WORLD‘S BEST PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES.

World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. - International)
World Bodybuilding Federation (W.B.B.F. - International)
PRO UNIVERSE
Over All Winners
(2010-2025)

MEN
Year, Competitors Name, Country.

2025 MICKAEL LOUVEL, France

2024 RAHUL JOSHI, India

2023 MAROSZ KANASZ, Slovakia

2022 DMITRIJ ANTONOV, Russia

2021 ROMAN POLSHIN, Estonia

2020 MICHAIL MALEK, Russia

2019 NIKOLAJ VOROBJOV, Russia

2018 RAHUL JOSHI, India
2017 JOHN LESLIE, South Africa
2016 MAROS KANASZ, Slovakia
2015 ANDREJ RUMIANCEV, Estonia
2014 ANDRZEJ RAK, Poland
2013 ANDRZEJ BRZEZINSKI, Poland
2012 JEVGENIJ KLOCKOV, Russia
2011 ALI IMANI, Iran
2010 ALEKSANDR SEVCOV, Estonia

WOMEN
Year, Competitors Name, Country.

2025 JELENA IVANOVA, Latvia

2024 SVETLANA PUGACHEVA, Russia

2023 ANNA SOBOLEWSKA KUCHARSKA, Poland

2022 MARIA SIVKOVA, Russia

2021 HANNA SKYTTA, Finland

2020 MARINA VLASOVA, Russia

2019 HANNA SKYTTA, Finland

2018 ASTA BUTKUTE, Lithuania
2017 SVETLANA PUGACHEVA, Russia
2016 YAMILA TOLEDO, Argentina
2015 JULIJA GLAZYCEVA, Russia
2014 VALENTINA KOZLOVSKAJA, Belarus
2013 DALVANIZA AQUINO, Brazil
2012 JOLANTA MILERIUTE, Lithuania
2011 CRECKY CHAVES, Brazil
2010 LIUDMILA KOLESNIKOVA, Russia

W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Secretary International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.

BODYBUILDING CIRCUS AROUND THE WORLD.

LOTS OF MICKEY-MOUSE FEDERATIONS.

WE SPEAK WITH ATHLETES.

Forty years ago we were explaining athletes about official sport and about the BASIC questions of various federations. This is ABC of every athlete. Do not be dreamers and learn real matters. As we see many do not like the truth. Sportsmen waist their time, energy, money. They are glad about their “great” achievements at competitions. But - this result for official sport is ZERO. Find yourselves who is guilty  - maybe your leaders, maybe trainers, maybe somebody else.

STEP ONE. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION.

We do not want to offend anybody. All of today working forty International bodybuilding federations play zero role in official recognized sport. That are “mickey - mouse” federations. Just ZERO. Official International Sport organizations do not recognize a single one of them. Let us speak about some of those “federations”. What do You know about Your federation? Since 1990 we came inside of many International Bodybuilding Organizations. Step by step we learned about their zero value in sport. Athletes were cheated and still are cheated.

I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders)

Due to efforts of American BOB HOFFMAN (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 – 1985) since 1947 until 1969 World’s official bodybuilding sport was ruled by a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.) International F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste) federation.

In 1970 general secretary of F.I.H.C. British OSCAR STATE (Oscar State, Obe, 1911-1984) during Belgrade (Yugoslavia) Congress created the I.F.B.B. sport federation. Until that time I.F.B.B. was a private company and played zero role in official sport. Again due to the efforts of OSCAR STATE in 1971 I.F.B.B. became a member of G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations) and ruled World’s official bodybuilding sport until 1998.

In 1998 after two years trial I.F.B.B. was thrown out of the I.O.C.. Since that time bodybuilding is no more sport. Only former Communist Countries and several Asia Countries still recognize and finance National I.F.B.B. federations. Full article about the I.F.B.B. You can find on International Site www.wff.lt

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

After long correspondence with N.A.B.B.A. Chairman OSCAR HEIDENSTAM we were working with N.A.B.B.A. since 1991 until 2005. After some time N.A.B.B.A. Chairman IVAN DUNBAR informed us that N.A.B.B.A. is not an association of federation - it is by law a public club. How officially registered in Lithuania Republic sport federation can be a member of a public club? Sounds childish… After death of OSCAR HEIDENSTAM in 1991 until now N.A.B.B.A. had no another leader like him. Full article about N.A.B.B.A. is already published on International Site www.wff.lt

