WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

A GLIMPSE OF BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

Life of bodybuilder NATALIJA MURNIKOVIENE (Наталия Мурниковене – Духович, Klaipeda, Lithuania) is worth a huge book. There is no one equal to her in Lithuania and there are only few like her in the World Bodybuilding. Looking through 1989 „Female Bodybuilding“ Magazine we found several interesting pictures. We are posting them now.

Detailed bodybuilding sport history you can find on International site www.wff.lt

HISTORY. OLDEST TRADITIONAL INTERNATIONAL CONTESTS.

ISTORIJA. SENIAUSIOS TRADICINĖS TAPTAUTINĖS VARŽYBOS.

ИСТОРИЯ. СТАРЕЙШИЕ ТРАДИЦИОННЫЕ МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫЕ СОРЕВНОВАНИЯ.

W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) starts it‘s International Bodybuilding Events since 1968. That is directly connected with  the Oldest Anual Traditional „Amber Prix International“ Competitions („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025). Long time Socialist Countries had to survive decades of prohibition and prosecution of our sport. Separated from the „Western“ Countries and the rest of the World long time we had to go our original way (read historic articles in various languages on International Site www.wff.lt ).

AMATEUR EVENTS INTERNATIONAL.

W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International holds the folowing anual traditional World‘s Most Important International Amateur Events:

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. „Amber Prix International“ (since 1968)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Amateur Championship (since 1990)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Europe Amateur Championship (since 1996)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. South America Amateur Championship (since 2008)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Asia Championship (since 2006)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Amateur „Universe“ (since 2000)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Grand Prix (since 1991)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Europe Grand Prix (since 2005).

PROFESSIONAL EVENTS INTERNATIONAL.

WFF-WBBF International holds the folowing anual World‘s Most Important International Pro Events:

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro World Championship „Amber Prix OLYMPIA“ (since 2004)

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro World Cup (since 2011)

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro Europe Championship (since 2006)

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro „Universe“ (since 2012)

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro World Grand Prix (since 2004).

Get detailed Information on International Site www.wff.lt

GLOBAL TELEVISION C.N.N. PRESENTED W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. TO A BILLION PEOPLE WORLD WIDE.

FOREIGN MINISTRY REPUBLIC LITHUANIA WORKS WITH W.F.F.-W.B.B.F..

Today the International Federation W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) unites 141 Country-Members from all Continents. Every year W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. holds over 60 International Events in various Countries.

C.N.N. NEWS PRESENTED W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. TO A BILLION PEOPLE WORLD WIDE.

Some time ago the Global C.N.N. (Cable News Network) television made a special report on the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. events that were held in Klaipeda (E.U., Republic Lithuania) in May, 2017. That were the 50-th „Amber Prix International“ («Янтарный приз», «Gintarinis Prizas“, 1968 - 2025) and the 18-th „Universe“ contests. Due to this a billion (milliard) people World Wide had a possibility to see the work of the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International.

C.N.N. is one of the World‘s most important International News Television Companies. We do not remember that C.N.N. ever reported about bodybuilding sport before. Positively reported... We are proud that the report was about the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International Events, that had happened in Lithuania, European Union.

Before this the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International also had a number of  reports on other International Television Companies, such as  „Eurosport“, „Sky News“ and many national televisions of various countries through the World.

FOREIGN MINISTRY REPUBLIC LITHUANIA WORKS WITH W.F.F.-W.B.B.F.

Receiving the information about the C.N.N. preparations to make a report from the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. International events in Lithuania, the Lithuania Republic Foreign Ministry officials addressed the International President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  and assisted him in the common work with the C.N.N. television.

W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. ALWAYS WAS NON KOMMERCIAL SPORT ORGANIZATION.

During the sixty years of it‘s activities the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. always kept on the real sport side. Though there were various political and economical dificulties, the federation never stopped working on (read historical articles on the International Site www.wff.lt).

