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

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

  LITHUANIA'S BODYBUILDING PRIDE OF 2026 – PIOTR SEVCENKO! Vilnius Bodybuilder Piotr Sevcenko – Absolute World Professional Champion!

Vilnius-based bodybuilder Piotr Sevcenko is an experienced athlete with a long and successful competitive career. Over the years, he has participated in numerous bodybuilding competitions at various levels. His sporting journey began more than 25 years ago, when he first competed in events organized by the worldwide WFF-WBBF federation.

The year 2026 proved to be an exceptional one for Piotr Sevcenko, bringing him outstanding victories and international recognition.

In May, at the 27th International „Universe“ Tournament held in Klaipėda, Lithuania, Piotr Sevcenko won the overall title and earned his WFF-WBBF Professional Card. This achievement opened the doors to the world of professional bodybuilding.

However, his success story did not end there.

In autumn, at the WFF-WBBF World Professional Championship held in the resort town of Nida, Piotr Sevcenko once again demonstrated his outstanding abilities. Displaying exceptional physical conditioning, impressive preparation and outstanding stage presentation, he claimed the overall title of World Professional Champion!

This is a prestigious bodybuilding achievement that athletes from many countries around the world aspire to accomplish. Only one competitor can claim the overall champion's title – the athlete who delivers the best performance.

Piotr Sevcenko’s victory is the result of years of hard work, determination, discipline and dedication to bodybuilding. His sporting journey is an inspiring example of how great ambitions can be achieved through consistent effort and belief in oneself.

Congratulations to Piotr Sevcenko on his outstanding achievements in 2026! We wish him many more victories on the international bodybuilding stage!

For more information about the competitions, results and WFF-WBBF activities, visit the federation's international website:

www.wff.lt

2026. What Is Happening in Lithuanian Bodybuilding? Six decades of history, different visions for the future of bodybuilding federations, and one fundamental question: where is Lithuanian bodybuilding heading today?

Not every bodybuilder is fortunate enough to live to the age of 70. Even fewer have had the opportunity to spend almost their entire lives in bodybuilding, witnessing the development of the sport in Lithuania from its earliest days to the present.

Looking back over more than six decades of Lithuanian bodybuilding history, we can see not only achievements but also missed opportunities, different approaches to sports administration, and questions that urgently need answers today.

What is happening in Lithuanian bodybuilding in 2026? Why do some organizations speak about their historical achievements and future plans, while the activities of others raise questions about results, international recognition, and athlete motivation?

Let us talk about our experience, our achievements, and the future of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

1991 — The Beginning of Bodybuilding Organization in Independent Lithuania

May 1991 was an important period in the history of Lithuanian sport. At that time, with the assistance of Algirdas Raslanas, Lithuania's Minister of Sport, the Lithuanian National Bodybuilding Association (LNKA) was registered. According to the author, it was the first bodybuilding organization established in independent Lithuania.

It was a time that demanded not only courage but also a clear vision for the future. Lithuania was building the institutions of an independent state, and sports organizations had the opportunity to establish international relations independently and represent their country on the international stage.

Athletes representing the LNKA participated in the NABBA European Championships in France. There, the first championship medals were won by Natalija Murnikovienė from Klaipėda and Rolandas Bučinskas from Šiauliai.

However, sporting results were not the only important achievement.

The LNKA brought an official NABBA document to Lithuania which, according to the author, recognized Lithuania's independence and the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee. This was a significant symbolic step at a time when the young state was seeking international recognition.

Today, more than three decades later, it is worth remembering that the history of independent Lithuanian sport was shaped by people who worked under difficult political and economic circumstances. Their efforts deserve recognition and a permanent place in history.

From the LNKA to the Lithuanian Sports Fitness Federation

Over the years, our organization has changed its name and the form of its activities. Following the Lithuanian National Bodybuilding Association, the Lithuanian Fitness Federation operated, and later the international activities of the WFF-WBBF — the World Fitness Federation and the World Body Building Federation — developed. Today, the work of the Lithuanian Sports Fitness Federation continues.

During this period, we organized European and World Championships, developed international partnerships, and worked to ensure that Lithuania became more visible in international bodybuilding and fitness.

Our events received support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. They were covered by national media, while some attracted the attention of international television broadcasters, including Eurosport and CNN.

These events and the history of our organization are documented on our international website, www.wff.lt.

