WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING HISTORY IN ONE PAGE.

Much time passed away since bodybuilding appeared at the Socialist Countries in 1959. Looking through this period of time is evident who was who in Socialist bodybuilding. It is evident through the real works done of the persons who played important role and who did not. Many „Old School Bodybuilders“ today create their stories which are fare away from the truth. Many athletes name themselves as the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Champions“ but they are not in real. Though there were only five „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championships“ (1971, 1972, 1989, 1990, 1991). Many name themselves as being important personalities in bodybuilding but they were not. Though as many will not like it but we will speak shortly about these problematc historic questions soon. Follow International Page www.wff.lt.

„WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA“.

1987. SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.

The most important happening 1987 in the Socialist World was the creation of the  official recognized by the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.», «Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.») the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.»).  The prohibition of bodybuilding ended. Earlier after the 1986 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2025) several people gathered at the apartments of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) and set the plan to establish the new „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“. Detailed information about this in various languages is published in International Site www.www.lt .

On August 11, 1987 active U.S.S.R. bodybuilders, trainers and organized gathered in Kubenka (Кубенка, Moscow Region, R.S.F.S.R.). Under the proposal of the „U.S.S.R. Weightlifting Federation“ («Федерация тяжёлой атлетики С.С.С.Р.») a well known R.S.F.S.R. weightlifter Olympic Champion JURIJ VLASOV (Юрий Власов) was elected the be the Chairman of the new federation. His deputies were VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ (Василий Чайковский, Leningrad, R.S.F.S.R.) and ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. The Secretary was a representative of the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ VALERIJ TAMARLAKOV (Валерий Тамарлаков). Detailed information about this in various languages is published in International Site www.www.lt .

In 1987 „Amber Prix International“ last time served as the „Unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ („неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму“). It lasted since 1978. It became possible when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote bodybuilding defending petition. Then he brought it to the highest U.S.S.R. political institutions in Moscow including the „Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party («Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.»). Representing the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ VALERIJ TAMARLAKOV was present at the 1987 „Amber Prix International“ in Klaipeda.  At this competition Category Winners were: Juniors -  ALEKSANDR CERKASOV (Александр Черкасов, R.S.F.S.R.), OLEG ZUR (Олег Жур, Lithuanian SSR), BORIS VELIKOIVANENKO (Борис Великоиваненко, R.S.F.S.R.) and the winners of the Main Categories were -  VLADIMIR ALEKSANDROVIC (Владимир Александрович, Belorussian SSR), VALERIJ BOGDNOVIC (Валерий Богданович, Belorussian SSR), VIKTORRAS JUCYS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (both Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winners were OLEG ZUR and VIKTORAS JUCYS.

By ranking the second Socialist bodybuilding competition was the „White Nights“ («Белые ночи») contest in Leningrad (R.S.F.S.R.). The Category Winners were: Juniors -  GINTARAS KRISCIUNAS (Lithuanian SSR), ALEKSANDR CERKASOV, GOL GRIGORIJ (Григорий Гол, Ukrainian SSR). Winners of the Main Categories were: NIKOLAJ MALYSEV (Николай Малышев, R.S.F.S.R.), PAVEL KOSENKO (Павел Косенко, Estonian SSR), BORIS RAJEV (Борис Раев, R.S.F.S.R.), VIKTORAS JUCYS. The Over All winners were ALEKSANDR CERKASOV and VIKTORAS JUCYS.

Traditional „Comsomol Cup“ («Кубок комсомола», „Komjaunimo taure“) was held in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). Category Winners were: STANISLAV POLIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR), PAVEL KOSENKO, BORIS RAJEV, ALEKSANDR VASIN (Александр Васин, R.S.F.S.R.). The Over All winner was ALEKSANDR VASIN.

Also in Kaunas first International women contest was organized in 1987. The Over All Winner was MERIKE MADAR (Estonian SSR).

In Leningrad first Couples competition was held too. The Over All Winners were INGA MISEVICIENE and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Lithuanian SSR).

In Riga (Latvian SSR) was organized the „Over All Winner‘s Cup“ («Кубок абсолютных победителей»). The Over All Winner was VINCAS DUBICKAS (Lithuanian SSR).

Also in Liepaja (Latvian SSR) an International Contest was organized too. The Over All Winners were representatives of the Lithuanian SSR: EDUARDAS RUDYS (Juniors) and VIKTORAS JUCYS (Main Categories).

In Kedainiai (Lithuanian SSR) the National Championship of the Lithuanian SSR was held. It still was of two parts – power exercises and posing.