W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. athletes always had possibilities to seek the highest titles at the International recognized official contests. Historic statistics prove the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. is a prestigeous International Federation among all federations. One can organize several successfull competitions, but it is not the same as sixty years of serious stable work. The power of the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. – sixty years of constant International Sport work.

Today the valuables of the mankind changed. For most people money means everything. No morality, only money and lies. The 3000 years lasting Bible Concept of Ruling Menkind is close to the end. Today most of International Sport Organizations are commercial. Even W.A.D.A. (World Anti Doping Agency) seeks profit and this is the reason that not every International Sport Organization can join W.A.D.A.. Such mentioned above organizations  proclame commerce, not sport. It is a theater of absurd now and we were writing about this many times before.

W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. will remain conservative and it will not follow other commercial sport organizations.  W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. will remain on the real sport side and this is our priority. 

In difference to other organizations W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. collaborates with the recognized International Sport Institutions, National Governmental Structures and representatives of all religions. All of them notice and valuate the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. activities. We see the W.F.F.-W.B.B.F. as a strong friendly unit and this is our power.

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

GREAT ORGANIZATION.

GREAT DATES.

As 2028 approaches, the International WFF–WBBF Federation is preparing to commemorate a significant milestone – the 60th anniversary of its international activities. During this period, the organization has grown into a global sports movement, bringing together members from 141 countries across all continents.

Despite the challenges that have affected the world in recent years – including the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and other international developments – the Federation has maintained active operations, consistently promoting initiatives in sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living. Our mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and physical abilities to participate in sporting activities while strengthening international cooperation in this field.

The Federation's history is closely linked with Lithuania and its contribution to the development of international sport:

In 1967, the international tournament “Amber Prix” was established in Lithuania. In 2027, the event will celebrate its anniversary in Klaipėda. In 1968, the International Athletic Gymnastics (Bodybuilding) Federation was founded in Lithuania and coordinated the development of this sport in numerous countries. During challenging historical periods, the Federation faced various restrictions; however, its community successfully preserved sporting traditions and ensured the continuity of its activities. Following 1991, the Federation actively expanded its participation in the international sports movement, developing cooperation with sports organizations and institutions in many countries. Since 1999, special attention has been devoted to children's sports through the “Fit-Kid” programs and to the development of sports opportunities for persons with disabilities. In 2004, fitness model competitions were introduced into the Federation's event program, attracting broad international interest. Since 2024, the Federation has further intensified its activities in fitness, physical activity, and wellness, promoting sport as a means of improving public well-being and quality of life.

The results achieved in recent years confirm the relevance of these activities and the growing public interest in them. In 2026, approximately 300 athletes from various countries participated in the professional “Universe” competition held in Klaipėda, while the European Amateur Championship in Croatia attracted more than 2,000 participants.

Throughout its history, the Federation has sought constructive cooperation with national and local authorities, sports organizations, and public institutions. In many countries, our events have been recognized as a meaningful contribution to promoting physical activity, strengthening international relations, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. In recent years, the Federation's work has received attention and recognition in Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Estonia, India, and other countries.

The forthcoming 60th anniversary represents not only an important historical achievement for our organization but also an opportunity to once again emphasize the importance of sport in strengthening public health, international cooperation, cultural dialogue, and social unity.

We look forward to continuing meaningful cooperation and to contributing, through joint efforts, to the promotion of sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living on an international scale.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

USSR BODYBUILDING FEDERATION WAS CREATED IN KLAIPEDA.

In 1986, while preparing the “Amber Prix” tournament, Edmundas Daubaras returned to active organizational work in bodybuilding in Klaipeda. The circumstances were favorable for such a return: he had completed his law studies at Vilnius State University, and his personal life had become more stable. Anatolij Gončarov, President of the Klaipeda City Bodybuilding Federation and a People's Judge, had repeatedly encouraged Daubaras to rejoin the city's bodybuilding movement. Apparently, 1986 was the right time to do so.

