelter belonging to the port on Sportininku Street. There, the “Gintaras” (“Amber”) club was established, becoming the main bodybuilding center in Klaipeda during the harshest prohibition years. Around one hundred enthusiasts attended the club. Remarkably, the club’s traditions continue to this day — it is now known as “Amber Gym” and remains one of the organizers of the “Amber Prix” competition.

In 1971, in Tallinn, then part of the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945-2002) launched the tournament that later became a traditional event known as the “Georg Tenno Memorial.” The overall winners of the first competition were Valdas Aliubavičius from Vilnius in the junior division (the 1968 overall junior winner of the “Amber Prize” tournament) and Vladimir Dubinin from Leningrad in the adult division.

A few words about Georg Tenno. An officer in the Soviet Army, he was accused of espionage in 1948 and sentenced to imprisonment in the Gulag system. While incarcerated, he shared a prison cell with the future Nobel Prize laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. During his imprisonment, Georg Tenno attempted to escape five times. In his famous work “The Gulag Archipelago” (“Архипелаг ГУЛАГ”), Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn dedicated a chapter to him titled “The Convicted Escapee” (“Убежденный беглец”).

In 1972, Edmundas Daubaras left to study philology at Vilnius State University but maintained close ties with Klaipeda athletes. He continued to lead the “Gintaras” club through his associates Algimantas Stalnionis and Algimantas Ratas.

After the USSR and other socialist countries officially banned bodybuilding, activities moved underground. In 1973, Edmundas Daubaras organized illegal bodybuilding competitions in the basement of the old city prison, attended by the bravest Klaipeda athletes of the time. In the adult division, Mindaugas Liaugaudas won first place, while the youth category was won by Algimantas Ratas.

That same year, Edmundas Daubaras gathered athletes from illegally operating clubs in Vilnius and organized strength dual competitions. Forty-six athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated. It was one of the first attempts to preserve a united Lithuanian bodybuilding community despite the prohibitions.

In 1974, the “Amber Prix” tournament was held in the bomb shelter premises of the “Gintaras” club. Athletes from four underground Klaipeda clubs took part. The competition program consisted of three parts: strength exercises, mandatory posing routines, and freestyle performances.

The junior divisions were won by Antanas Kazlauskas, Algimantas Ratas, and Sigitas Kisonas. In the youth divisions, the strongest competitors were Kestutis Virketis and Evaldas Sorius, while the adult categories were won by Sigitas Vilutis and Vytautas Zenkevicius. The absolute winners of their respective age groups were Antanas Kazlauskas, Evaldas Sorius, and Vytautas Zenkevicius.

After a two-year break, Estonian organizer Inar Mardo (Innar Mardo, 1945–2002) managed to revive the “Georg Tenno Memorial” competition in 1974. He succeeded in convincing Estonian political authorities that bodybuilding was a national Estonian sport with deep traditions. The competition took place at the Tallinn Technical School. Athletes from the “Vilnius School of Bodybuilding” won all first places except in the tallest height category, where Estonian Olev Annus defeated the favored RSFSR representative Vladimir Dubinin. The overall champion became Pranas Murauskas.

In 1975, the “Amber Prize” tournament was already being held in one of Klaipėda’s secondary schools. In addition to local athletes, competitors from Telšiai and Vilnius participated. The junior groups were won by Leonidas Rodionovas, Rimas Apulskis, and Antanas Dobrodzejus. In the youth categories, first places were claimed by Antanas Bašermanas, Algimantas Ruplys, and Aimontas Dolgichas. In the adult groups, the winners were Vytautas Zenkevičius, Olegas Serovas, and Rišardas Krinickis. The absolute winners were Rimas Apulskis, Algimantas Ruplys, and Rišardas Krinickis.

Despite prohibitions, constant surveillance, and poor training conditions, bodybuilding in Klaipeda not only survived but continued to grow stronger. During this period, the foundations were laid for a tradition that would later become one of most famous international bodybuilding events — the “Amber Prix” competition.