In our view, the performance of a sports organization should not be judged solely by its name or formal status. What matters is the competitions it organizes, the opportunities it provides to athletes, the international relationships it develops, and the legacy it leaves for future generations.

Lithuanian IFBB: Funding and Accountability for Results

We take a critical view of the activities of the Lithuanian IFBB federation.

In our opinion, an organization that has received public funding for several decades should clearly demonstrate the results of its work to society.

How many major international competitions does it organize? How many Lithuanian athletes achieve outstanding results? What measures does it take to promote bodybuilding and attract new athletes?

These are not merely rhetorical questions. They concern the responsibility of sports organizations for the resources entrusted to them and for the future of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

In our assessment, the activities of the Lithuanian IFBB lack more prominent international projects and greater visibility. Questions also arise about the federation's ability to attract athletes and ensure the long-term development of bodybuilding.

Public funding, by itself, is not proof of successful performance. It should be linked to specific objectives, measurable results, and transparent accountability.

It is therefore necessary to discuss the contribution different organizations make to Lithuanian bodybuilding and how that contribution can be assessed objectively.

Doping and the Future of Athletes

One of the most sensitive issues in Lithuanian bodybuilding is doping control and its impact on athletes.

In our assessment, stricter doping controls were one of the reasons why some bodybuilders stopped competing in Lithuanian IFBB events. However, athletes' decisions may also be influenced by other factors, so this issue requires broader analysis based on verifiable facts.

One thing is important to understand: athletes leaving competitions, becoming dissatisfied, or losing interest should encourage federations to review their activities and seek solutions.

Bodybuilding needs more than rules. It also needs trust, clear sporting prospects, and appropriate conditions for competition preparation.

Doping control is an important part of fair sport. However, every federation also has a responsibility to explain its rules, apply them consistently, and help athletes understand the conditions under which they can compete.

The ultimate goal should not be to drive athletes away, but to create a fair, responsible, and sustainable sporting environment.

Competitions, Spectators, and the Popularity of Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding competitions should be more than formal events listed on a calendar.

They should attract spectators, generate media interest, give athletes the opportunity to showcase their preparation, and encourage young people to take up the sport.

When a large venue remains almost empty and the number of competitors is small, legitimate questions arise. Was the event format chosen appropriately? Was enough effort invested in promotion? Were the needs of athletes and spectators taken into account?

One event alone is not enough to judge the performance of an entire federation. Nevertheless, long-term trends must be taken seriously.

Lithuanian bodybuilding needs meaningful engagement with the public, professionally organized competitions, greater youth participation, and clear communication.

If we want bodybuilding to attract attention, we must make it engaging, accessible, and worthy of public interest.

We Have a Vision for the Future

Despite the pandemic, armed conflicts, and other international crises, we have not abandoned our activities. These events delayed some of our planned projects, but they did not diminish our determination to continue the work we had started.

We believe that bodybuilding and fitness in Lithuania can benefit from greater international opportunities, stronger partnerships, and more ambitious goals.

Achieving this requires consistent work, long-term planning, the trust of partners, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

In our view, the most important question is not who speaks most loudly about past achievements, but what is actually being done for the benefit of athletes. History matters, but it should never become an excuse for standing still. Past achievements create an obligation to build the future.

We therefore intend to continue developing our activities, implementing our planned projects, and strengthening Lithuania's presence in international fitness and bodybuilding.

The Future of Lithuanian Bodybuilding Depends on All of Us

More than six decades after the first steps of Lithuanian bodybuilding, we have every right to ask ourselves what we have achieved and what we will leave to future generations.

We have the right to discuss the activities of federations, their results, funding, and accountability. However, such discussions should be based not only on emotions and mutual accusations, but also on concrete achievements, documents, and verifiable facts.

The future of bodybuilding will not be determined by the names of organizations. It will be shaped by people: athletes, coaches, judges, organizers, and everyone who genuinely cares about this sport.

We wish all bodybuilders endurance, critical thinking, and confidence in their own abilities. When choosing a sports organization, consider its track record, rules, opportunities for athletes, and plans for the future.

Look around, stay informed, ask questions, and draw your own conclusions.

Lithuanian bodybuilding has a history. It has people who have devoted a significant part of their lives to this sport. Now it is our responsibility to ensure that it also has a future.

We will not give up. We will keep moving forward!