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17/07/2026
WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.
1970 – 1980 BEST U.S.S.R. BODYBUILDERS.
BEGINNING.
Working on the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ («Энциклопедией всемирного культуризма», „Pasaulinė kultūrizmo enciklopedija“) we are analysing lots of historic happenings and facts. Today we can list five bodybuilders of the U.S.S.R. who were most famous since 1970 until 1980. That were representing famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ LEONAS PIVORIUNAS (his trainer was CESLAV TAMULEVIC, 1946 - 2021), VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин, R.S.F.S.R., Leningrad, was training himself), representing „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ PRANAS MURAUSKAS ((his trainer was CESLAV TAMULEVIC) and two Estonians - OLEV ANNUS and INDREK OTSUS. Both were trained by INNAR MARDO (1945 – 2002).
BEST BODYBUILDERS
For twenty years the only one in the World „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ was making the road to develop bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R.. Until now no other bodybuilding school influenced bodybuilding sport and did the same in the World. The school was created by CESLAV TAMULEVICH. Later came his follower poet, writer and drama creator VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский)). Both trainers did miracles with their pupils on stage. Everybody in the huge territory admired their works and tried to copy and follow them. About the ideas and works and future goals of the school VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ wrote a methodical story. Several years ago VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ proposed DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fulfil works and methods of the school at the competitions of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International. Unfortunatelly bodybuilding is in so big problem now and it is a question of it‘s official survival. We think there is the only one way out – W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International seeks recognition of the International Olympic Committee and it works on this very much.
PRANAS MURAUSKAS.
Representing „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ PRANAS MURAUSKAS participated at bodybuilding contests since 1969 until 1974. He Always won his categories. Best result of PRANAS MURAUSKAS was the first place and the Over All Winner‘s title at the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно») in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). Having International Standard shape PRANAS MURAUSKAS became very famous. Bodybuilding magazines and newspapers wrote much about him. He won against VLADIMIR DUBININ and OLEV ANNUS then and came into World‘s Bodybuilding History forever.
The Article will be continued and we will speak about each of the mentioned above Athletes. Follow International Page www.wff.lt
16/07/2026
IS AUSTRALIA COUNTRY OF LIERS?
GRAEME LANCEFIELD FOLLOWS JOE LOPEZ.
A number of years we are writing about lies of Australian GRAEME LANCEFIELD towards World Fitness Federation (W.F.F - International). Now he did it again advertising his 2025 «ASIA PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP» and 2026 competitions.
Just now in January, 2026 GRAEME LANCEFIELD appoined new representative in Spain. His name is JUANJO VILLAJOS. Again the history of real WFF-International is stolen...
Some time ago another Australian JOE LOPEZ did the same about N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) association.
FACEBOOK does not allow long texts.
Full article is on International Site www.wff.lt
N.A.B.B.A. WAS SPLIT. TWO N.A.B.B.A. ORGANIZATIONS.
Ending the last Century Australian JOE LOPEZ was very active among N.A.B.B.A. leaders. He wanted to be the only one N.A.B.B.A. Chairman and often was in conflict with KLAUS P.J. HOFFMANN and IVAN DUNBAR. 1999 N.A.B.B.A. World Championship was organized in Austria. At the same time N.A.B.B.A. Congress was held too. Plus to tension between three N.A.B.B.A. Chairmen one more dirty happening happened. N.A.B.B.A. financist TONY SULLYVAN disappeared with N.A.B.B.A. money. KLAUS P.J. HOFFMANN and IVAN DUNBAR did not want to speak about the N.A.B.B.A. problems and asked DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to do it. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS often used to make hours long speeches at N.A.B.B.A. congresses so hi did it again this time too. After it big mess started at the congress. JOE LOPEZ informed that the leaves N.A.B.B.A. with a number of countries and creates his own “N.A.B.B.A. International”. This way several years in a row JOE LOPEZ organized his own N.A.B.B.A. “Mr. Universe” contests in Spain. It did not last long as soon JOE LOPEZ was accused with smuggling narcotics and went to prison. This way history of “N.A.B.B.A. - International” was very short.