In 1986 leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1976 – 2002) left sport. In 1987 for three months DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was sent for studies to Tallinn (Estonian SSR). Communicating with local bodybuilders he learned that nobody is going to organize the traditional „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024) Contest. Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS decided to organize this Contest himself. A famous bodybuilder of the Estonian SSR INDREK OTSUS helped with local technical matters and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS collected U.S.S.R. bodybuilders. The Category Winners were: Juniors -  TOM PAUL (Estonian SSR), ALEKSANDR JEMELJANENKOV (Estonian SSR). Main Categories: NYMM IMRE (Estonian SSR), PAVEL KOSENKO, AIN PAAVO (Estonian SSR), RIMANTAS MAZIONIS (Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winner was PAVEL KOSENKO.

Presenting bodybuilding sport in 1987 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized huge public seminar in Klaipeda. It lasted for two days. The Palace of Culture of the Klaipeda Trading Sea Port was full of people. The audience was collected through addresses in the local newspapers. Bodybuilders made a show and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS answered to the questions of the Citizen.

In 1987 „Sandow“ and „Trener“ competitions were held in the Czechoslovakian SSR. The Over All Winner at „Sandow“ Contest was PAVOL JABLONICKY (Czechoslovakian SSR). The Category Winners at the „Trener“ Contest were: ANTON SARAJ, JAN KUS (both Czechoslovakian SSR), SAULIUS MISEVICIUS and PETER MOLNAR (Hungarian SSR). The Over All Winner of the „Trener“ Contest was JAN KUS.

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

WORLD FITNESS HISTORY.

FIRST OVER ALL WORLD FITNESS CHAMPION.

Former representative of balely and gymnastics Lithuanian EDITA DAUBARAITE (now Sendriene, Dubar) was the grand grand grand daughter of BRONE DUBAR. It was Emigrant of Lithuania BRONE DUBAR (Broné “Brownie” Dubar, Daubaraitė, 1906 – 1986) who came with her family to the USA in 1912. When her sport achievements went high she started public shows. Specialists use to call her „World Fitness Pioneer“ but in her times there was no any fitness sport at all. To say more – women sport was included to „Olympics“ only in 1920. This was the reason that 100 years ago gymnastic and acrobatic exercises of BRONE DUBAR were not named as „sport“. Aiming to make fitness propaganda BRONE DUBAR made her shows through all USA – from South to North and from West to East.

In 1995 EDITA DAUBARAITE was present at the N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) World Championship in Malta. There was one exceptional athlete among many women bodybuilders. She was DANIELA HARIC (Croatia). DANIELA HARIC was not muscular. She performed a complex routine full of gymnastic elements. „I want this..“ – said EDITA DAUBARAITE and when back to Lithuania she started prerparations. Everything was ok. In 1996 the founders of the W.F.F. - International (World Fitness Federation) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, German KLAUS P.J. HOFFMANN, Greek ANARGIROS TSOPUORIDIS and Austrian PETER PAPULA started W.F.F. World Fitness Championships in Kaizerslautern (Germany). That was a revolution in bodybuilding. They  wanted to run away from huge muscles. This way in 1997 in Manheim (Germany) EDITA DAUBARAITE became the Over All World Fitness Champion. „Eurosport“ Television made several reports about this. The Sport Ministry of Lithuanian Republic wanted to present EDITA DAUBARAITE an Official Governmental Award but envy and intrigues among sport federations ruined this idea.

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

“Amber Prix” Today – 60 Years of History, a Legacy Far Greater Than Bodybuilding.

There are sporting competitions. There are tournaments. And then there are phenomena that, over time, become history. The “Amber Prix” belongs to the latter category.

In May 2027, Klaipėda will host the 60th historic “Amber Prix” tournament. This will be neither an ordinary bodybuilding competition nor simply an anniversary event.

It will be a moment in a six-decade-long history.

In terms of longevity, few bodybuilding events in the world can rival the “Amber Prix.” Only the NABBA “Universe,” first held in 1950, and Joe Weider’s “Olympia,” launched in 1965, have somewhat older traditions.

Yet longevity alone does not explain why the “Amber Prix” matters.

What matters most is what has happened around it during those six decades.

What is often misunderstood today

Some athletes of earlier generations, coaches, and people who were in one way or another connected with the historic “Amber Prix” tournament still remember it as it was in their youth.

To them, the “Amber Prix” was, is, and remains simply a bodybuilding competition.

But this is precisely where the fundamental misunderstanding lies.

Over six decades, almost everything has changed: countries, political systems, sports organizations, international relations, the concept of bodybuilding, the geographical reach of competitions, and the scale of the event itself.

Thousands of athletes from different countries and continents have participated in the history of the “Amber Prix.” They left Klaipėda, but they also took with them knowledge of Lithuania, of the tournament, of its organizational culture and its traditions.

The “Amber Prix” traveled with the people who took part in it.

Its history spread far beyond Klaipėda and Lithuania.

Therefore, today it is no longer possible to speak of the “Amber Prix” as just another bodybuilding competition.