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

In 1995 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, German KLAUS HOFFMANN (Klaus P.J.Hoffmann), Austrian PETER PAPULA, Greek ANARGIROS TSOPOURIDIS came to Germany where they established World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. - International). Power zones were set up - KLAUS HOFFMANN took the leadership on the “Western” countries and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went on leading “East” countries. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  brought former socialist countries in the game. Supported by the Government Republic Lithuania in 1996, 1997, 1998 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized European Championships in Klaipeda, Vilnius and Palanga. At that time there was no official registration of the W.F.F. federation - somehow KLAUS HOFFMANN was against it. The situation did not satisfy us. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was closely working with the Ministry of Sport of the Lithuanian Republic. According the law we needed official registration. Virtual W.F.F. was nothing. Then in 1998 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS registered official W.F.F. federation and organized the 1998 W.F.F. World Championship in Palanga (Lithuanian Republic). The championship was supported and financed by the Government Republic Lithuania. It was televised by “Eurosport” television. Step by step KLAUS HOFFMANN left the W.F.F. federation. In 2003 he told he can not organize International contests any more. Uniting both parts of the federation the full power of W.F.F. went to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. Exceptional prestige of W.F.F. rose up after tremendous 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 W.F.F. World Championships which were held in Vilnius and Klaipeda (Lithuanian Republic). For example - at 2005 W.F.F. World Championship in Vilnius participated 742 athletes from 42 countries. Lithuania Parliament voted to finance 2008 W.F.F. Event in Klaipeda through the separate line in the Budget of the Republic Lithuania. All above mentioned championships were supported and financed by the Government Republic Lithuania. Seeing great growth of the W.F.F. federation KLAUS HOFFMANN stopped connection with the federation and in 2005 registered his own W.F.F. federation in Germany. This federation was closed in 2013.

GAMES OF GRAEME LANCEFIELD.

Several years ago appeared Australian GRAEME LANCEFIELD who was unknown to the International Sport Society. GRAEME LANCEFIELD used the name of W.F.F., our W.F.F. history (working since 1968, “Amber Prix International”, etc.). When we wrote that we will address the International Court, then GRAEME LANCEFIELD stopped using traditional W.F.F. history. But he uses W.F.F. name anyway. Still it is not clear if W.F.F. of GRAEME LANCEFIELD egzists by law or it is only his private games. Anyway there are many not educated athletes who do not know our sport history and who do not know anything about W.F.F. federation. This way GRAEME LANCEFIELD can play his games. Detailed articles about W.F.F. federation will be published in the third part of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” soon. Look for the information on International Site www.wff.lt .

N.A.C. (National Athletic Committee)

When in 2000 KLAUS HOFFMANN stopped working properly with W.F.F. federation in Germany, several people left German W.F.F. an then appeared N.A.C.. N.A..C. is National German organization. No official International or National Institutions recognize and support N.A.C.. N.A.C. has nothing to do with official sport. Working more that twenty years N.A.C. did nothing noticeable for our sport. All N.A..C. events were made in Europe only. Outside Europe nobody even heard of N.A..C.. Maybe somebody can say what are aims of N.A.C.??? In 2005 in Italy Chairmen N.A.C. addressed President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. They wanted to cooperate activities. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS refused - there was no future and no sense in that.

N.P.C. (National Physique Committee)

For many decades amateur bodybuilding in USA was ruled by A.A.U. (Amateur Ayhletic Union). Established in 1888 A.A.U. was a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.). In the USA even a member of G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations) I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders), federation could not fight against N.P.C.. Remember, in 1970 F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste)  General Secretary OSCAR STATE in Belgrade (Yugoslavia) created the I.F.B.B. sport federation. Until that time I.F.B.B. was a private company. Finally after discussion with I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER a member of A.A.U. JIM MANION left A.A.U. and established N.P.C. in 1983. This way N.P.C. escaped of doping control too. JIM MANION agreed with WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN this way - all World Amateur bodybuilding was ruled by I.F.B.B. of BEN WEIDER and Amateur bodybuilding in USA was ruled by N.P.C. of JIM MANION. At the same time N.P.C. was representing I.F.B.B. in USA. Professional bodybuilding was under JOE WEIDER. N.P.C. had been never recognized by any Official International Sport Organization. In 2015 after death of WEIDER brothers previous agreement had no more power and N.P.C. left the I.F.B.B. of Spanish RAFAEL SANTONJA. RAFAEL SANTONJA was thrown out of America and never appeared there any more. Fighting for money at the moment N.P.C. with it’s contests goes aggressively around the World pushing I.F.B.B. of RAFAEL SANTONJA out of the game.