FULL ARTICLES ON N.A.B.B.A. and W.F.F. are published on International Site www.wff.lt
In 2025 GRAEME LANCEFIELD organized his competition in Malaysia and again to fool athletes he used the History of our federation.
N.A.B.B.A. THREW AWAY GRAEME LANCEFIELD AFTER HIS LIES.
REAL W.F.F. HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GRAEME LANCEFIELD.
REAL W.F.F. INVITES FOOLED BY LANCEFIELD NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Some time ago the International W.F.F – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke with the Officials of N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) International again. International President of N.A.B.B.A. EDDY ELWOOD addresses bodybuilders not to be fooled by misinformation of GRAEME LANCEFIELD. A number of National Presidents of the organization of GRAEME LANCEFIELD are upset that they were fooled for the last several years.
GRAEME LANCEFIELD SURPRISES THE BODYBUILDING WORLD.
On January 1 and January 3, 2020 the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International Headquarters received several letters and calls from a famous UK Bodybuilder and a N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Assocoation) Chairman EDDY ELWOOD.
EDDY ELWOOD is angry about the unintelligent behavior of GRAEME LANCEFIELD. EDDY insists that GRAEME LANCEFIELD must stop telling lies about his connections with N.A.B.B.A. as he has nothing to do with this great organization. GRAEME LANCEFIELD’S lies about N.A.B.B.A. and W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. history are terrible.
«Hi, Edmundas,
as you know Graeme Lancefield is in competition with your own WFF. I want the truth be known. Daniel his son is claiming the WFF history as theirs. And I know the history you told me is yours from a show called the Amber Prix. Would you mind if you would Please Comment on my post saying you run the WFF and the 1968 history Graeme Lancefield and his WFF have stolen off you and is in fact history from a show you have ran since 1968 called the Amber prix and WFF was formed in the mid 90s with yourself and Klaus Hoffman This will clarify the birth of the WFF and help us both.
Thank you,
Eddy Ellwood»
“Hi Edmundas,
NEWS from the original Nabba since 1950.
NABBA and WFF.
After seeing a post from Nabba India incorporating myself in a joint NABBA/WFF (Lancefield) promotion and other posts with fabricated history on!
It was necessary to post the following to show NABBAs stance with the WFF!
It was discussed at the NABBA Universe congress that NABBA has never had any affiliation with WFF (Lancefield).
NABBA is a lone non profit making amateur organisation,with democracy and a committee that decides any change democratically, we make decisions as a committee and an amalgamation of the two organisations was never voted on or approved.
Nabba has always stood alone.
The WFF (Lancefield) and it’s fake fabricated history of 1968,was set up to organise fitness classes it has no democratic committee, their decisions are made by its President The organisation was set up by Klaus Hoffman and Edmundas Daubaras, in 1995 and not 1968 which is the fake history seen on Wikipedia without any history, it is actually stolen without permission from its organiser Edmundas Daubaras, a competition called the Amber Prix which dates back to 1968 and belongs to Edmundas! Not WFFs history?
Eventually Edmundas and Klause parted ways and if you are bothered to research it, there’s now two WFF federations,neither of which supports the other, one belonging to Edmundas,the other to Graeme Lancefield, who eventually took over from Klaus Hoffman in 2013. Graeme used his NABBA status to influence and join all NABBA countries to WFF (Lancefield) and eventually without democracy joined it to the Nabba name , no votes were ever taken.and I have the evidence of the true history if anyone cares to see it ! When the reigns of the Nabba Presidency were handed to me, It was my duty to the members to be loyal to Nabba and assist its members to do my best for its future and remain one of the best, certainly the most historic,authentic and oldest bodybuilding federation in the world!
Without prejudice and from what I see and now know about the WFF (Lancefield), I rightly started asking questions, about the authenticity of the WF F(Lancefield) and its 1968 history! Nabba is transparent and does not fabricate, invent,make up lies or dictate to its members, we do not support the way in which the WFF (Lancefield) is managed! We at the original NABBA are all in agreement and we have asked for all Nabba countries to remove the Nabba name and logo from any WFF promotion! So please do not use my photo alongside any WFF (Lancefield) promotions and please respect our decision to stand alone!
We have no problem in countries wanting to stay affiliated to both federations, but it has to be done separately.
NABBA and its members stand alone!