In 1975, during a university student exchange program, Edmundas Daubaras spent two months in Prague (Czechoslovak Socialist Republic). There he met Vojtech Fiala, president of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation. Vojtech Fiala was delighted to meet a representative of Soviet bodybuilding after a ten-year break. Seeking to demonstrate good relations with the USSR, he introduced Edmundas Daubaras to officials of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports (ČSTV – Československý svaz tělesné výchovy).

Edmundas Daubaras was surprised that, during the years when bodybuilding was banned in the USSR, Czechoslovak bodybuilders enjoyed official government support. In 1975, they participated for the first time in the IFBB European Championship held in the West. At that championship, Czech athlete Petr Stach not only won his category but also became the overall European champion.

At the initiative of Vojtech Fiala, Edmundas Daubaras visited the town of Rodotín, where the renowned athlete Petr Stach lived. The European champion welcomed the distinguished guest by holding an exhibition training session, during which he demonstrated his excellent physical condition and impressive musculature.

Among the participants of the “Amber Prix” tournaments were individuals who later became prominent Lithuanian public officials. Risardas Krinickis, who served for many years as one of the leaders of the State Control Committee under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, made a significant contribution to organizing numerous international “Amber Prix” tournaments between 1995 and 2008. For his merits to the international bodybuilding movement, he was awarded the “International Honor Gold Medal” of the World WFF-WBBF Federation in 2008.

Another participant was Kestutis Virketis, long-time Director of the Legal Department of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. He also made an important contribution to organizing the 40th anniversary “Amber Prix” tournament. In 2024, he too was awarded the “International Honor Gold Medal” of the World WFF-WBBF Federation for his contribution to the international bodybuilding movement.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

GET TO KNOW RESPECTFUL INTERNATIONAL SPORT PERSONS. “AMBER PRIX” HISTORICAL INSPIRERS, SUPPORTERS AND PATRONS.

Throughout six decades of the history of the “Amber Prix” tournament, this prestigious event has been supported by prominent politicians, sports organizers, bodybuilding pioneers, patrons, and public figures from many countries around the world. Their contribution significantly influenced the development of Lithuanian bodybuilding and the strengthening of the international WFF-WBBF movement.

Professor Alfred Gerstl

Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Austria. From 2006 to 2009, he served as patron of the WFF-WBBF World Championships. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” he presented for the people of Klaipeda a collection of original photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger from that period, as well as a documentary film about the legendary athlete and actor. The photographs and the film were showcased in Klaipeda during the competition. In 2009, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Robert Fico

Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic. From 2011 to 2012, he acted as patron of the WFF-WBBF World Championships. In 2012, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Jerzy Gotowski

Patron and organizer of the 2008 World Championship, laureate of the Order of Saint Stanislaw. In 2009, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Štefan Hrčka

Patron and organizer of the World Championships from 2010 to 2014. In 2011, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Alexander Nevsky

Patron, Hollywood actor and film director, three-time absolute WFF-WBBF “Universe” champion. In 2011 awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Bob Hoffman

Robert Collins Hoffman (1898–1985) was one of the founders of official world bodybuilding. Through his efforts, from 1947 to 1969 world bodybuilding was supervised by the International Weightlifting Federation, a member organization of the International Olympic Committee. Known as the “Father of World Weightlifting,” he created a true “muscle empire” and trained numerous Olympic champions.

Oscar State

Oscar State (1911–1984) served as Secretary General of the International Weightlifting Federation F.I.H.C. (now I.W.F.) from 1960 to 1974. In 1970, he contributed to the establishment of the international IFBB federation and helped it gain membership in the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).

Oscar Heidenstam

Oscar Heidenstam (1911–1991), long-time president of the NABBA Association, opened the way in 1991 for Lithuanian bodybuilders to become members of the international organization. He also influenced NABBA to become one of the first international sports organizations to recognize Lithuania’s independence and the National Olympic Committee of Lithuania.

Ben Weider

Benjamin Weider (1923–2008) was one of the founders of the IFBB commercial company (1946) and the IFBB sport organization (1970). From 1970, he served as President of the International IFBB Federation and strongly influenced the development of bodybuilding in socialist countries.