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

Several years athletes of Lithuanian Republic participated at W.A.B.B.A. competitions. Lithuanians never organized a single W.A.B.B.A.  contest in the country. Collecting 2-3 athletes of other National federations W.A.B.B.A.  organizers used to go abroad to compete. In general there were no results in this activities.

W.A.B.B.A.  appeared in 1976 after in 1975 I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) President BEN WEIDER because of sexual affairs threw away from his federation his Vice President and famous France bodybuilder SERGE NUBRET. Having no knowledge about International Sport requirements SERGE NUBRET registered only name and logo of W.A.B.B.A.. Nothing was serious and official. Our last information of W.A.B.B.A. is that it belongs to a protein shop of French FABIAN DE BECK. In fact in 1975 it was the first time I.F.B.B. was split and divided. SERGE NUBRET took out of I.F.B.B. a number of National Presidents and Athletes from Asia and Africa countries.

OTHER FEDERATIONS

Looking through 100 years history of bodybuilding we can make some conclusions.

During the last century several decades World was divided into Capitalist (Western) and Socialist (Eastern) parts. Both parts were separated by the “Iron Wall” and did not communicate in between anyway. Bodybuilders of both parts did not communicate too. Also have in mind that bodybuilding was prohibited in the Socialist World since 1973 until 1987.

When Socialist World was ruined in 1995 was created World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. - International) which took the leadership of bodybuilding in some Europe and former Socialist countries. Later International fitness and bodybuilding were separated and since that time fitness was ruled by W.F.F. - International and bodybuilding was ruled by the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F. - International).

During the last thirty years appeared about forty “International” bodybuilding federations led by ill minded people. For every clever bodybuilder is evident - if one is not afraid of doping control - there is with it’s law and finance problems in 1970 in Belgrade (Yugoslavia) by F.I.H.C.  (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste) General Secretary OSCAR STATE created International Federation of Body Builders (I.F.B.B.); when one do not want doping control - there is old traditional National Amateur Body Building Association (N.A.B.B.A.). Everything is clear as daylight - the three above mentioned organizations rule International bodybuilding and fitness. Why other bodybuilding federations needed? What are their aims? Seems like childrens game... These federations have never been recognized by any Governmental or International Sport Structure. Their work is of zero value. First we met this nonsense forty years ago when two bodybuilders of Estonian SSR went to Italy to participate at “Europe” Championship. After coming back they kept silence. The reason was - there were only several participants from two countries - Italy and Estonia. The organizer was a private person representing no federation. In 2000 - 2005 Lithuanian bodybuilders were participating at the contests of the International federation of homosexual bodybuilders (today bodybuilders of Republic Poland are active in this field). Ok, anyway we can understand organization like this. From time to time we hear about another misunderstanding - the International Federation of “natural bodybuilders”. Natural bodybuilders are like alcoholics without alcohol... Every day primitive bodybuilders are fooled and cheated.

Since 1999 Italians started to participate at International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. contests. They organized Italian contest for many years and now they wanted to organize official International contests in Italy. We told them how to create official federation. Now they have logo, they have name and still there is no federation. Organizers of this Italian group used to fight in between. So this way for several years another “International” federation appeared in France. After another Italian fight ten years ago one more “International” federation appeared in Slovenia.

Bodybuilders have problems with brains?

Today many idiotic categories appeared at bodybuilding contests - like bikini, wellness... Whom you are fooling? It is women bodybuilding and be smart - it is bad women bodybuilding. You want to say it is fitness? No - fitness is without doping. All activities with doping is bodybuilding. Do not lie for yourself and for other people. Let these “bikinies” and “welness” bodybuilders participate together with a real bodybuilder... Nonsense - they are weak athletes and they have no chances to participate at normal bodybuilding contests successfully. This is the reason that “bikinies” appeared. With men’s bodybuilding situation is the same. For example - lazy bodybuilders do not train legs. For them we have “Men’s Physique” category. Participants are representing bodybuilding and in fact they are bad bodybuilders. No legs, no calves... In normal bodybuilding fight they have no chances... So what is the value of their wins? Nothing... Weak bodybuilders participate at contests of “mickey - mouse” federations and in “mickey - mouse” categories and they become champions. What is the value of their titles? Nothing... Is anybody really proud of this?