This is a true and accurate statement,and has the support of the Original Nabba since 1950
However any country representatives running both federations, we ask that nabba receives the same equal commitment, or somewhere close to the same support at international events.
Eddy Ellwood
Nabba international president”
LIES ABOUT W.F.F. HISTORY AND USING OUR PATENTED NAMES WILL LEAD GRAEME LANCEFIELD AND HIS ASSISTANTS TO COURT.
Working from 1968, today W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International is evident International Bodybuilding Leader. We mean real sport, not „festivals“. The W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. unites National Organizations from 140 Countries, that represent all Continents. Every year W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. organizes 60 International Events in various Countries. W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Work is seen by various International Institutions. During the activities the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International received State Awards from Governments of various Countries. State Vatican as well (2011).
At the 49-th „Amber Prix International“ (2016) among present several Members of the Parliament Republic Lithuania the Official Representative of the Prime Minister Republic Lithuania ANTANAS VINKUS announced the congratulating words to the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International and named the International President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS being „the Embassador Republic Lithuania in the World Countries“.
In 2016 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International initiated registration of the International Sport University (I.S.U.). In 2012 the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. in various languages started unique global work – the World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia. The Encyclopedia covers information from 1898 until now and reflects the history and statistics of all traditional International Federations and important International Sportsmen and Organizers.
WEAK PERSONS ARE TO LEAVE W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
We will not go into details of the W.F.F. history. We has spoken about it widelly before. During the fivety years of the International work the W.F.F. left a number of false persons. Some of them were from Lithuania and twenty years ago they had to leave the W.F.F. - International due to the intriques and jealousy. Then they unsuccessfully tried to work with I.F.B.B. Lithuania and after joined the Intternational Federation of Homosexual Bodybuilders. Some of them were from Latvia and ten years ago they had to leave the W.F.F. - International when being drunk during the W.F.F. contest in front of the Major City Prague (Czech) behaved awfully and made problems for the W.F.F. federation. Also the Latvians was the reason when a number of athletes had to go to hospital under surgery operation due the false „supplements“ the mentioned Latvians were producing and selling to the sportsmen (we have documents about this). These presonalities never did any strategic International work, they have never did anything sufficient Internationally during their lives. They were only the observers to the Global historic work that was done by other persons. It seems like a humour when now these persons try to make false W.F.F. - International history and try to present it in public.
GRAEME LANCEFIELD TELLS AWFULL LIES.
We have been publishing many times the history of the W.F.F. - International and W.B.B. F. - International federations.
As organizer and official Graeme Laqnciefield is only several years in International Sport. We know, that Graeme Lancefield does not know many historical things of our sport. Basing on the false public information of Graeme Laqnciefield today a number of persons republish false materials of Graeme Lanciefield.
Does Graeme Lanciefield know what is it „1968“???
Does Graeme Lanciefield ever heard of the W.F.F. federation in Germany before 1996???
Does Graeme Lanciefield know that «his W.F.F.“ egzisted in Germany only from 2005 until 2013?
We think that for publishing false information Graeme Lancefield could stand in front of Court one day. Court of any Country will find the truth easy and the liar will be punnished according the Law.
LIES ABOUT W.F.F. HISTORY AND USING OUR PATENTED NAMES WILL LEAD GRAEME LANCEFIELD AND HIS ASSISTANTS TO COURT.
It is already some time when the mentioned telltalers and loosers try to make false W.F.F. - International history. They try to use illegally our patented names like W.F.F., World Fitness Federation, „Amber Prix International“, etc. Some years ago they did it too, but then we warned them about our addressing to the Court to clear the matter then they appologized in public about their illegal actions.
Gaeme Lancefield plans some contests in Lithuania and other countries in 2017. Using our patented names will lead Graeme Lancefield and his assistants to Court. Maybe through this Civil Court Prosecution Graeme Lancefield wants to sponsor the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation???
KNOWN INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING PERSONS SAY THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT W.F.F..
Here we present some sayings about the W.F.F. of a number of Internationally well known Bodybuilding Presons.
1. KLAUS P.J.HOFFMANN (in 1995 KLAUS P.J.HOFFMANN together with DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS established the W.F.F. - International):
„You are one of the most interesting and intelligent personalities I learned to know in my life...
