1990 SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.

1990 I.F.B.B. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, MALAYSIA.

In 1990 U.S.S.R. bodybuilding was tightly connected with the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). In 1990 I.F.B.B. federation was celebrating it‘s 20 years anyversary (I.F.B.B. was created by the F.I.H.C. (F.I.H.C., Federation Internationale Halterophile et Culturiste) General Secretary OSCAR STATE in 1970 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia). Most all sports athletes of Lithuania did not participe at the official U.S.S.R. Championships and the U.S.S.R. National Teams under request of the National Olympic Committee of the Lithuanian SSR (L.T.O.K., Lietuvos Tautinis Olimpinis Komitetas, Национальный Олимпийский комитет Литовской ССР). But not all bodybuilders followed this N.O.C. request. In 1990 U.S.S.R. bodybuilders participated at the I.F.B.B. World Championship in Kuala Lampur (Malaysia). As it was in 1989 during the I.F.B.B. World Championship in Paris (France) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited to Malaysia as a personal quest of the I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER.  As it was in 1989 during the I.F.B.B. World Championship in Paris (France) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS could take any Lithuanian SSR represitative to accompany him. This time DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took RAMUTIS KAIRAITIS with him as in 1989 Vice President «U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation»  («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS behaved rude in Paris. Representatives of the Lithuanian SSR went to Malaysia separate of the U.S.S.R. National Team.

One hundred bodybuilders participated at the 1990 I.F.B.B. World Championship. The contest was very pompastic. For organization of the contest was done huge work of the I.F.B.B. Vice President PAUL CHUA (Singapore). As USA sport specialist BOB GOLDMAN explained, the Malaysia Prime Minister MOHAMAD MAHATHIR gave 3.400 million USA dollars state money for the contest. Also he was present at the competition too. World Championship Category Winners were: EL AMAWY (Egypt), JOSEF DAWSON (USA), WILHELM JASINOWSKI (Germany), ALQ GURLAY (USA), AHIM ALBRECHT (Germany).

1990 I.F.B.B. „MISS OLYMPIA“, NEW YORK.

After 1990 I.F.B.B. World Championship in Malaysia in order to continue the dialogue with DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER invited him as his personal quest to 1990 I.F.B.B. professional „Miss Olympia“ in New York (USA). That was already the 11-th I.F.B.B. Pro „Miss Olympia“ competition. Many top Professional women bodybuilders left the sport as the new „huge muscle“ generation came on Professional stage. Big muscle road started with LENDA MURRAY. Again as it was at the 1989 I.F.B.B. World Championship in Paris (France) and as it was at the 1990 I.F.B.B. World Championship in Kuala Lampur (Malaysia) BEN WEIDER agreed that DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for negotiations will take one more representative of the Lithuanian Republic. This time DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took together the 1981 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2025) and Category Winner of the 1988 „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cup“ («Кубок С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»)  Champion SAULIUS MISEVICIUS. 1990 „Miss Olympia“ was held at the New York „Beacon Theatre“.

The negotiations about Lithuania entering the I.F.B.B. separate from the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“  («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.»)  were held in New York „Hemsley“ hotel. The I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER informed DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS about this decission to folow the rules of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ and not to alow Lithuania to enter the I.F.B.B. steping ove the U.S.S.R..

The places at the 1990 I.F.B.B. „Miss Olympia“ were as it is: first Lenda Murray (USA), second Bev Francis (Australia), third Anja Schreiner (Germany), fourth Laura Creavalle (USA), fifth Jackie Paisley (USA), sixth Sharon Arrildt (USA).

1990. W.B.F.. VINCE MAC MAHON.

In 1990 there was a big crisis in the I.F.B.B.. I.F.B.B. had no „federation patriots“. Nearly all I.F.B.B. professionals left I.F.B.B.. very active in the new W.B.F. (World Bodybuilding Federation“) were TOM PLATZ and LOU FERRIGNO. Also there were somehow DANNY PADILLA and TONY PEARSON. Famous Pro bodybuildewrs entered newly done federation W.B.F. which was created by American VINCE MAC MAHON. VINCE MAC MAHON made no secret – he wanted to make business of it. In order to collect best professional bodybuilders he declared an uncomparibably very big prize money for bodybuilders. „Joe Weider‘s Olympia“ could not compete with VINCE MAC MAHON‘s  prize money. The biggest success was for GARY STRYDOM. He took 275 000 USA dollars then. He got real money. It was not like it is now – they declare big prize money at Pro contests and athletes receive nothing at all. It is a very good way to fool athlets. Do You know at least one Pro bodybuilder who became rich by winning prize money at contests? We mean real prize money, not of selling „supplements“, narcotics or selling even themselves... (Full Article on Global Site www.wff.lt )

