Dr. Edmundas Daubaras Initiated the Establishment of the USSR Bodybuilding Federation in 1986.

Facts Known by Few.

During Mikhail Gorbachev’s period of “perestroika,” the persecution of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union became more formal than real. After the international “Amber Prix” tournament held in 1986, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras invited the most influential figures in Soviet bodybuilding of that time to his apartment. Among them were representatives of the RSFSR, Vladimir Subov and Vladimir Dubinin, as well as the representative of the Ukrainian SSR, Arkadij Kasanskij.

Vladimir Dubinin had been invited to the “Amber Prix” tournament by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. Vladimir Dubinin after losing at the 1974 “Georg Tenno Memorial” competition, had withdrawn from sports activities for thirteen years and had almost completely disappeared from the bodybuilding community.

The main topic of the meeting was the necessity of establishing an official USSR Bodybuilding Federation. Dr. Edmundas Daubaras explained the existing situation to the RSFSR representatives and proposed initiating the federation’s creation. Preparatory work through the USSR Weightlifting Federation was to be carried out by the RSFSR representatives.

Why Was Romanas Kalinauskas Not Present at the Meeting?

There were several reasons for not inviting him. Earlier, Romanas Kalinauskas had not supported Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in his struggle against the ban on bodybuilding. According to witnesses, he had stated that he would not “risk his Communist Party membership card.” Moreover, he repeatedly obstructed Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ initiatives. However, once the petition of Dr. EDmundas Daubaras defending bodybuilding succeeded and the situation changed, Romanas Kalinauskas stood beside those who had actively fought for the recognition of the sport.

Beginning in 1975, during university student exchange programs, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras visited Czechoslovakia several times. There he met with the President of the Czechoslovak SSR Bodybuilding Federation, Vojtech Fiala, and Vice President Professor František Bulva.

Under supervision of the sport ministry of the Czechoslovakian SSR it was agreed that the best Czechoslovak bodybuilders would be invited to Lithuania within the framework of the “Amber Prix” tournament, and later the strongest USSR athletes would travel to compete in Czechoslovakia. The first joint competition was scheduled for 1979.

However, seeing that Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ plans were nearing implementation, Romanas Kalinauskas allegedly sabotaged the project, which had been prepared for several years, by filing complaints with various authorities. According to contemporaries, the primary reason was personal ambition and jealousy, as he himself had not contributed to what was then considered a unique international bodybuilding initiative.

History offers many examples of individuals who, lacking the courage or ability to act themselves, attempt to obstruct those who take initiative and strive for change.

Get much more detailed information and documents on International Site www.wff.lt

World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. - International)

World Bodybuilding Federation (W.B.B.F. - International)

International Amateur "UNIVERSE" Contest

Men Bodybuilding Over All Winners

(2000 - 2026)

Year, Name, Country.

2026 PIOTR SEVCENKO, Lithuania

2025 TORU FUKUTOMI, Japan

2024 MARIS SVEIDUKS, Latvia

2023 ALEKSEJ LAPSIN, Estonia

2022 DMITRIJ ANTONOV, Russia

2021 ROMAN POLSHIN, Estonia

2020 MICHAIL MALEK, Russia

2019 NIKOLAJ VOROBJOV, Russia

2018 RABHA GOLAP, India

2017 FREDDY GASTON VAN PUYENBROECK, Belgium

2016 MAROSZ KANAS, Slovakia

2015 ANDREJ RUMIANCEV, Estonia

2014 ANDRZEJ RAK, Poland

2013 ANDRZEJ BRZEZINSKI Poland

2012 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2011 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2010 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2009 ALEKSANDR VLADIMIROV, Lithuania

2008 DAYO AUDI, UK

2007 ROMAN DUBOVICKIJ, Russia

2006 ANTONIO OSTA, Uruguay

2005 ALEKSANDR BALDIN, Russia

2004 KONSTANTIN ZACHAROV, Russia

2003 JURIJ KARSETJAN, Latvia

2002 FRANCO CARLOTTO, Switzerland

2001 MINDAUGAS KVASYS, Lithuania

2000 MASSIMO MONACO, Italy.

Women Bodybuilding Over All Winners

Year, Name, Country.