The article will be continued. Full information is on International site www.wff.lt

60 YEARS WE ARE CREATING WORLD SPORT HISTORY.

CHAIRMEN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION VISITED PRESIDENT REPUBLIC LITHUANIA.

On January 22, 2026 International Chairmen of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  visited historic President of the Republic Lithuania Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS.

At the several hours lasting discussion with Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS took part President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, for social work awarded with Honour Diploma of the International U.N.E.S.C.O. organization President of the Lithuania Sport Fitness Federation DARIUS DAUBARAS, representing „Rotary“ Club of the Lithuanian Republic Docent of the Klaipeda University historic VIDIMANTAS RAUDYS.

BLOCKADE TELEGRAMMS

In 2015 communication with Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke about 1990 possibilities to ruin the U.S.S.R. economic Lithuania blockade. At taht time knowing about the difficulties with goods and products bodybuilders of German Democratic Republic (D.D.R.) proposed their help to the Lithuanian Republic. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received their two telegrams. Germans suggested to address the Governmemt of Lithuania as nobody had so much money at that time. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS called to the Government and spoke with the Prime Minister KAZIMIERA PRUNSKIENE. Then she refused the help of the D.D.R. businessmen and bodybuilders. Hearing this Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS asked to give him those telegramms. The archieves of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International are really rich and big. Only now the telegramms were found. During the 2026 visit to the President Republic Lithuania Professor Dr. VYTAUTAS LANDSBERGIS DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented him the telegramms.

Detailed historic article is on the way. Follow International Page www.wff.lt

  W.F.F.-INTERNATIONAL / W.B.B.F.-INTERNATIONAL "WORLD GRAND PRIX" OVERALL AMATEUR CHAMPIONS (1991–2025)

Over three and a half decades, the W.F.F.-International and W.B.B.F.-International “World Grand Prix” tournaments have become among the most prestigious independent bodybuilding and fitness events in the world. From the inaugural competition in 1991 through 2025, dozens of international “World Grand Prix” tournaments were organized across Europe and Asia, crowning the Overall Champions in both the men's and women's divisions.

The historical results reflect not only the highest sporting achievements but also the Federation's geographical expansion, the participation of new nations, and the development of long-standing bodybuilding traditions in different regions of the world.

Historical Highlights The history of the “World Grand Prix” began in Germany in 1991. Between 1991 and 2025, Overall Champion titles were won by athletes representing nearly twenty countries. During the first two decades, German athletes, particularly in the women's division, were the dominant force. Since 2010, athletes from the Russian Federation have emerged as the leading power, winning the greatest number of Overall titles in both the men's and women's categories. Lithuania remains one of the principal organizational centers of W.F.F.-International. Numerous international “World Grand Prix” tournaments have been held in Klaipėda, Palanga, and Vilkaviškis, where both Lithuanian and international athletes have claimed Overall Champion titles. In recent years, the geographical diversity of champions has expanded further, with winners representing Serbia, Slovakia, Israel, India, Algeria, and several other countries. Men's Division Overview

Throughout the history of the “World Grand Prix”, athletes from the Russian Federation have won the largest number of Overall Champion titles. Competitors from Germany, Lithuania, Iran, and Latvia have also achieved outstanding results.

The following athletes have won two or more Overall Champion titles:

Nikolaj Vorobjov (Russia); Yevgeniy Bryantsev (Russian Federation); Reinaldo Jose Roberto Da Cruz (United Kingdom); Frank Carlotto (Switzerland); Jurgen Koch (Germany).

Their repeated victories demonstrate exceptional athletic excellence, consistency, and the ability to succeed in international competition over many years.

Women's Division Overview

Historically, the women's division has been dominated by athletes from Germany and the Russian Federation, whose competitors have won the greatest number of Overall Champion titles.