It is an international sporting phenomenon that has endured for more than half a century.

1978 – Breaking Through the Wall

There are dates in this history that deserve to be recorded in the history of Lithuanian sport.

One of them is 1978.

Thanks to a petition by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, presented in Moscow to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the exclusive right to organize bodybuilding competitions in Klaipėda was secured.

Today, this might look like a formal administrative decision.

At the time, it was something entirely different.

The position of bodybuilding within the Soviet sports system was complicated. Therefore, the opportunity to organize competitions of this kind in Klaipėda meant more than sporting freedom.

It created an opportunity to build.

To build a tradition.
To build international relationships.
To build Lithuania’s sporting authority.

And this is where the true historical significance of the “Amber Prix” begins.

1986 – Thinking Not About One Competition, but About an Entire Sport

In 1986, at the initiative of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, a decision was made during the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda to establish the USSR Bodybuilding Federation in 1987 and seek official recognition of bodybuilding as a sport.

This was a crucial moment.

Why?

Because the “Amber Prix” was no longer limited to a stage, judges and medals.

The future of the entire sport was being discussed and shaped there.

The tournament became a place where not only athletes, but also people capable of influencing the development of the sport, could meet.

It was no longer simply a competition.

It had become a platform.

1988–1991 – An Attempt to Bring Lithuania into the World

Another historic stage came between 1988 and 1991.

Building on the international experience and connections accumulated through the “Amber Prix” tournaments, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras conducted negotiations with IFBB President Ben Weider regarding Lithuania’s independent admission and participation in IFBB activities, bypassing the USSR Bodybuilding Federation.

Ben Weider did not support this possibility and maintained the Moscow position.

But history is not measured only by what was ultimately achieved.

Sometimes, what people attempted before their time is equally important.

Lithuanian sports leaders were already thinking about an independent place for Lithuania in the international bodybuilding community.

This was a period when political reality still restricted possibilities, while the ambitions of sportspeople had already gone beyond the borders of the USSR.

Independence – and the First Signs of International Recognition

After the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, this work gained entirely new momentum.

With the support of the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Lithuania and personally Minister Algirdas Raslanas, the first national bodybuilding organization in independent Lithuania – LNKA – was registered.

Under the leadership of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, the first gold medals were brought to Lithuania from France. They were awarded by the international NABBA organization to “Amber Prix” champions Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas.

Recognition documents from the international NABBA organization were also obtained from the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee.

This was a symbolic yet very important turning point: Lithuanian bodybuilding was leaving the Soviet sphere and beginning to establish its own international identity.

When Lithuania Became Not a Spectator, but a Host

In 1996, 1997 and 1998, under the leadership of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius and Palanga with state support and financing. Events were televised by “Eurosport”.

In 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, World Championships were held in Palanga and Vilnius.

The organizing committees were chaired by the highest-ranking representatives of the Republic of Lithuania.

This fact is highly significant.

Lithuania was no longer merely sending athletes into the world. The world was beginning to come to Lithuania.

And this is one of the most important achievements in the history of the “Amber Prize.”

Klaipėda, Palanga and Vilnius became venues for major international bodybuilding events.

Foreign delegations were received at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. International press conferences were held at the ELTA news agency.

This was no longer just sport.

It was Lithuania representing itself to the international community through sport.

2007 – Recognition by the State

In 2007, the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania decided that the 40th anniversary “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda would receive a separate line of funding from the national state budget.

Today, viewed from a historical distance, this should be understood as one of the clearest signs of state recognition.

The international stature of the event was further emphasized by an extraordinary gesture.

Professor Alfred Gerstl, President of the Austrian Parliament, sent to Klaipėda an authentic collection of photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, as well as a film about his life.

The collection was displayed to participants and spectators, while the film was shown before the competition.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name became a symbolic bridge between the history of world bodybuilding and Klaipėda.

When CNN Reported on Klaipėda

Another symbolic moment came with the 50th anniversary of the “Amber Prix.”

Global CNN television broadcast a report about the tournament from Klaipėda to billions of viewers around the world.

The significance of this fact should not be underestimated.

A bodybuilding event taking place in Klaipėda had become an object of attention for global television media.

This meant that the “Amber Prix” had already moved beyond Lithuania’s information space.

Its name had reached a worldwide audience.

Therefore, 2027 Is Not Just Another Anniversary

We are now approaching a new historic milestone.

In May 2027, Klaipėda will host the 60th “Amber Prix” tournament.

Preparations have already been underway since 2025.

This is not simply another event on the calendar.

It is an opportunity to reassess what has been built over six decades.

A particularly solemn international event is being planned, with prominent guests from Lithuania and abroad to be invited.

To mark the 60th anniversary, a unique historical book will also be published, telling the story of the “Amber Prix” against the broader background of events in Lithuania, Europe and the world.