2026 OLGA BOGACZ, Poland

2025 OLGA BOGACZ, Poland

2024 JELENA BITINEVA, Latvia

2023 ANNA SOBOLEWSKA KUCHARSKA, Poland

2022 MARIJA SIVKOVA, Russia

2021 HANNA SKYTTA, Finland

2020 OLESIA KONDRATOVA, Vietnam

2019 ALISA KLIMOVA, Russia

2018 NERINA BROGGIA, Argentina

2017 WILLEKE MARLES HOORNAERT, Belgium

2016 YAMILA VANESSA TOLEDO, Argentina

2015 JULIA GLAZYCEVA, Russia

2014 VALENTINA KOZLOVSKAJA, Belarus

2013 DALVANIZA AQUINO, Brazil

2012 YAMILA VANESSA TOLEDO, Argentina

2011 FERNANDA YOUGLAR, Argentina

2010 TRACEY LEE GOTTSCHALK, South Africa

2009 IRINA VALETTE FEDORUK, France

2008 FERNANDEZ ALEXANDRA XIMENA AGUIAR, Uruguay

2007 IRINA RIABOVA, Russia

2006 ROSALIA DUTRA DE CAMPOS, Argentina

2005 RACHEL KAUPPILA, Finland

2004 MARINA BURINSKAJA, Latvia

2003 RIPERT MARIE-PIERRE DOMINIQUE, France

2002 IRINA ZINCENKO, Russia

2001 SVETLANA PUGACHEVA, Russia

2000 MARINA BURINSKAJA, Latvia

W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Secretary International Edita Sendriene

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt

THE BODYBUILDING CIRCUS TRAVELS ACROSS THE WORLD.

“Mouse Federations” in Bodybuilding: Explanations for Athletes.

More than three decades ago, during joint meetings with athletes, we used to explain the fundamental legal truths of our sport. This should be the alphabet of every athlete. Today we see that the subject remains relevant, although uncomfortable for many.

Many athletes participate in countless insignificant competitions, invest time, effort, and money, celebrate titles and victories, yet in terms of sports history and official recognition, the final result is often questionable. Everyone may decide for themselves why this happens.

THE FIRST STEP – AN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION.

Today, more than forty different “international” bodybuilding organizations exist worldwide. However, the legal and sporting status of many of them raises serious questions. None of them is recognized by the global sports system as a whole.

After Lithuania regained independence, many believed integration into the Western sports world would open new opportunities. Yet direct cooperation with various international organizations gradually revealed that many of them were more declarative than genuinely influential sports structures.

I.F.B.B. (International Federation of BodyBuilders).

From 1947 to 1969, official bodybuilding worldwide was governed by F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste), a member organization connected to the International Olympic Committee. Its activities were strongly supported by American sports promoter Bob Hoffman.

In 1970, F.I.H.C. Secretary General Oscar State initiated the establishment of the international I.F.B.B. federation during the Belgrade Congress. Prior to that, I.F.B.B. had operated as a private company without official sporting status.

In 1971, I.F.B.B. became a member of G.A.I.S.F. and assumed leadership of official bodybuilding worldwide. However, in 1998 the International Olympic Committee terminated cooperation with I.F.B.B., and bodybuilding never became an Olympic sport.

Since then, bodybuilding’s position within official international sport has significantly weakened. Today, only some countries — mostly former socialist states and several Asian nations — still allocate state funding to the sport.

N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association).

Lithuania cooperated with the international N.A.B.B.A. organization from 1991 to 2005. Over time, it became clear that the organization functioned more as a club-style association with internal problems and a relatively weak international structure.

Following the death of long-time leader Oscar Heidenstam, the organization lacked strong international leadership, and its influence in the sports world gradually declined.

W.F.F. (World Fitness Federation).

In 1995, seeking to distance themselves from the increasingly extreme direction of professional bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Klaus Hoffmann, Anargiros Tsopouridis, and Peter Papula established the W.F.F. federation.

W.F.F. activities rapidly expanded in Lithuania. Between 1996 and 1998, European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga with support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

In 1998, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras officially registered the World W.F.F. Federation and organized the World Championship in Palanga. Later events in Vilnius and Klaipėda attracted considerable international attention and state support.

The 2005 W.F.F. World Championship in Vilnius featured 742 athletes from 42 countries. Several events were broadcast by Eurosport television.

Graeme Lancefield’s W.F.F..

Several years ago another W.F.F. organization emerged, associated with Australian promoter Graeme Lancefield. Disputes arose regarding the federation’s name, historical legacy, and rights to use the heritage of earlier events.

This conflict reflects a broader problem within bodybuilding — numerous competing organizations whose legal status and international recognition are often unclear.

N.A.C. (National Athletic Committee).

N.A.C. emerged after a split within the German W.F.F. structure. The organization mainly operated within Europe and never achieved major global recognition.

Despite more than two decades of activity, N.A.C. never became a significant international sports force.

N.P.C. (National Physique Committee).