1990. I.F.B.B. EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP.

It was the first time in the history of the U.S.S.R. to hold European Bodybuilding Championship. It was done in 1990 in Leningrad (R.S.F.S.R.). The Category Winners were: women - SUKUPOVA EVA (Czechoslovakian S.S.R.), KLIEBER BETINA (F.R.G., Federal Republic of Germany), MONTEMAGGI CLAUDIA (Italy); men – GROLMUS PAVOL (Czechoslovakian S.S.R.), CARROLL JOHN (Ireland), BARDONI ANGELO (Italy), PAAVO AIN (U.S.S.R., Estonian SSR), HARTL STEFAN (F.R.G.). Full Article on Global Site www.wff.lt ).

1990. „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.

There were two important happenings around the1990 „Amber Prix International“ (Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2024). The first one was since 1988 lasting negotiations of the Lithuania to enter the I.F.B.B. federation separately from the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.»). Then the process was led by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. The second one was big wish of the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») not to alow Lithuania to enter the I.F.B.B.. This was the reason that together with the 1990 „Amber Prix International“ the „U.S.S.R. Junior Bodybuilding Championship“ («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму среди молодёжи») was held in Klaipeda (Lithuanian Republic). At the contest participated 62 bodybuilders of the National Teams of the folowing countries: R.S.F.S.R., Ukraine SSR, belorussian SSR, Latvian SSR, Lithuanian SSR, Estonian SSR, Kazachstan SSR, Georgian SSR. The Category Winners were: Juniors - SLIVKO SERGEJ (Сливко Сергей, Ukraine SSR), JAKOVLEV PAVEL (Яковлев Павел, R.S.F.S.R.), SOLODKOV KIRIL (Солодков Кирилл, R.S.F.S.R.), KABANOVSKIJ DENIS (Кабановский Денис, R.S.F.S.R.), GAVRILOVIC SERGEJ (Гаврилович Сергей, Belorussian SSR). Over All Junior Champion was proclamed KIRIL SOLODKOV. Winners of the Men Categories were: GORELIK EUGENE (Горелик Евгений, Lithuanian Republic), BARTKEVICIUS ARVYDAS (Lithuanian Republic), ZUR OLEG (Жур Олег, Lithuanian Republic), REPSYS EDMUNDAS (Lithuanian Republic), KAZAKEVICIUS REMIGIJUS (Lithuanian Republic). Over All Winner was OLEG ZUR. First time in the history of the „Amber Prix International“ women bodybuilders participated at the contest. Category Winners were: JEGOROVA ANNA (Егорова Анна, Lithuanian Republic), MURNIKOVIENE NATALIA (Мурниковене Духович Наталия, Duchovic, Lithuanian Republic). Title of the Over All Winner went to NATALIA MURNIKOVIENE. Full Article on Global Site www.wff.lt )

1990 U.S.S.R. ECONOMIC BLOCKADE TO LITHUANIA.

D.D.R. BODYBUILDERS WANT TO RUIN BLOCKADE.

Socialist Republic of Lithuania was a part of the U.S.S.R. for several decades. On March 11, 1990 Lithuanian Republic restored it‘s independance. In April, 1990 the U.S.S.R. started economic blockade to young Lithuanian Republic. The blockade lasted 75 days. Most goods could not reach the Country. Especially gasoline and oil products.

Communicating with representatives of various countries DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was explaining to them the political situation of Lithuania.

Aiming to stop the blockade bodybuilders of the D.D.R. (Deutsche Demokratische Republik, G.D.R., German Democratic Republic, Г.Д.Р., Германская Демократическая Республика) sent DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS a number of telegrammes and offered help for the Lithuanian Republic. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS connected with the Government of the republic Lithuania and spoke with the Prime Minister KAZIMIERA PRUNSKIENE. The Prime Minister said „lithuania needs no help. We will manage to solve the problem ourselves“.