Among the most distinguished champions are:

Aleksandra Dolzenkova (Belarus) – four Overall Champion titles; Svetlana Pugacheva (Russian Federation) – three Overall Champion titles; Jolanta Mileriūtė (Lithuania); Edita Daubaraitė (Lithuania); Manuela Franz (Germany); Claudia Muhlhaus (Germany); Sabine Weeke (Germany); Jelena Ivanova (Latvia),

all of whom became Overall Champions on more than one occasion and made a significant contribution to the history of the “World Grand Prix”.

International Expansion

During the past 35 years, “World Grand Prix” tournaments have been organized in Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria, the Russian Federation, Belarus, Ukraine, Greece, Austria, Türkiye, the Netherlands, India, and several other countries.

This broad geographical reach confirms that W.F.F.-International has evolved from a European organization into a global sports movement, bringing together athletes and national federations from different continents.

2025 Overall Champions Men

Vyacheslav Rokashkov (Russian Federation) – Kranevo, Bulgaria.

Women

Diana Stavchanskaya (Israel) – Kranevo, Bulgaria.

Conclusion

The history of the “World Grand Prix” from 1991 to 2025 reflects the continuous development and growing international prestige of W.F.F.-International and W.B.B.F.-International. During this period, the Federation established one of the world's longest continuously organized independent bodybuilding and fitness championship series.

The list of Overall Champions demonstrates an exceptionally high standard of competition, sustained international rivalry, and broad geographical representation. It also serves as an important historical record, documenting the achievements of several generations of athletes and highlighting the significant contribution of W.F.F.-International to the history of world bodybuilding.

Chronological List of Overall Champions

Year

Men

Women

2025

Vyacheslav Rokashkov (Russian Federation) – Kranevo, Bulgaria

Diana Stavchanskaya (Israel) – Kranevo, Bulgaria

2024

Dusan Jovanovic (Serbia) – Kranevo, Bulgaria • Gatis Sakne (Latvia) – Vilkaviškis, Lithuania • Oleksii Fedotov (Estonia) – Pärnu, Estonia • Janis Kravalis (Latvia) – Kandava, Latvia

Inna Gusarova (Latvia) – Kranevo, Bulgaria • Jelena Ivanova (Latvia) – Vilkaviškis, Lithuania • Jelena Ivanova (Latvia) – Pärnu, Estonia • Jelena Bitineva (Latvia) – Kandava, Latvia

2022

Rubin Gajnullin (Russia) – Moscow, Russian Federation

Jelena Volkova (Russian Federation) – Moscow, Russian Federation

2021

Roman Polshin (Estonia) – Klaipėda, Lithuania • Maroš Kanasz (Slovakia) – Kranevo, Bulgaria

Karina Sonmez (Türkiye) – Kranevo, Bulgaria • Hanna Skytta (Finland) – Klaipėda, Lithuania

2020

Kushal Changmai (India) – New Delhi, India

Alisa Klimova (Russian Federation) – New Delhi, India

2019

Musa Blamm (Algeria) – Moscow, Russian Federation • Dainius Dzikevičius (Lithuania) – Kranevo, Bulgaria

Valentina Savciuk (Russian Federation) – Moscow, Russian Federation • Marina Yavorovskaja (Ukraine) – Kranevo, Bulgaria

2018

Jevgenij Briancev (Russian Federation) – Sochi, Russian Federation

Julia Medvedeva (Russian Federation) – Sochi, Russian Federation

2017

Sergej Jaciuk (Ukraine) – Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation • Medjit Nazari (Iran) – Sochi, Russian Federation

Aleksandra Antipova (Russian Federation) – Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation • Natalia Abramova (Russian Federation) – Sochi, Russian Federation

2016

Christofer Mewes (Germany) – Wuppertal, Germany

Joanna Fuchs (Germany) – Wuppertal, Germany

2015

Maksim Kazaks (Latvia) – Bobruisk, Belarus • Peter Molnar (Hungary) – Maastricht, Netherlands

Agnė Šukaitytė (Lithuania) – Bobruisk, Belarus • Evelyn Dirocie (Belgium) – Maastricht, Netherlands

2014

Nikolaj Vorobjov (Russian Federation) – Tula, Russian Federation • Reinaldo Jose Roberto Da Cruz (United Kingdom) – Moscow, Russian Federation

Svetlana Pugacheva (Russian Federation) – Tula, Russian Federation • Svetlana Pugacheva (Russian Federation) – Moscow, Russian Federation