That‘s You!
I never gave compliments normally but You are a great fighter for You, Your family, ideas for Lithuania and maybe Europe“ (the original letter of 2004 is attached to this article).
2. EDDIE ROBINSON (contemporary President N.A.B.B.A. – W.F.F. USA, famous USA Pro Bodybuilder):
„Thank you Mr. DSc Edmundas Daubaras truth needs to be known!! We all know you are WFF!! And are sick of all the fabricated lie bull shit!!“.
„Wishing you continued success WFF Mr. DSc Edmundas Daubaras International President“.
„Much Respect to you Mr. DSc Edmundas Daubaras as I wish you nothing but The Best! Thank you for confirming the truth as the information was taken of your WFF International page per the true history of facts per the WFF, Amber Prix, Figure World Grand Prix and the forming of WFF Project“.
Today GRAEME LANCEFIELD goes on telling lies:
https://wff-international.com/about/history
„The World Fitness Federation (WFF) was formed in 1968 by Klaus Hoffmann in Lahnau, Germany.
Throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s the WFF’s primary activities were centred around Northern and Eastern Europe. The change in political borders in the early 1990’s following the collapse of the Soviet Union allowed for the WFF to spread further. Throughout the late 1990’s and early 2000’s the WFF linked with bodybuilding and fitness organisations around the world, most notably the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (NABBA).
Following his election as the NABBA International President in 2009, Graeme Lancefield maintained strong ties with Hoffmann and the WFF.
In 2013, following more than forty years of dedicated service, Hoffmann passed the baton onto Graeme Lancefield to lead WFF into the next generation.
Today the WFF global community stretches from Europe, to Australasia, South and North America, and into Africa, with more than 70 affiliated countries on every continent, it has truly become the embodiment of its name“.
INFORMATION.
More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
15/07/2026
1980. SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.
„AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“. WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN SOCIALIST WORLD?
In 1980 bodybuilding still was prohibited in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist Countries. When in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote the petition to defend prohibited bodybuilding, he personally brought it to Moscow and presented to the highest U.S.S.R. political powers. The achieved victory let start public competitions in Klaipeda (Lithusnian SSR). Until this contests were illegal and without public. The first official bosybuilding contest was the 1978 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2025) which was organized by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. Since 1978 the „Amber Prix International“ got the status of the „Unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ («Неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»).
In 1980 three International bodybuilding contests were organized in the U.S.S.R. and all of the were held in the Lithuanian SSR. One of them was the „Amber Prix International“ which was held in the Palace of Culture of the City Klaipeda. The organizers did not expect so big crowd of spectators. So the doors of the palace were broken by entering crowd at the very beginning.
The second contest was held in Kaunas and that was political „Comsomol Cup“ („Komjaunimo taurė“, «Кубок комсомола»). The Category Winners were STANISLAV POLIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR) and Lithuanians VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS ir EUGENE ZURCEV (Евгений Журцев). The Over All Winner was VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS.
One more contest was organized in Vilnius. That was the competition „Lithuanian SSR versus Hungarian SSR“. Hungarians did not come with strong bodybuildiers and all first places went to the Lithuanians: EUGENE GORELIK (Евгений Горелик), VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS and EUGENE ZURCEV.
In 1980 the traditional „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024) was not organized in the Estonian SSR. When in 1979 INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002) and best U.S.S.R. bodybuilder of that time Estonian OLEV ANNUS returned from competition in Czechoslovakian SSR they guarreled in between. Letters of INNAR MARDO to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS say that OLEV ANNUS wrote bad letters about INNAR MARDO to political powers of the Estonian SSR. Due to this INNAR MARDO lost his gym and his position of the President of the National Bodybuilding Federation of the Estonian SSR. Also the Communist powers of the Estonian SSR prohibited 1980 „Georg Tenno Momorial“.
The leadership of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR took OLEV ANNUS and brothers ARRO. INNAR AMARDO as well as DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS did not stop bodybuilding activities due to the conflicts. Both went on working on their own.