1990. U.S.S.R. BODYBUILDERS VISITED USA.

In 1990 the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders visited USA. A number of theatric show competitions were organized for them. The event was paid by BILLY PAX. At the same days of the visit the 1990 I.F.B.B. „Miss Olympia“ was held in New York. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met the representatives of the U.S.S.R. at one of Manhattan‘s hotels. That were R.S.F.R.S. athletes VELIKOIVANENKO BORIS (Борис Великоиваненко), FATEJEV GRIGORIJ (Григорий Фатеев), JASINOVSKI NIKOLAJ (Николай Ясиновский), IVANIUK ALEKSANDR (Александр Иванюк), bodybuilder of the Lithuanian Republic GORELIK EUGENE (Евгений Горелик), sportsmen of the Belorussian SSR SKARUB VLADIMIR (Владимир Шкарубо), ALEKSANDROVIC VLADIMIR (Владимир Александрович), BOGDANOVIC VALERIJ (Валерий Богданович), GRISANOV NIKOLAJ (Николай Гришанов) and bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR UIT INA (Инна Уйт), PAAVO AIN (Айн Пааво).

1990 SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL CONTESTS.

There were comparitivelly many bodybuilding contests in the Socialist countries in 1990. As the end of the USSR and the Socualist system was closer most bodybuilders lived in their dreames and tried to reach the „Western“ competitions. They could do it only being among the National Team of the USSR. As they were not among the national teams that was the reason that most bodybuilders had to participate at the International Contests in the Socialist countries. In 1990 bodybuilders of Klaipeda bodybuilding federation participated at the competitions in Oradea (Romanian SSR), berlin („Berliner Bar“, GDR, German Democratic republic), Marjanke Lazne and Ruzomberok (Czechoslovakian SSR, „Sandow“, „Trener“, „Diana“).

1990. MAGAZINES OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS SPREAD THROUGH THE WORLD.

Bodybuilding was popular sport then. Athletes needed methodical knowlidge. Since DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started his bodybuilding way in 1969 he translated articles from books ang magazines. The books were a seldom happening as the „Iron Wal“ did not alow it. This way the first magazine „Arnold Schwarzenegger Recommends“ („Arnoldas Švarcenegeris rekomenduoja“ «Арнольд Шварценеггер рекомендует») was printed and spread in 2 000 000 issues. Several decades it was the „ABC“ for several generations. This kind of popularity has no other bodybuilding magazine in the World. After „Arnold Schwarzenegger Recommends“ other magazines were printed and successfully distrubuted: „Training Programmes of World‘s Best Bodybuilders“ («Системы упражнений лучших культуристов мира», „Geriausių pasaulio kultūristų pratimų sistemos“),  „Bodybuilder“ («Культурист», „Kultūristas“), „Bodybuilding Stars Recommends“ („Kultūrizmo žvaigždės rekomenduoja“, «Звёзды культуризма рекомендуют») and other magazines. Totaly 37 magazines.

Best and short words abou the magazines of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS were said by a famous Russian bodybuilder VALERIJ LOKTIONOV: „then the only one source of bodybuilding materials were magazines from Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) and I did my best to get them. That was really the GOLD TIME OF BODYBUILDING“. All bodybuilders used to copy the sport movement in Baltic countries.

(„Когда-то единственным источником для меня было ,,Советский спорт,, и ,,Спортивная жизнь России,,. А еще тогда все ровнялись на Прибалтику. Тогда это было С.С.С.Р. (Федерация культуризма при Комитете физической культуры и спорта г. Клайпеды, Литовская Республика 1991 г.) и я навыписывал оттуда кучу брошур - , «Современный культуризм,», , «Система упражнений лучших культуристов мира,», ,»Увеличение мышечной массы в культуризме,», , «Звезды культуризма рекомендуют,», ,»Арнольд Шварценнегер рекомендует». Золотое время!“).

More detailed information in various languages on International Page www.wff.lt

2008 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

UNIQUE ORIGINAL COMPETITION.

In 2008 W.F.F. -W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  World Championship was held in Bydgoszcz (Poland). The competition was organized by city Mecenat JERZY GOTOWSKI and city Vice Mayor KAZIMIERZ DROZD.

The preparation started one year before with huge confrontation with the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) Chairman of trainers PAVEL FILEBORN. Before the event eight various level press conferences and meetings were organized. Among them official meetings of the International President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Minister of Sport Republic Poland ZBIGNIEW PACELT and Mayor City Bydgoszcz KONSTANTY DOMBROWICZ.