And this is extremely important.

History must not only be remembered. History must be recorded.

Because what is not recorded can be lost after a few generations.

Sixty Years Is Not Just a Number

Sixty years means six decades during which the world has changed beyond recognition.

Countries have changed.
One political system collapsed.
Independent Lithuania was restored.
International sports organizations evolved.
Bodybuilding itself changed.
Generations changed.

And the “Amber Prix” remained.

Therefore, today its significance cannot be measured merely by medals, champions’ names or competition results.

Its true scale must be measured by the people it brought together.

By the countries with which it established connections.

By the international events it helped create.

By the Lithuanian name it carried into the world.

And, above all, by the fact that a bodybuilding tradition born in Klaipėda survived changing eras and became part of international sporting history.

The Main Conclusion

Therefore, the 60th “Amber Prix” tournament in 2027 should not be understood as a beautiful remembrance of the past.

This is not an event of nostalgia.

It is an event of historical continuity.

It must demonstrate that what was created decades ago can not only be remembered today, but also carried forward.

And this is where the greatest value of the “Amber Prix” lies.

It has survived eras.

It has outlived political systems.

It has crossed national borders.

It has grown from a sporting event in one city into an international phenomenon.

Therefore, in May 2027, Klaipėda will not merely celebrate 60 years of bodybuilding competitions.

It will celebrate a part of Lithuania’s sporting history.

It will celebrate the history of Klaipėda.

It will celebrate the history of the people who built this tradition over decades.

And it will look toward the future.

Because a true tradition is not simply what remains in the past.

A true tradition is what passes from the past into the future.

And the history of the “Amber Prix” is certainly not over.

2027 should mark not the closing of a chapter in history, but the beginning of a new one.

NIDA TO WELCOME THE WORLD OF SPORT: 37th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. An exceptional international sporting event will take place in Neringa on October 24–26.

Nida will become an international sports hub. From October 24 to 26, the prestigious “Agila” Cultural Centre in Nida will host the 37th World Championships for amateurs and professionals, the 51st International “World Grand Prix” Tournament, and the 3rd Neringa Mayor’s Cup Championships.

For three days, amateurs and professionals from various countries around the world will compete in Nida.

ALMOST 40 YEARS OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRADITION

WFF-WBBF World Championships have been held for almost four decades. Throughout this long history, the championships have faced many challenges, yet the tradition has never been interrupted – competitions were held even during difficult periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletes representing all continents have taken part in the championships.

The 2026 event in Neringa will continue this long-standing tradition of international sport.

742 ATHLETES FROM 32 COUNTRIES

One of the most impressive chapters in the history of the championships was 2005, when a record 742 athletes from 32 countries took part in the competition.

That year, the overall champions received exceptional prizes – original valuable diamonds.

The championship was broadcast live on the Internet to audiences around the world. AB “Lietuvos telekomas” supported the live broadcast, providing more than 144,000 Lithuanian litas, equivalent to more than EUR 40,000 at the time.

It was one of the signs that WFF-WBBF international events had already gone far beyond the boundaries of conventional sporting competitions.

THE EVENTS RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM THE LITHUANIAN STATE

The history of WFF-WBBF World Championships also includes significant attention and support from the Lithuanian state.

The 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 World Championships received support from the Lithuanian state budget.

The organizing committees have been chaired by senior Lithuanian public officials, including ministers and even two Prime Ministers.

Lithuanian Ministers of Sport Vytas Nėnius and Algirdas Raslanas attended championship opening ceremonies.

Following several championships, international press conferences were held at the ELTA news agency, while the heads of foreign delegations were received at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.

NIDA – AN IMPORTANT DESTINATION ON THE 2026 SPORTS MAP

The 2026 World Championships in Neringa are more than a sporting competition. They represent the continuation of a long-standing international tradition and provide Neringa with another opportunity to become a meeting place for the international sports community.

The organizers hope that this year’s championship will leave a lasting mark both on sports history and on Neringa’s international profile.

Registration for participants is already open.

The full event programme, competition schedule and registration are available at www.worldfitness.lt

A STEP TOWARDS THE 60th “AMBER PRIX”

The Nida championships will also serve as a kind of rehearsal for another major event in 2027 – the 60th International “Amber Prix” Tournament in Klaipėda.

Preparations for this anniversary event began as early as 2025. A unique historical book, to be published in several languages, is planned to mark the occasion and preserve the long history of the “Amber Prix” tournament.

The year 2026 promises to be an exceptional one in the WFF-WBBF sporting calendar – with the World Championships in Nida, the International “World Grand Prix” Tournament and in 2027 the upcoming 60th “Amber Prix” in Klaipėda forming an impressive chain of international sporting events.

More information: www.wff.lt