Brone Dubar

Brone “Brownie” Dubar (Daubaraite, 1906–1986) was a Lithuanian-American athlete, gymnast, and one of the most prominent early pioneers of physical culture and fitness. She is widely regarded as the world’s first female fitness athlete. After emigrating from Lithuania to the United States in 1912, Brone Dubar soon became internationally known for her exceptional acrobatic and gymnastic performances. She toured extensively, demonstrating her athletic abilities in many countries and participating in numerous sports events. Her performances and promotion of an active lifestyle were far ahead of their time and became an inspiration for future generations of athletes. An important part of Brone Dubar’s legacy is also connected to the development of bodybuilding in Lithuania. During the years when bodybuilding was banned or strictly restricted in socialist countries, she supported the international bodybuilding contest “Amber Prix,” maintained contact with its organizers, and sent American sports literature and training materials. In this way, she contributed to the spread of modern physical culture and fitness ideas in Lithuania. Today, Brone “Brownie” Dubar is remembered as a pioneer of sport and fitness whose achievements helped pave the way for women in fitness and left a lasting mark on international sports history.

Georg Tenno

(1911–1967) was one of the pioneers of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union. An officer of the Soviet Army, he was accused of espionage in 1948 and sentenced to imprisonment in labor camps. He shared a prison cell with future Nobel Prize laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. During his imprisonment, Georg Tenno attempted escape five times. In his work The Gulag Archipelago, Solzhenitsyn dedicated the chapter “The Convicted Escapist” to him. In 1968, Georg Tenno’s book Athleticism was published.

Vojtech Fiala

Vojtech Fiala was the president of the National Federation of Bodybuilding of the Czechoslovak SSR. Through his personal connections, in 1975 he managed to secure government approval for athletes to travel to the West and compete in the IFBB European Championships. That year, Petr Stach won the overall European championship title. This victory became a significant achievement for socialist bodybuilding, which at the time was subjected to political pressure and persecution by the authorities. For many years afterward, Czechoslovak bodybuilders continued to compete in the West, while athletes from other socialist countries could hardly even dream of such an opportunity. In 1979, Vojtech Fiala initiated friendly competitions between Soviet and Czechoslovak bodybuilders: the Czechoslovaks were invited to compete in the “Amber Prix” Tournament, while Soviet athletes took part in the Czechoslovak National Championships.

Inar Mardo

1945-2002). Founder and organizer of the international “Georg Tenno Memorial” tournaments since 1970. One of the most respected leaders of Estonian bodybuilding, he consistently supported the organizers of the “Amber Prize” tournament.

Martin Kuta

Patron and organizer of the WFF Professional Fitness World Championships at Prague’s Žofín Palace from 2006 to 2009. In 2008, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Rišardas Krinickis

(1949-2015). One of the leaders of the State Control Committee of the Republic of Lithuania. From 1996 to 2006, he made a significant contribution to organizing international WFF-WBBF events in Lithuania. Two-time absolute champion of the “Amber Prize” tournament. Awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Kęstutis Virketis

Long-time Director of the Legal Department of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. Participant and category winner of the 1974 “Amber Prize” tournament. In 2024, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Česlav Tamulevic

(1945-2023). Founder and coach of the unique “Vilnius Bodybuilding School,” which prepared athletes for the “Amber Prize” tournament. In 2020, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

Vitalij Asovskij

(1952-2026). Poet and playwright. After the illness of Česlavas Tamulevičius, he took over the leadership of the “Vilnius Bodybuilding School.” In 2020, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania.

Valerij Koreskov

Journalist and photographer, one of the pioneers of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union. Awarded the international John Grimek Prize and a UNESCO honorary certificate. In 2018, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania.

Professor Vasiliy Bespalenko

Professor at four universities, multiple WFF-WBBF World and European champion. In 2023, he became the absolute champion of the “Amber Prize” tournament. In 2022, he was awarded the Honorary Gold Medal of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“AMBER PRIX” – WHAT IS IT? HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

For more than six decades, the name “Amber Prix” has resonated throughout the world. What is it? Once a traditional bodybuilding tournament, today it has grown into a broad movement promoting wellness, fitness, and professional sport. Thanks to the activities of the international WFF-WBBF Federation, the “Amber Prix” has become a significant international sporting phenomenon.