HIGH INTERNATIONAL AWARDS.

During the preparation of the World Championship a number of Officials of the Republic Poland were awarded with the  W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. “International Honour Silver Medal”. Among them Minister of Sport Republic Poland ZBIGNIEW PACELT, Mecenat JERZY GOTOWSKI, Mayor City Bydgoszcz KONSTANTY DOMBROWICZ.

MINISTER SPORT POLAND. OFFICIAL VISIT.

As we mentioned above high I.F.B.B. Official POWEL FILEBORN in order to ruin the 2008 W.F.F. World Championship was writing public letters. To stop this process organizers of the World Championship addressed the Minister Sport Poland ZBIGNIEW PACELT. W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Officials were invited to the Ministry of Sport in Warsaw where they met the Minister. During the meeting required juridic W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. and I.F.B.B. questions were spoken over. Supporting the W.F.F. World Championship ZBIGNIEW PACELT wrote official letter. This letter stopped all I.F.B.B. aggressiveness. We would like to remind that due to doping usage International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.) refused to recognize I.F.B.B. federation and bodybuilding as sport. Also I.F.B.B. statements that W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International was not among W.A.D.A. (World Anti Doping Agency) members were stopped. At that time the National President of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Poland was ANDRZEJ MACIEJEWSKI. For many years ANDRZEJ MACIEJEWSKI was the Vice President of the I.F.B.B. Poland. He collected materials from press accusing I.F.B.B. Official PAWEL FILEBORN being involved in doping business and corruption. Polish athletes accused PAWEL FILEBORN selling doping usage schemes for 1 000 USD and proposing to cancel doping disqualifications for 10 000 USD. For this reason PAWEL FILEBORN was for a long time in various courts. Doping business of PAWEL FILEBORN was in popular Polish newspapers - among them in “Zycie Warszawy”, “Wiadomosczy dnia”, “Interia.pl”, “Kulturystyka” and others. By the way, after this doping scandals PAWEL FILEBORN was several times in Lithuania. There at I.F.B.B. seminars he teached Lithuanians about his personal ptactice and knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL JUDGES AND ORGANIZERS

International Judges and Organizers from Argentina, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, Serbia, Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Cyprus, Belarus, Denmark, Ukraine, Hungary, Croatia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzogovina participated at the event.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CATEGORY WINNERS

MILENKOVIC PETAR (Serbia), MICHAILOV DIAN (Lithuania), ZIGALA MIRIAN (Slovakia), KHASALOV FEDIR (Ukraine), GIRYA DMYTRO (Ukraine), RASMUSSEN PALLE (Denmark), KRIVCIKOV DMITRIJ (Russia), NADOLSKI WOJCIECH (Poland), BLINOV SERGEJ (Russia), ZAJANCKOVSKIJ ANTON (Lithuania), CSERNUS ANNA (Hungary), ROCLAWSKA PAULINA (Poland), CZENASC ESZTER (Hungary), ZIGALOVA MIRIAMA (Slovakia), BEKUS ANITA (Poland), CERVENA LENKA (Czech), BUDOVIC TANJA (Bosnia and Herzogovina), BOCIAN NATALIA (Poland), DUNDERSKI KSENIA (Serbia), MARTINKOVA EVA (Slovakia), MILERIUTE JOLANTA (Lithuania), TOLEDO JAMILA VANESSA (Argentina), ZIGALOVA MARIETTA (Slovakia). Over All Champions: NATALIA BOCIAN (Fitness), JOLANTA MILERIUTE (Bodybuilding Women), WOJCIECH NADOLSKI (Bodybuilding Men). 

Detailed story is on the way. Follow International Site www.wff.lt 

78 YEARS OF WORLD BODYBUILDING SPORT.

66 YEARS OF SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING.

BEGINNING.

Until now official World and Socialist bodybuilding history is presented as a mistake. The basis of the history is incorrect. It is a mistake when we use to say that bodybuilders built and developed sport of bodybuilding. No, not bodybuilders. Bodybuilders were training and participating at the competitions only. Do winning bodybuilders developed sport anyhow? No, not at all. For bodybuilders somebody else had to organize competitions, to get permeations, support, venue places, awards and to collect participants. To say more – somebody had to publicize information about contests and bodybuilders. Otherwise until now nobody would even hear anything about a single bodybuilder.