2013

Reinaldo Jose Roberto Da Cruz (United Kingdom) – Moscow, Russian Federation • Vitalij Liutov (Russia) – Lviv, Ukraine • Vahid Shishehgar (Iran) – Tula, Russian Federation • Arash Ahmadi (Iran) – Vitebsk, Belarus • Nikolaj Vorobjov (Russia) – Saratov, Russian Federation

Aleksandra Dolzenkova (Belarus) – Moscow, Russian Federation • Natalija Risevskaja (Ukraine) – Lviv, Ukraine • Aleksandra Dolzenkova (Belarus) – Saratov, Russian Federation • Aleksandra Dolzenkova (Belarus) – Vitebsk, Belarus • Aleksandra Dolzenkova (Belarus) – Tula, Russian Federation

2012

Abolfazi Aghakhani (Iran) – Moscow, Russian Federation • Jevgenij Klockov (Russian Federation) – Moscow, Russian Federation • Sergej Kostel (Belarus) – Vitebsk, Belarus

Svetlana Pugacheva (Russian Federation) – Moscow, Russian Federation • Jelena Kursanova (Russian Federation) – Moscow, Russian Federation

2011

Jevgenij Briancev (Russian Federation) – Samara, Russian Federation

Liudmila Senciugova (Russian Federation) – Samara, Russian Federation

2010

Igor Belodedov (Russian Federation) – Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation

Aleksandra Nikolajeva (Russian Federation) – Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation

2009

Raimund Kienreich (Austria) – Alanya, Türkiye

Jolanta Mileriūtė (Lithuania) – Alanya, Türkiye

2008

Dimitrios Mastorakis (Greece) – Eretria, Greece

Jolanta Mileriūtė (Lithuania) – Eretria, Greece

2006

Aleksandr Sevcov (Estonia) – Riga, Latvia

Martina Lepcin (Croatia) – Riga, Latvia

2000

Patrik Heisel (Germany) – Syros, Greece

Claudia Muhlhaus (Germany) – Syros, Greece

1999

Massimo Monaco (Italy) – Baden, Austria

Claudia Muhlhaus (Germany) – Baden, Austria

1998

Jurgen Koch (Germany) – Palanga, Lithuania

Claudia Machmor (Germany) – Palanga, Lithuania

1997

Frank Carlotto (Switzerland) – Mannheim, Germany • Gediminas Bacevičius (Lithuania) – Klaipėda, Lithuania • Jurgen Koch (Germany) – Essen, Germany • Sigitas Griškenas (Lithuania) – Linz, Austria

Edita Daubaraitė (Lithuania) – Mannheim, Germany • Edita Daubaraitė (Lithuania) – Klaipėda, Lithuania • Ines Vogel (Germany) – Linz, Austria • Susana Palma (Spain) – Essen, Germany

1996

Jan Bohlen (Germany) – Kaiserslautern, Germany

Sabine Weeke (Germany) – Kaiserslautern, Germany • Isabelle Streit (France) – Baden, Germany • Daniela Haric (Croatia) – Hannover, Germany

1995

Frank Carlotto (Switzerland) – Essen, Germany

Sabine Weeke (Germany) – Essen, Germany • Alexandra Baumann (Germany) – Hannover, Germany

1994

Hani El Jindawi (Germany) – Pößneck, Germany

Claudia Machmor (Germany) – Pößneck, Germany • Klaudia Rohrs (Germany) – Frankfurt am Main, Germany

1993

Lutz Wilke (Germany) – Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Manuela Franz (Germany) – Frankfurt am Main, Germany

1992

Peter Schmidt (Germany) – Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Manuela Franz (Germany) – Frankfurt am Main, Germany

1991

Burkhard Olf (Germany) – Hessen, Germany

Stefanie Wehr (Germany) – Hessen, Germany

60 Years of the “Amber Prix”

A Unique Historical Book on the Sport

Before presenting a comprehensive account of the “Amber Prix”, one of the world's oldest traditional international bodybuilding and fitness events, it is essential to briefly review the history of bodybuilding as an officially recognized sport. Only by placing the tournament within its broader historical context can its significance in the development of international bodybuilding be fully understood.