During the period when bodybuilding was banned in the Soviet Union, the “Amber Prix” competition became the unofficial USSR Bodybuilding Championship, later recognized as such by the USSR Ministry of Sports. At that time, for many athletes from across the Soviet Union, this tournament effectively served as both the World and European Championship. The highest sporting achievements were associated with victories and prize-winning places at the “Amber Prix” competition.

In his efforts to rehabilitate bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras spent years corresponding with leaders of the USSR Weightlifting Federation, the central Soviet sports press, and meeting with the Minister of Sports of the Lithuanian SSR, Zigmas Motiekaitis. Eventually, he decided to prepare and submit an official petition defending bodybuilding to the highest political authorities in Moscow. At that time, not a single well-known bodybuilding organizer, coach, or athlete supported this initiative — on the contrary, most advised him to abandon the idea.

It was through the efforts of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras that permission was granted to organize the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda. Later, under the leadership of Romanas Kalinauskas, Kaunas bodybuilders began organizing the traditional “Komsomol Cup” competitions. These initiatives continued until the collapse of the Soviet Union.

After Lithuania restored its independence, the “Amber Prix” tournament continuously received support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On the occasion of the tournament’s 40th anniversary, the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania adopted a decision to provide state funding for the event through a separate line in the national budget.

Today, the “Amber Prix” is not only a part of sports history, but also an international symbol of bodybuilding and wellness that promotes Lithuania throughout the world. Throughout the history of the “Amber Prix” tournament, athletes from various countries around the world have participated, representing all continents. Exceptional records were also achieved: in 1998, as many as 91 city teams participated in the “Amber Prix” tournament; in 2008, athletes from 32 countries competed in the event held in Klaipėda; and in 2026, around 300 athletes took part in the tournament.

More information about these historical events and the activities of the international federation can be found on the official website: www.wff.lt

KLAIPĖDA’S TRADITION CONTINUED. The “Amber Prix” Tournament, 1969–1970.

In 1969, a strong wave of sporting enthusiasm swept across Lithuania, including the rapidly growing sport of bodybuilding. Public interest in this new athletic discipline was remarkable. Bodybuilding competitions were staged at prestigious venues such as the Vingis Park stage in Vilnius and the Kaunas Sports Hall, attracting significant public attention. The events were covered extensively by the press and even broadcast on national television.

The results of the earliest bodybuilding tournaments, however, should be viewed with some reservation. Judged by modern bodybuilding standards, the outcomes would likely have been very different. At the time, bodybuilding competitions always included a strength component, which encouraged competitors to invite weightlifters to participate. As a result, many early champions owed their victories primarily to outstanding performances in strength exercises rather than to muscular development or physique aesthetics.

This became particularly evident during the 1970 competition held in Kaliningrad (RSFSR), where Klaipėda weightlifters Algis Eidukas and Alfonsas Mėcius outperformed nearly all the bodybuilders and emerged victorious. Among the champions, only Antanas Mineikis could be considered a true bodybuilder in the modern sense, distinguished both by his impressive muscular physique and strong results in the strength events.

The 1969 “Amber Prix” tournament was held at the Palace of Culture of the Klaipėda Construction Trust. In keeping with tradition, the competition consisted of two parts: athletes first competed in strength exercises and later demonstrated their physiques.

The event featured musical accompaniment by the popular jazz ensemble “Žėrutis.” On this occasion, former rower and member of Klaipėda’s amateur circus group Antanas Mineikis not only won his height category but also captured the overall champion title. In his category, he defeated the favorite and reigning 1968 champion Leonas Pivoriūnas.

In the second height category, victory went to Klaipėda heavyweight athlete Alfonsas Mėčius, while the first category was won by Kaunas representative Giršas Langevičius. Prize-winning places were also secured by Klaipėda athletes Kestutis Rumsas, Petras Lenkauskas, Jonas Vaiciulis, and Bronius Kilinskas.

By 1970, the “Amber Prix” tournament attracted somewhat less attention, as Lithuania was hosting several other international bodybuilding events, while the national team celebrated a successful appearance at competitions in the Polish People’s Republic. The winners of the fourth “Amber Prix” tournament categories were Antanas Mineikis, Pranas Cesnulevicius, and Juras Janciauskas. The latter two, together with the 1968 overall “Amber Prix” champions Valdas Aliubavicius and Leonas Pivoriunas, represented the Vilnius sports club “Viktorija,” which had already gained recognition as the center of the emerging “Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.”