All bodybuilding organizations, federations were created not by bodybuilders. Organizations were created by functioneers and organizers. During the history of bodybuilding sport there were only few Internationally important persons - organizers. Organizers are the main persons of bodybuilding sport. We will speak shortly in this article. Anyway it will be a long story to put it down.

BEGINNING OF BODYBUILDING SPORT.

As we have spoken before we will present only short information. Each our story can be developed into a long article. For detailed information look on International Site www.wff.lt

Contemporary N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) history writer SI SWEENEY in his articles even does not mention the real first “Mr. Universe” contest. Also he writes incorrect information about the second “Mr. Universe” competition.

The same do writers who write about the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) history. These they underline that there was nothing before the WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN I.F.B.B. Commercial Company. They neglect the previous BOB HOFFMAN’s (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 - 1985 m.) “Bodybuilding Empire” which WEIDER brothers copied from beginning to the very end.

Many people want to rise themselves and they create unreal stories. Next followers use their creations and go on developing them.

1947. FIRST “MR. UNIVERSE” CONTEST.

The first real “Bodybuilding Empire” was created through the A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union)  in the USA by American BOBO HOFFMAN. In real A.A.U. united USA National Federations and it was the Ministry of Sport in the USA. They use to call BOBO HOFFMAN “the father of America Weightlifting”. A.A.U. since 1939 was organizing USA bodybuilding “Mr. America” contests. BOB HOFFMAN wanted to make bodybuilding an official recognized sport through A.A.U. and F.I.H. (Federation Internationale Halterophile). USA weightlifting though A.A.U. was a member of the International Weightlifting Federation F.I.H. Later F.I.H. name was changed to F.I.H.C. (F.I.H.C., Federation Internationale Halterophile et Culturisme) when F.I.H. started ruling World’s bodybuilding sport. BOB HOFFMAN decided to do the same with bodybuilding.

In 1947 F.I.H. organized the World Weightlifting Championship and International Congress in Philadelphia (USA). Under the efforts of BOB HOFFMAN the International Congress decided to lead and control World’s bodybuilding on official level. This way for twenty years bodybuilding became officially recognized sport. It was immediately decided to organize the first in Sport’s History International Bodybuilding “Mr. Universe” contest alongside with the F.I.H. World Weightlifting Championship in Philadelphia. Then the Over All “Mr. Universe” Champion was a pupil of BOB HOFFMAN a famous America weightlifter STEVE STANKO. That was a Historical Happening and STEVE STANKO became a Historical Person.

1948. SECOND “MR. UNIVERSE’ IN LONDON.

It was a tradition of F.I.H. not to organize World Weightlifting Championship in “Olympic” years. What to do with the second F.I.H. bodybuilding „Mr. Universe“ competition? Then the idea to organize the F.I.H. bodybuilding “Mr. Universe” during the 1948 “Olympic Games” struck BOB HOFFMAN. There were real ways because F.I.H. was a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.). BOB HOFFMAN addressed British OSCAR STATE who was the President of B.A.W.L.A. (British Amateur Weight Lifting Association) to assist him. At the same time B.A.W.L.A. asked the Chairmen of the British Bodybuilding “Health and Strength” Magazine to assist them too. Through F.I.H. departments in various countries B.A.W.L.A. invited athletes to the contest in London. At the same time BOB HOFFMAN brought USA bodybuilders to compete. There were 1800 spectators at the second F.I.H. “Mr. Universe” in London. All money profit of the competition went to B.A.W.L.A.. After several preliminary rounds the finalists were ANDRE DRAPP (France) and Americans JOHN GRIMEK and STEVE REEVES. JOHN GRIMEK was proclaimed the Over All Winner of the second F.I.H. “Mr. Universe”. STEVE REEVES spoke on microphone saying that “John Grimek is the greatest bodybuilder who ever lived“.