In 1983, the N.P.C. organization was established in the United States and became closely connected to I.F.B.B. activities in America. For many years, it controlled amateur bodybuilding in the U.S.

After the end of the Weider brothers’ era, N.P.C. separated from I.F.B.B. and began operating independently on the international stage. Today, competition between the two organizations continues over influence and commercial interests.

W.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association).

W.A.B.B.A. emerged following the conflict between Serge Nubret and the I.F.B.B. leadership. The organization never became a fully structured international federation, and its activities often relied on personal initiatives rather than institutional foundations.

In Lithuania, W.A.B.B.A.’s presence was episodic and left little significant impact on national sports history.

OTHER FEDERATIONS AND TODAY’S REALITY.

Over recent decades, bodybuilding has seen the emergence of numerous new organizations and categories. Some focus less on sporting excellence and more on commercial entertainment or niche audiences.

Bodybuilding today is more fragmented than ever before. Many federations compete with one another while lacking broad international recognition or long-term strategic direction.

At the same time, the concept of bodybuilding itself has changed. New categories emphasize aesthetics, image, or commercial appeal. Some view this as the natural evolution of the sport, while others see it as a departure from the principles of classical bodybuilding.

CONCLUSION.

The history of bodybuilding demonstrates that a large number of federations does not automatically mean a stronger sport. Athletes should understand not only competition titles and rankings, but also the legal status, international recognition, and actual standing of the organizations they represent.

Only by understanding these differences can athletes objectively evaluate their achievements and their future in the sport.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

WFF-WBBF International — Since 1968!

141 member country representing all continents.
60 international events held every year.

37th World Amateur and Professional Championships
October 24–26, Nida, Lithuania
„Agila“ Palace

More than 300 competitors have gathered in Nida for this prestigious international sporting event.

DAY ONE REVIEW

The first day of the championships is over. Competition results coming soon!

For more information, visit our official international websites:
www.wff.lt
www.worldfitness.lt

 

WFF-WBBF tarptautinė federacija – nuo 1968 metų!

141 valstybė narė, atstovaujanti visiems žemynams.
Kasmet surengiama 60 tarptautinių renginių.

37-asis pasaulio mėgėjų ir profesionalų čempionatas

Spalio 24–26 d., Nida, Lietuva
„Agila“ rūmai

Nidoje į prestižinį tarptautinį sporto renginį susirinko daugiau nei 300 dalyvių.

PIRMOSIOS DIENOS APŽVALGA

Pirmoji čempionato diena jau baigėsi. Varžybų rezultatai – netrukus!

Daugiau informacijos rasite oficialiose tarptautinėse interneto svetainėse:
www.wff.lt
www.worldfitness.lt

 

Международная федерация WFF-WBBF — с 1968 года!

141 страна-член, представляющая все континенты.
60 международных мероприятий ежегодно.

37-й чемпионат мира среди любителей и профессионалов

24–26 октября, Нида, Литва
Дворец «Агила»

В Ниде собрались более 300 участников престижного международного спортивного мероприятия.

ОБЗОР ПЕРВОГО ДНЯ

Первый день чемпионата завершён. Результаты соревнований — в ближайшее время!

Более подробная информация на официальных международных сайтах:
www.wff.lt
www.worldfitness.lt

60 YEARS OF THE HISTORIC AMBER PRIX!

In 2025, the Lithuanian bodybuilding community celebrated the 60th anniversary of the sport in Lithuania in Gargždai.

In 2026, it marked 60 years since the first international bodybuilding tournament in Eastern Europe was held in Vilnius.

In 2027, it will be 60 years since the first Amber Prix International tournament was held in Klaipėda in 1967. This international tournament has continued to this day, becoming an integral part of Lithuanian bodybuilding history and a unique sporting tradition in Eastern Europe.

Other long-established competitions also hold a special place in the history of world bodybuilding. One of the oldest is the NABBA Mr. Universe competition, first held in London in 1950. The Mr. Olympia competition, launched in the United States in 1965, also became an important milestone in the history of international bodybuilding.

In May 2027, Klaipėda will host three days of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Amber Prix International. Distinguished figures from Lithuanian and international sport, public life, and politics are being invited to this special commemorative event.

To mark the anniversary, the organizers also plan to publish a historical book in several languages. It will document the history of the Amber Prix International, its development, and its significance for Lithuanian and international bodybuilding.

Six decades represent not only a remarkable anniversary but also a testament to enduring sporting traditions, dedication to bodybuilding, and a legacy that unites generations of athletes, organisers, and enthusiasts of the sport.

For more information, visit the international website: WFF.lt