The school was led by the talented coach Ceslav Tamulevic (1945–2023), whose influence played an important role in the development of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

In 1970, Antanas Mineikis was declared the overall winner of the “Amber Prix” tournament. Among the prize winners were also Klaipeda athletes Nikolaj Caika, Kestutis Rumsas, and Genadij Sevelkov.

Following the 1970 tournament, Klaipeda organizer Antanas Jonuskutis withdrew from organizational activities. Until bodybuilding was officially banned in the Soviet Union and other socialist countries in 1973, the “Amber Prix” tournament was no longer continued.

Nevertheless, the popularity of bodybuilding continued to grow. In 1971 and 1972, two “USSR Bodybuilding Championships” were organized within the territory of the RSFSR. Lithuanian athletes participated in both events, although no representatives from Klaipėda took part. In 1971, Estonian athletes established the international tournament Georg Tenno Memorial, which became one of the most prominent traditions in Baltic bodybuilding.

More information is on International Site www.wff.lt

THE 37-th WFF-WBBF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IS COMING TO NIDA.

TWO DAYS, 27 HOURS, 300 ATHLETES, 22 INTERNATIONAL JUDGES.

The international events held in Klaipėda on May 1–2, 2026, became an important preparation stage for the upcoming 37th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championship. Nearly 300 athletes participated in the competitions, which lasted for 27 hours, while performances were evaluated by 22 international-category judges.

The biggest event of the year will take place in Nida on October 23–25, 2026. That is the 37-th World Amateur and Professional Championship. Due to the exceptionally high number of participants, the championship will be held over three days for the first time. Spectators and athletes can expect new competition categories and an even broader international program.

In preparation for the upcoming World Championship, an international seminar for coaches and judges will also be organized in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026.

Nida 2026 – the world’s bodybuilding and fitness elite meets in Lithuania.

REGISTRATION to seminar and championship is open on www.worldfitness.lt

More information you can get on www.wff.lt

HISTORY THEFT OR NAIVETY?

WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING IN SPORT WORLD.

International bodybuilding today is facing more than just athletic competition. A far more serious battle is unfolding — one over history, names, and influence.

And at the center of that battle, one name keeps appearing: Graeme Lancefield.

“1968”: fact or convenient myth?

It is publicly claimed that basing on the “Amber Prix International” contest the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) dates back to 1968. It sounds impressive — deep roots, long tradition, authority.

But critics are asking a very specific question:
does that date belong to the W.F.F. of Graeme Lancefield — or has it simply been “borrowed” from other historical events?

If history is being rewritten, this is no longer interpretation. It becomes narrative engineering.

Old scenario, new players

Those familiar with the bodybuilding world have seen this before. The National Amateur Body-Builders' Association (N.A.B.B.A.) has already gone through a similar split, when Joe Lopez attempted to establish an alternative international structure.

The outcome was short-lived. But the pattern is recognizable:

separation, creation of a “new international” body, and flexible interpretation of history.

N.A.B.B.A.: “we have nothing to do with this”

Current N.A.B.B.A. president Eddy Ellwood has made it clear — the organization distances itself from any connection with the structure led by G. Lancefield.

This is not diplomatic language. It is a direct disassociation.

And a clear signal that the issue goes far beyond a simple misunderstanding.

Who pays the price?

While officials argue over history, the real cost is paid by the athletes.

They are invited into competitions that:

use well-known and prestigious names, rely on unclear or disputed origins, and sometimes create impressions that may not reflect reality.

Athletes come for sport — but find themselves in the middle of organizational conflict.

How long can the obvious be ignored?

If an organization relies on history — it must be verifiable.
If it uses names — they must be legitimate.
If it claims international status — it must be recognized, not self-declared.

Otherwise, one word remains: imitation.

Courts as the next step?

More and more frequently, legal action is being mentioned in relation to:

use of organizational names, appropriation of historical events, and potentially misleading information.

If that happens, the debate will end. Only facts — and rulings — will remain.