1950. FIRST N.A.B.B.A. “MR. UNIVERSE”.

In 1950 under the efforts of the Chairmen of “Health and Strength” Magazine N.A.B.B.A. association was created in the Great Britain. As the former N.A.B.B.A. President  IVAN DUNBAR told us – N.A.B.B.A. Association was juridically registered as a „Public Club“. In 1950 N.A.B.B.A. organized the first “Mr. Universe” in London. The Over All Champion was STEVE REEVES (USA). At the same time a member of the International Olympic Committee F.I.H.C. went on organizing it’s own “Mr. Universe” contest. Comparing with N.A.B.B.A. “Mr. Universe” F.I.H.C. competitions were the official ones. For the two decades no one could confront F.I.H.C. as the official Bodybuilding Sport was under F.I.H.C. control. Even the Commercial I.F.B.B. Company of the WEIDER  brothers JOE and BEN could not imagine to think being equal to F.I.H.C..

1959. BOB HOFFMAN BRINGS BODYBUILDING TO SOCIALIST COUNTRIES.

In 1959 the USA „Father of Weightlifting“ BOB HOFFMAN through the International Weightlifting Federation F.I.H.C. first time brought bodybuilding sport to the Socialist Countries. That was the World Weightlifting Championship in Warszawa - the Capital of the Polish Democratic Republic. Then F.I.H.C. organized the traditional bodybuilding „Mr. Universe“ in Warszawa too. Over All Winner was GUY MEIRCZUK (born in 1936, France). Right after this Bodybuilding Committe of Poland was created.  First President was the „Father of Polish Bodybuilding“ STANISLAW ZAKRZEWSKI.

IN 1963 FIRST INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING ORGANIZATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN SOCIALIST WORLD.

In 1963 under direct influence American BOB HOFFMAN  and British OSCAR STATE and the initiative of the F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Federation Internationale Halterophile, later F.I.H.C., Federation Internationale Halterophile et Culturiste, later I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation) in the U.S.S.R. was established first International Bodybuilding Organization (Общественный комитет атлетической гимнастики С.С.С.Р.). of the Socialist World. The U.S.S.R. Sport Ministry (Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) appointed a known Russia weightlifter ROMAN MOROZ (Роман Мороз) as the President of this Organization. Then the U.S.S.R. was not ready to face this innovation and the new organization worked only formally. We would like to underline that the I.F.B.B. federation (International Federation of Body Builders) was created only in 1970 in Belgrade (Yugoslavia) by the General Secretary F.I.H.C. OSCAR STATE.

Real bodybuilding started in 1968 when another new Organization was created in Lithuania. Again the formal Chairman of the new Organization was the above mentioned ROMAN MOROZ. He was the man to connect bodybuilders with the Ministry of Sport of the U.S.S.R.. In real bodybuilding sport in the U.S.S.R. was governed by other people. They were Russian GENADIJ BALDIN (Геннадий Балдин) and two Lithuanians VALERIJ KORESHKOV  (Валерий Корешков) and VYTAUTAS ZUMERIS.

That were the requirements of the „communist times and the communist regime“.

THE STORY WILL BE CONTINUED.

Those who are interested in detailed sport history – welcome to our Internet Site. We will publish the article in parts as it will take time. FACEBOOK does not allow long texts. For detailed information read International Site www.wff.lt

“AMBER PRIX” – WHAT IS IT? HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

For more than six decades, the name “Amber Prix” has resonated throughout the world. What is it? Once a traditional bodybuilding tournament, today it has grown into a broad movement promoting wellness, fitness, and professional sport. Thanks to the activities of the international WFF-WBBF Federation, the “Amber Prix” has become a significant international sporting phenomenon.

During the period when bodybuilding was banned in the Soviet Union, the “Amber Prix” competition became the unofficial USSR Bodybuilding Championship, later recognized as such by the USSR Ministry of Sports. At that time, for many athletes from across the Soviet Union, this tournament effectively served as both the World and European Championship. The highest sporting achievements were associated with victories and prize-winning places at the “Amber Prix” competition.

In his efforts to rehabilitate bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras spent years corresponding with leaders of the USSR Weightlifting Federation, the central Soviet sports press, and meeting with the Minister of Sports of the Lithuanian SSR, Zigmas Motiekaitis. Eventually, he decided to prepare and submit an official petition defending bodybuilding to the highest political authorities in Moscow. At that time, not a single well-known bodybuilding organizer, coach, or athlete supported this initiative — on the contrary, most advised him to abandon the idea.

It was through the efforts of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras that permission was granted to organize the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda. Later, under the leadership of Romanas Kalinauskas, Kaunas bodybuilders began organizing the traditional “Komsomol Cup” competitions. These initiatives continued until the collapse of the Soviet Union.