It must be acknowledged that many bodybuilders today have only a limited knowledge of their sport's history and are often unfamiliar with the numerous international bodybuilding organizations that exist today.

To date, no comprehensive study has been published anywhere in the world that systematically traces the development of competitive bodybuilding from its official recognition to the present day. This section of the book therefore serves not only as an important historical source but also as the first attempt to present the history of competitive bodybuilding from an international perspective in a systematic manner.

The historical survey covers the principal stages in the development of competitive bodybuilding:

the origins of officially recognized competitive bodybuilding (FIHC, 1947–1969); the continuation of officially recognized competitive bodybuilding (IFBB, 1971–1998); the emergence of competitive bodybuilding in the socialist world (FIHC, 1959); the emergence of competitive bodybuilding in the USSR (FIHC, 1963); the emergence of competitive bodybuilding in Lithuania (1965); the beginnings of competitive bodybuilding in Klaipėda (1967).

Preface

In recent years, a number of books have been published about distinguished athletes and leaders of national bodybuilding federations. One such publication, issued in the Russian Federation, was devoted to former bodybuilder and later President of the Russian Bodybuilding Federation, Vladimir Dubinin. However, works of this kind often omit significant historical facts for various reasons.

For example, after his defeat at the international “Georg Tenno Memorial” Tournament in 1974, Vladimir Dubinin effectively withdrew from bodybuilding for almost thirteen years, severing his active ties with the bodybuilding community. This period proved to be one of the most significant in the history of the sport. It was not until 1986, following repeated invitations from Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, that he returned to the bodybuilding scene by attending the international Amber Prix tournament in Klaipėda, Lithuanian SSR.

At that time, bodybuilding in the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic was headed by Vladimir Shubov of Moscow. Consequently, Dubinin attended the tournament primarily as an honorary guest. Until 1987, his activities remained limited to his athletic career and work at his local sports club; he played no role in the organization or administration of bodybuilding within the USSR.

This naturally raises an important question: how objectively can a historical period be described by someone who did not personally participate in its events? The same problem can be observed in many other publications on bodybuilding history, where assumptions, inaccuracies, and claims unsupported by documentary evidence are often presented as fact.

During the second half of the twentieth century, the world was divided into two political blocs—the Western (capitalist) world and the Eastern (socialist) world. This division was reflected in sport, including bodybuilding.

The history of the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB) was regularly documented in the federation's own publications. Naturally, these publications reflected primarily the organization's own interpretation of the development of world bodybuilding. In contrast, the history of bodybuilding in the socialist countries received little scholarly attention and was rarely documented. Between 1973 and 1987, bodybuilding was politically restricted in many socialist states and completely banned in some of them.

Nearly four decades after the collapse of the socialist system, the history of bodybuilding during that era remains surrounded by myths and legends. Former athletes frequently describe themselves as "USSR champions," while some club officials portray themselves as the principal architects of Soviet bodybuilding. History, however, demands documentary evidence, careful analysis, and objective evaluation rather than personal recollections or legend.

One of the most important witnesses to—and active participants in—the history of bodybuilding in both the socialist and Western worlds was Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. Circumstances led him to graduate twice from Vilnius State University, earning degrees in Germanic Philology and Law. At that time, he was arguably the only representative of Soviet bodybuilding fluent in several foreign languages. This enabled him to establish close personal relationships with the leading figures of international bodybuilding, including IFBB President Ben Weider (Canada), WABBA (World Amateur Body Building Association) President Serge Nubret (France), and NABBA (National Amateur Body-Builders' Association) Chairman Oscar Heidenstam (United Kingdom).

These international contacts made it possible to assemble a unique archive of official documents, correspondence, photographs, and eyewitness accounts, much of which is published in this book for the first time.

History usually remembers outstanding athletes and their victories. Yet every sport is built first and foremost by organizers, federation officials, coaches, judges, journalists, publishers, and countless enthusiasts. They establish clubs and federations, organize competitions, develop international cooperation, and ensure that sporting achievements become known to the wider public. Without their dedication over many years, there would be neither great champions nor lasting sporting traditions.

This book is intended not only to commemorate the sixty-year history of the “Amber Prix”. It also seeks to reconstruct the development of competitive bodybuilding on the basis of documentary evidence, to reveal lesser-known historical facts, and to recognize the individuals whose dedication enabled the sport to develop into an internationally respected movement.

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