No diplomacy left

International sport cannot be built on vague histories and questionable narratives.

Today, the question is no longer “who is right.”
The question is — who can prove it.

And perhaps more importantly:
how long will the sporting community tolerate a reality where history becomes a tool, rather than a fact?

Official documents and more information is on International Site www.wff.lt

BEFORE THE 37TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP –
INTERNATIONAL COACHES AND REFEREES SEMINAR

After welcoming  300 athletes in Klaipėda, we expect large number of participants in Nida. The October competition will last three days. The seminar will introduce completely new categories.

In preparation for the 37-th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championship, which will take place on October 24–25, 2026, at the Neringa “Agila” Cultural Cultural Center, the WFF-WBBF World Federation together with the International Sport University will organize an International Trainers and Judges Seminar in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026.

Participants of the seminar will be awarded corresponding international qualifications.

During the event, new fitness categories will be introduced, athlete evaluation criteria discussed, and important judging issues reviewed. The organizers emphasize their commitment to gradually returning to the classical understanding of bodybuilding based on aesthetics, symmetry, and professionalism.

Part of the seminar lectures and practical sessions are expected to be conducted by a unique guest professor — currently the world’s only old-school professional posing virtuoso.

Final details are now being coordinated, and the organizers expect the program to remain unchanged.

More information coming soon. Follow International Pages www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt

LEGENDARY “AMBER PRIX”.

1968 “Amber Prix International”.

Following the successful inaugural competition held in 1967, the bodybuilders of Klaipėda continued to foster the traditions of athletic gymnastics. In 1968, the second “Amber Prix” tournament became an international event, bringing together athletes from the Lithuanian SSR, Latvian SSR, and the Russian SFSR.

That same year, during an international tournament held in Kaunas, the “USSR Bodybuilding Federation” (Athletic Gymnastics Commission) was established to coordinate the development of bodybuilding throughout the Soviet Union. Five members were elected to the federation’s executive board, including two Lithuanians: Vytautas Zumeris and Valerijus Koreškovas.

During the “Amber Prizx” tournament in Klaipėda, the federation also held a meeting to discuss current organizational matters and the further development of the sport.

Competition Results

(top three places only)

Youth Group

Height Category 1

Pavel Tarakanov (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Vytautas Venclauskas (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR) Osvaldas Griskevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 2

Valdas Aliubavicius (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Algis Jonkus (Palanga, Lithuanian SSR) Valdas Kapcevicius (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 3

Arvydas Lekstutis (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Vidmantas Povilionis (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Jurij Tiurikov (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)

Adult Group

Height Category 1

Klemensas Alsauskas (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Jevgenij Koltun (Tyumen, Russian SFSR) Girsas Langevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 2

Lionginas Danilevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Alfonsas Mecius (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Mecislovas Seibokas (Ukmergė, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 3

Leonas Pivoriunas (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Antanas Mineikis (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Danil Pasternak (Riga, Latvian SSR)

Overall Winners

Valdas Aliubavicius – overall winner of the youth group Leonas Pivoriunas – overall winner of the adult group.

More detailed information is on International Site www.wff.lt

LEGENDARY “AMBER PRIX”.

1968 “Amber Prix International”.

Following the successful inaugural competition held in 1967, the bodybuilders of Klaipėda continued to foster the traditions of athletic gymnastics. In 1968, the second “Amber Prix” tournament became an international event, bringing together athletes from the Lithuanian SSR, Latvian SSR, and the Russian SFSR.

That same year, during an international tournament held in Kaunas, the “USSR Bodybuilding Federation” (Athletic Gymnastics Commission) was established to coordinate the development of bodybuilding throughout the Soviet Union. Five members were elected to the federation’s executive board, including two Lithuanians: Vytautas Zumeris and Valerijus Koreškovas.

During the “Amber Prizx” tournament in Klaipėda, the federation also held a meeting to discuss current organizational matters and the further development of the sport.