After Lithuania restored its independence, the “Amber Prix” tournament continuously received support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On the occasion of the tournament’s 40th anniversary, the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania adopted a decision to provide state funding for the event through a separate line in the national budget.

Today, the “Amber Prix” is not only a part of sports history, but also an international symbol of bodybuilding and wellness that promotes Lithuania throughout the world. Throughout the history of the “Amber Prix” tournament, athletes from various countries around the world have participated, representing all continents. Exceptional records were also achieved: in 1998, as many as 91 city teams participated in the “Amber Prix” tournament; in 2008, athletes from 32 countries competed in the event held in Klaipėda; and in 2026, around 300 athletes took part in the tournament.

More information about these historical events and the activities of the international federation can be found on the official website: www.wff.lt

KLAIPĖDA’S TRADITION CONTINUED. The “Amber Prix” Tournament, 1969–1970.

In 1969, a strong wave of sporting enthusiasm swept across Lithuania, including the rapidly growing sport of bodybuilding. Public interest in this new athletic discipline was remarkable. Bodybuilding competitions were staged at prestigious venues such as the Vingis Park stage in Vilnius and the Kaunas Sports Hall, attracting significant public attention. The events were covered extensively by the press and even broadcast on national television.

The results of the earliest bodybuilding tournaments, however, should be viewed with some reservation. Judged by modern bodybuilding standards, the outcomes would likely have been very different. At the time, bodybuilding competitions always included a strength component, which encouraged competitors to invite weightlifters to participate. As a result, many early champions owed their victories primarily to outstanding performances in strength exercises rather than to muscular development or physique aesthetics.

This became particularly evident during the 1970 competition held in Kaliningrad (RSFSR), where Klaipėda weightlifters Algis Eidukas and Alfonsas Mėcius outperformed nearly all the bodybuilders and emerged victorious. Among the champions, only Antanas Mineikis could be considered a true bodybuilder in the modern sense, distinguished both by his impressive muscular physique and strong results in the strength events.

The 1969 “Amber Prix” tournament was held at the Palace of Culture of the Klaipėda Construction Trust. In keeping with tradition, the competition consisted of two parts: athletes first competed in strength exercises and later demonstrated their physiques.

The event featured musical accompaniment by the popular jazz ensemble “Žėrutis.” On this occasion, former rower and member of Klaipėda’s amateur circus group Antanas Mineikis not only won his height category but also captured the overall champion title. In his category, he defeated the favorite and reigning 1968 champion Leonas Pivoriūnas.

In the second height category, victory went to Klaipėda heavyweight athlete Alfonsas Mėčius, while the first category was won by Kaunas representative Giršas Langevičius. Prize-winning places were also secured by Klaipėda athletes Kestutis Rumsas, Petras Lenkauskas, Jonas Vaiciulis, and Bronius Kilinskas.

By 1970, the “Amber Prix” tournament attracted somewhat less attention, as Lithuania was hosting several other international bodybuilding events, while the national team celebrated a successful appearance at competitions in the Polish People’s Republic. The winners of the fourth “Amber Prix” tournament categories were Antanas Mineikis, Pranas Cesnulevicius, and Juras Janciauskas. The latter two, together with the 1968 overall “Amber Prix” champions Valdas Aliubavicius and Leonas Pivoriunas, represented the Vilnius sports club “Viktorija,” which had already gained recognition as the center of the emerging “Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.”

The school was led by the talented coach Ceslav Tamulevic (1945–2023), whose influence played an important role in the development of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

In 1970, Antanas Mineikis was declared the overall winner of the “Amber Prix” tournament. Among the prize winners were also Klaipeda athletes Nikolaj Caika, Kestutis Rumsas, and Genadij Sevelkov.

Following the 1970 tournament, Klaipeda organizer Antanas Jonuskutis withdrew from organizational activities. Until bodybuilding was officially banned in the Soviet Union and other socialist countries in 1973, the “Amber Prix” tournament was no longer continued.

Nevertheless, the popularity of bodybuilding continued to grow. In 1971 and 1972, two “USSR Bodybuilding Championships” were organized within the territory of the RSFSR. Lithuanian athletes participated in both events, although no representatives from Klaipėda took part. In 1971, Estonian athletes established the international tournament Georg Tenno Memorial, which became one of the most prominent traditions in Baltic bodybuilding.

More information is on International Site www.wff.lt