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

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

WFF-WBBF REPRESENTATIVE IN IRELAND MARIK STEFANOVIC – 2026 WORLD CHAMPION!

Ireland is represented in the international WFF-WBBF bodybuilding federation by Marik Stefanovic, who proudly claimed the World Champion title at the 2026 WFF-WBBF World Championship in Nida, Lithuania.

With a history dating back to 1968, the International WFF-WBBF Federation brings together members from 141 countries and organizes approximately 60 international sporting events worldwide every year.

Marik Stefanovic, Chairman of WFF-WBBF in Ireland, participated in the 2026 World Championship held at the Lithuanian resort of Nida, where he achieved 1st place in his age category, earning the prestigious title of 2026 World Champion.

THE ROAD TO 2027 – 60 YEARS OF THE HISTORIC AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL!

The International WFF-WBBF Federation is now preparing for one of its most significant international events of 2027: the 60th anniversary of the historic AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL, one of the world's oldest bodybuilding competitions.

The prestigious event will take place on May 7–9, 2027, in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

The Irish national team will be led by Marik Stefanovic, who will represent Ireland at this historic international bodybuilding celebration.

The 2027 Amber Prix International promises to bring together athletes, national representatives and bodybuilding enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate six decades of international bodybuilding history and tradition.

Ireland is ready for the 2027 international challenge!

More information:
International WFF-WBBF Federation
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