Competition Results

(top three places only)

Youth Group

Height Category 1

Pavel Tarakanov (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Vytautas Venclauskas (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR) Osvaldas Griskevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 2

Valdas Aliubavicius (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Algis Jonkus (Palanga, Lithuanian SSR) Valdas Kapcevicius (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 3

Arvydas Lekstutis (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Vidmantas Povilionis (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Jurij Tiurikov (Kėdainiai, Lithuanian SSR)

Adult Group

Height Category 1

Klemensas Alsauskas (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Jevgenij Koltun (Tyumen, Russian SFSR) Girsas Langevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 2

Lionginas Danilevicius (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR) Alfonsas Mecius (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Mecislovas Seibokas (Ukmergė, Lithuanian SSR)

Height Category 3

Leonas Pivoriunas (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR) Antanas Mineikis (Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR) Danil Pasternak (Riga, Latvian SSR)

Overall Winners

Valdas Aliubavicius – overall winner of the youth group Leonas Pivoriunas – overall winner of the adult group.

More detailed information is on International Site www.wff.lt

BODYBUILDING – NO LONGER A SPORT? Who Destroyed Bodybuilding in Lithuania?

Today, the crisis of bodybuilding is openly discussed not only in Lithuania but throughout the world. For many people it has already become obvious why this sport has lost its authority, popularity, and athletic value. Only a few know the real actors behind this process, but today we can calmly look back at history and facts.

The global turning point came around 1990, when professional wrestling magnate Vince McMahon attempted to take over professional bodybuilding and transform it into a commercial entertainment show. At that moment, bodybuilding began rapidly moving away from the principles of traditional sport.

Soon afterward, many of the most famous female professional bodybuilders left the sport forever, including Corinna Everson. This was a clear sign that bodybuilding was fundamentally changing.

Another major blow came in 1998, when the International Olympic Committee refused to recognize the IFBB federation and, consequently, did not recognize bodybuilding as an Olympic sport. From that moment it became clear that bodybuilding had lost any realistic chance of being considered a fully legitimate sport. Although IFBB federations in some countries still receive government funding, in many cases this continues more out of inertia than because of genuine sporting value.

The Situation in Lithuania

For decades Lithuania was one of the strongest bodybuilding nations in Eastern Europe. Today, however, its influence on the international stage has practically disappeared. The bodybuilding community knows very well who is responsible for this situation.

For many years, the Lithuanian IFBB federation publicly attacked other organizations, accusing their athletes of using doping substances. Yet statistics speak for themselves — IFBB athletes themselves have repeatedly appeared in doping scandals, and the list of such cases seems endless.

Because of the current IFBB policies, many real bodybuilders have left the federation. Those who remain usually compete in events where doping control is either weak or purely symbolic.

This was clearly visible at this year’s Lithuanian IFBB Championship in Kėdainiai. Any experienced observer could easily notice that there were practically no athletes on stage representing the idea of natural bodybuilding.

The situation in regional competitions is even more disappointing. At a recent event in Šiauliai, only four bodybuilders and six women of questionable athletic quality participated. This demonstrates not growth, but a deepening crisis.

Alternative Directions

Meanwhile, the level of athletes competing in NAC championships remains relatively high, with some competitors displaying truly international-level conditioning. However, even there the number of participants remains limited.

The international WFF-WBBF federation has chosen a completely different direction. For many years, the federation has been developing original fitness and aesthetic sport disciplines while searching for new formats and audiences.

A few weeks ago, WFF-WBBF competitions held in Klaipėda attracted as many as 289 athletes. This proves that an alternative path may have real potential.

Interestingly, various international organizations are increasingly copying WFF-WBBF ideas. Recently, IFBB organized its first exhibition aerial acrobatic fitness competition in Spain — a discipline that has long existed within the WFF-WBBF system.

When there are no original ideas of your own, copying others becomes the only option.

Can Bodybuilding Recover?

Today, classical bodybuilding worldwide has nearly reached rock bottom. The number of competitors is declining, public interest is fading, and sporting credibility continues to disappear.

However, this does not mean everything is lost.

There are new directions, new disciplines, and a new understanding of aesthetic physical culture. A more modern model must be developed — one that appeals to younger generations, preserves athletic value, and is not confined to the outdated structure of traditional bodybuilding.

The road will not be short, and it will not be easy.

But time will tell — perhaps we will succeed.

More information is on International Site www.wff.lt