At that time, three bodybuilding clubs were operating in Klaipeda. There was no shortage of athletes, and many competitors regularly participated in contests. However, the city lacked outstanding personalities who could emerge as true leaders of the sport. Over time, the “Amber Prix” tournament itself had become somewhat routine. This was likely one of the main reasons why Edmundas Daubaras was invited back into active organizational work.

While organizing the 1986 “Amber Prix” tournament, Daubaras invited Vladimir Dubinin, a former prominent Soviet bodybuilder from Leningrad, to Klaipeda. Following his defeat at the 1974 Georg Tenno Memorial, Dubinin had virtually withdrawn from competitive bodybuilding and public life for nearly thirteen years. Nevertheless, he accepted the invitation and arrived in Klaipeda.

Although the competition itself proceeded according to the usual format, after the event Daubaras hosted an informal gathering at his home. Among those invited were several influential leaders of Soviet bodybuilding: Vladimir Dubinin, Moscow representative Vladimir Shubov, and Arkadiy Kashansky, who represented the Ukrainian SSR. Innar Mardo was not present, and Roman Kalinauskas was not considered for invitation due to previous disagreements.

During the meeting, Edmundas Daubaras presented two strategic issues for discussion. The first proposal was to organize a major international bodybuilding tournament within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. Such an event would help attract the attention of the central Soviet sports authorities and strengthen bodybuilding’s position within the official sports structure. Vladimir Dubinin agreed to take responsibility for the initiative and began organizing the international “White Nights” tournament in Leningrad.

The second issue concerned the establishment of an official USSR Bodybuilding Federation under the USSR State Sports Committee. Until then, the informal leadership tandem of Roman Moroz and Roman Kalinauskas had failed to provide consistent direction for Soviet bodybuilding and lacked meaningful support from the central sports administration.

Drawing on his experiences in Czechoslovakia, where he had observed the successful cooperation between the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation and the country's Ministry of Sports (ČSTV), Daubaras proposed a clear plan of action. Vladimir Shubov and Vladimir Dubinin, who already possessed valuable contacts within Soviet sports institutions, were tasked with pursuing the federation's official recognition through the USSR Weightlifting Federation. The participants supported the proposal and quickly began taking practical steps toward its implementation.

Later that same year, Vladimir Dubinin successfully organized the international “White Nights” tournament at the prestigious Oktyabrsky Concert Hall in Leningrad. The event soon became one of the most respected bodybuilding competitions in the Soviet Union.

Following this meeting, Edmundas Daubaras turned his attention to another important issue—the search for a new bodybuilding leader in Klaipeda. The city lacked athletes capable of competing successfully at the highest level. Although there were promising competitors, the shortage of qualified coaching had prevented Klaipeda bodybuilders from achieving top results for several years in the Soviet Union’s most prestigious competitions: the “Amber Prix,” the “Georg Tenno Memorial”, and the Kaunas “Komsomol Cup”.

In his search for the most promising candidate, Daubaras focused on Viktoras Jucys. In his view, Jucys possessed all the qualities necessary to become the new leader of Klaipėda bodybuilding. Thus began Viktoras Jucys’s journey toward sporting prominence.

The athlete’s preparation incorporated foreign training methodologies, Daubaras’s accumulated knowledge, and years of practical experience. Equally important was the influence of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, one of whose principal architects was Ceslav Tamulevic. Special emphasis was placed not only on perfecting the compulsory poses but also on developing high-quality posing routines.

As Vitalij Asovskij, a disciple of Ceslav Tamulevic, once remarked: “If you woke any athlete from the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding in the middle of the night and pulled him out of bed, he could perform any compulsory pose flawlessly, almost while still asleep.”

These principles became the foundation of Viktoras Jucys’s preparation for future competitions and his rise within the sport.

More information you can get on international site www.wff.lt