In 1980 separatly from the National Bodybuilding Federation of the Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO and INDREK OTSUS went to „Trener“ contest in the Czechoslovakian SSR. INDREK OTSUS won against the 1975 Over All I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) Europe Champion PETER STACH again and reveived the title of the Over All Winner. The other Winners of the Categories were Czechoslovakians JOZEF GROLMUS, STEFAN JUST and IRZY MRACEK.
INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.
New articles
Stories of the “Amber Prix” Michael Mitchell – Always at the Top
One of the most remarkable personalities associated with the legendary international “Amber Prix” tournament was the outstanding Scottish athlete, actor, film director, and former officer of the British Special Forces, Michael Mitchell (1956–2021). His life was distinguished not only by exceptional sporting achievements but also by an extraordinary range of professional experiences that earned him respect in many countries around the world.
Michael Mitchell became involved in the activities of the World WFF–WBBF Federation in 1996. From the very beginning, he became an active participant in the Federation's events and a loyal supporter of its ideals. For more than twenty-five years, he took part in European and World Championships, international congresses, official Federation meetings, and numerous representative events. Until the very last days of his life, he remained an active member of the WFF–WBBF Federation and one of its most respected international ambassadors.
As an athlete, Michael Mitchell achieved outstanding success. Throughout his long competitive career, he won numerous international championships and earned many prestigious titles. His victories brought recognition not only to his native Scotland but also to the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Owing to his exceptional physical condition, discipline, professionalism, and sportsmanship, he earned great respect among athletes from all over the world. Many representatives of the younger generation regarded him as an example of how sporting excellence could be combined with personal integrity, dignity, and respect for one's competitors.
However, Michael Mitchell's achievements extended far beyond the world of sport. He was also a professional actor and film director, appearing in numerous film productions and participating in international film festivals, where he received several awards for his artistic work. His broad experience enabled him to communicate easily with people from different professions and cultures, making him an outstanding representative of the WFF–WBBF Federation on the international stage.
Equally important was his military career. As a former officer of the British Special Forces, Michael retained throughout his life the qualities expected of a professional soldier—discipline, responsibility, determination, and the ability to make sound decisions under difficult circumstances. These characteristics were clearly reflected in both his sporting career and his public activities.
In 2005, Michael Mitchell purchased a home on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It became his second home, where he spent much of his leisure time. It was there that the idea emerged to organize one of the Federation's most important international events in Turkey.
While preparations were underway for the 2007 international WFF–WBBF Championship at the prestigious LykiaWorld Resort, Michael Mitchell invited WFF–WBBF President Edmundas Daubaras to Turkey in 2006. An official press conference was organized, attended by Turkish journalists, sports officials, and representatives of the Ministry of Sports. During the event, the activities of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, its World Championships, and the forthcoming championship in Turkey were presented. This meeting became an important step in expanding the Federation's activities throughout the Mediterranean region and the Middle East.
Another significant event was the 2007 World Championship held in Vilnius, Lithuania. Following the championship, Michael Mitchell, as a member of the official WFF–WBBF delegation, participated in an official reception at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and in a press conference at the ELTA National News Agency. The meetings focused on recently completed championships, the Federation's future plans, and prospects for international cooperation. The history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament was also presented, together with the project for organizing its forthcoming 40th anniversary event. These official meetings demonstrated that the Federation's activities were recognized not only within the international sports community but also at the governmental level.
Throughout his life, Michael Mitchell received numerous sporting, public, and artistic awards. Among the distinctions he valued most was the WFF–WBBF Federation “Honor Gold Medal”, solemnly awarded to him in 2010. This prestigious award is presented only to individuals whose contributions have had lasting significance in the history of world bodybuilding and whose work has strengthened the Federation's international reputation.
Michael Mitchell's life was filled with challenges, achievements, and meaningful accomplishments. Sport, military service, cinema, and public activity merged into an extraordinary life dedicated to excellence. Whatever field he entered, he always pursued the highest standards. For this reason, the title of this article—"Always at the Top"—perfectly reflects both his character and his life's achievements.
Conclusions
Michael Mitchell was one of the most distinguished personalities in the history of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. His contribution extended far beyond competitive bodybuilding. He became an international ambassador of the Federation, an active promoter of its ideals, and an important figure in the history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament.
His reputation in sport, cinema, and public life helped promote the name of the WFF–WBBF Federation in many countries around the world. Through his personal initiatives, support for international events, and active participation in official Federation activities, he made a significant contribution to the Federation's international recognition and development.
Years after his passing, Michael Mitchell continues to be remembered with great respect. He remains not only a World Champion and accomplished actor but also a man whose loyalty to sport, his friends, and the WFF–WBBF Federation never wavered. For this reason, his name has earned a permanent place in the history of the legendary “Amber Prix” tournament, while his life's example continues to inspire new generations of athletes around the world.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt
WORLD W.F.F. PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS IN PRAGUE – AN OUTSTANDING CHAPTER IN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS HISTORY
Time passes remarkably fast. Every day brings new events, projects, and competitions, often causing significant achievements of the past to fade from memory. Nevertheless, some moments in sports history deserve special recognition. Among them are the W.F.F. World Professional Championships held in Prague from 2006 to 2009, events that remain unique in the history of fitness sport for their organizational excellence and international prestige.
THE VISION OF MARTIN KUTA
In 2005, well-known Czech businessman and fitness enthusiast Martin Kuta approached Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, with the intention of granting official international status to the fitness tournament he had been organizing since 1999.
Kuta proposed that Prague host the annual W.F.F. World Professional Fitness Championship. The initiative received support from the Prague city authorities and prominent Czech politician Petr Hulinski. The organizers committed themselves to providing approximately 500,000 euros annually for the event. These funds covered professional athletes’ prize money, travel expenses, accommodation, and catering costs, while the World Federation was responsible for attracting leading competitors from various countries.
ŽOFÍN PALACE – THE CENTER OF WORLD FITNESS
The championships were held in the historic Žofín Palace, located on an island in the Vltava River in the very heart of Prague. Athletes and official delegates were transported by luxury limousines, while Prague city leaders, distinguished public figures, and business representatives regularly attended the events.
Each championship attracted extensive media attention. Representatives of television networks, newspapers, and other media outlets covered the competitions. The international events traditionally concluded with formal gala dinners, where athletes had the opportunity to meet and interact with members of Czech society’s elite.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE SUCCESS
Together with Martin Kuta and Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, the organizational team included several well-known figures from European bodybuilding and fitness circles. Among them were Peter Papula, one of the founders of the W.F.F. Federation, legendary Czechoslovak bodybuilder Petr Stach, Professor Karel Tuchacek, and other prominent Czech sports organizers.
THE WORLD’S LEADING ATHLETES
The Prague championships attracted competitors from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, France, Hungary, Serbia, Macedonia, Iran, and other countries.
The competitions featured five main categories: Men’s Aerobic Fitness, Women’s Aerobic Fitness, Men’s Model Fitness, Women’s Model Fitness, and Children’s “Fit-Kid” Fitness.
Among the most notable athletes of that period were Lenka Borutova, Viktor Sarko, Daniel Medo, Fedir Sachalov, Marieta Žigalova, Silvia Malachovska, Eva Martinkova, Rita Elksninia, Zuzana Horvath, and Erzsebet Herczog.
EXCEPTIONAL ATMOSPHERE AND VALUABLE AWARDS
These championships stood out not only for their sporting excellence but also for their unique atmosphere. Opening ceremonies featured theatrical Roman Empire military parades. Athletes competed for substantial cash prizes and received valuable gifts, including original pearls, exotic travel packages, and numerous additional awards.
The prizes were presented not only by the organizers and city officials but also by well-known public personalities. In 2009, among the distinguished guests was the winner of the Miss Czech Republic beauty pageant.
MARTIN KUTA’S CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL SPORT
From 2005 to 2010, Martin Kuta led Czech national W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. delegations at international events held in Austria, Germany, Poland, and Lithuania.
In recognition of his exceptional public and organizational activities, he was awarded the International Honour Silver Medal of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation in 2009.
After Martin Kuta moved to the United States in 2010, it proved impossible to continue the Prague professional championships at the same level and scale. Nevertheless, even within a relatively short period, his efforts left a significant mark on the history of international fitness sport.
Beginning in 2009, another remarkable sports organizer and public figure, Stefan Hrcka of Slovakia, became increasingly involved in the activities of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, continuing its traditions of international cooperation into a new era.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt