REAL WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.

FIGHTS AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.

Fifty three years have passed since bodybuilding sport was prohibited and prosecuted in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries. Everybody keep silence as they have nothing to say. Yes, in 1973 most bodybuilders left the sport. Somebody went to weightlifting. Somebody went on with bodybuilding illegally. But – who dared to make real steps to fight with prohibition of bodybuilding by political powers? The only one and it was DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is the right time to speak about this. We will tell the full story in the nearest future. We will cover the facts, we will present documents and we will make conclusions. Sure – the false „heroes“ will not like this.

SOLE MAN AGAINST U.S.S.R. POLITICAL POWER.

We will speak about the period of time afrer bodybuilding prohibition – after 1973. Topics of the article are:

-        Personalities of bodybuilding

-        Meetings of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS at Ministry of Sport of the Č.S.S.R.

-        Meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with Minister Sport of Lithuanian SSR

-        Discussions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with U.S.S.R. press

-        Petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to U.S.S.R. Communist Party Central Committee in Moscow

-        Results, followers.

Detailed information, documents, articles and pictures are on International Site www.wff.lt

OFFICIAL AND NOT OFFICIAL CZECHOSLOVAKIA.

MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

BEGINNING. SITUATION IN SOCIALIST WORLD.

Bodybuilding sport has never been created and developed by athletes. Bodybuilding was developed by top officials and organizers. On the bodybuilding way to future organizers were building the road to sport. Bodybuilders were like kilometre signs at this road. Often organizers led bodybuilding wrong way. Today problems of bodybuilding are evident and guilty persons are known very well.

Contemporary bodybuilding does not appear as it is. Only few persons dared to act when bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist Countries. Being afraid of prosecution nearly all bodybuilders left the sport.

We will speak about bodybuilding in Czechoslovakian SSR – they influenced all Socialist Countries. Now after fifty years we look upon our relations with Czechoslovaks from another angle.

Due to political reasons bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist World in 1973. Socialist States started to prosecute bodybuilders. After 1968 revolution in Czechoslovakia their Government was lojal to bodybuilders. Comparing with other Socialist Countries after the revolution U.S.S.R. political powers let Czechoslovaks much more. At the same time bodybuilders in other Socialist Countries suffered much. Everybody envied the Czechoslovaks. There is no another person who was and still is close to Czechoslovak bodybuilding so much as President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation)  International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

Activities of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS were supported only by the leader of bodybuilding in Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1945 – 2002) and creators of famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма») CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский). Today we are proud that we respected both of them in time – at the Parliament Republic Lithuania both received „International Honour Silver Medals“ («Международной Серебрянной Медалью Почёта», „Tarptautinis Garbės Sidabro Medalis“).

During the prohibition of bodybuilding only few officially permitted not regular contests were held in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). That was the International „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Georgo Tenno memorialas“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 2024). Also at the same time several underground and not officially permitted contests were organized in Lithuanian SSR. It lasted until in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS dared to write bodybuilding defending petition and brought it to Headquarters of the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party in Moscow.

This way we got political permittion to organize the International „Amber Prix“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз»  1968 - 2025) in Klaipeda (Lithuania SSR) in 1978.

Being afraid of prosecution all other U.S.S.R. bodybuilding organizers did nothing. After defeat at 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ best R.S.F.S.R. bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин) isolated himself and left bodybuilding for thirteen years. Until 1987 VLADIMIR DUBININ was not among bodybuilding organizers, he was only athlete. Only in 1980 representing their gyms Russians led by VLADIMIR SUBOV (Владимир Шубов, Moscow) and EUGENE KOLTUN (Евгений Колтун, Tiumen) started participating at bodybuilding contests in Baltic Countries. Both were representing their bodybuilding gyms that were acting illegally.

IMPORTANT 1975. MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

Bodybuilders went on their own way when bodybuilding was prohibited in Socialist Countries in 1973. There was no communication in between. Nearly no...

In 1975 bodybuilders of the Chechoslovakian SSR got permittion to participate in the „West“ due to efforts of the President of Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation VOJTECH FIALA. After 1968 revolution in Czechoslovakian SSR Czechoslovaks had many advantages comparing with other Socialist Countries. This way led by VOJTECH FIALA Czechoslovakia bodybuilders participated at the 1975 I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) Europe Championship. Then PETR STACH won his category and became the Over All Europe Champion. Since that time for long time on Czechoslovakia bodybuilders were the only ones permitted to participate at the „Western“ competitions.

In 1975 basing on the exchange of the University students DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS went to Czechoslovakia for two months. In Prague DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met VOJTECH FIALA. During the following two months their meetings were often. Both had enough time to speak over the International bodybuilding situation. VOJTECH FIALA organized a visit to PETR STACH who was living close to Prague. PETR STACH told about the Europe Championship and explained DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS about his training systems and posed in front of him.

At the same time VOJTECH FIALA organized the meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS with the Chairmen of the Ministry of sport of the Czechoslovakian SSR (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovy). Questions of the situation around bodybuilding was spoken over. VOJTECH FIALA wanted to demonstrate his good relations with the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding leaders and  since 1973 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was the only one to visit his country. Seeking to learn about the situation of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. Czechoslovaks addressed one of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding pioneers GENADIJ BALDIN (Геннадий Балдин). GENADIJ BALDIN wrote them that bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. is dead and only some bodybuilding organizers in the Baltic Countries still unofficially develop this sport on underground level.

1977 MEETINGS AT SPORT MINISTRY.

In 1977 still as a student of Vilnius State University DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for two months went to Czechoslovakia again. Again working on the future cooperation between the U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodybuilders DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and VOJTECH FIALA visited the Ministry of Sport of  Czechoslovakian SSR. For the discussion meetings with the Chairmen of the Ministry were organized. In 1977 Czechoslovakian bodybuilding Federation had a room at the Ministry. Secretary of the federation was a famous bodybuilder PETER TLAPAK. He presented the headquarters of the federation, discussed the situation and posed in front of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

VOJTECH FIALA for DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized a trip to a mountain resort where Czechoslovakia bodybuilders under support of the Government were preparing for the coming World Championship. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS discussed various questions with athletes and trainers.

Also VOJTECH FIALA invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to two meetings of the Czechoslovakia Bodybuilding Federation Council. The meetings were held by Professor FRANTISEK BULVA in the city of Brno. Under the requests of the participants DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke on bodybuilding situation ion the U.S.S.R. and in Lithuania SSR.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL.

FALL OF BODYBUILDING.

Working since 1968 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International unites today members from 141 Countries. Some time ago Bahrain joined the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. .In difference to other International Bodybuilding Structures under the leadership of W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International seeks recognition of the U.N. (United Nations), I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee) and W.A.D.A. (World Anti Doping Agency). W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. knows the way to reach these goals. Under the basis of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. the International Sport University (I.S.U.) was created in 2015. Since 2017 the I.S.U. university is an associated member of the U.N.E.S.C.O. organization which works under the U.N..

OTHER INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING ORGANIZATIONS.

We will not speak about other federations. Concerning real recognized sport their activities are of zero value. Zero... We mean real SPORT and nothing else. Every day appear some new „international federations“... They have never been in real recognized sport and they will never be there. What are the „great“ aims of these federations? Can anybody say? Why these federations live and what they want?

If You want official bodybuilding sport – there was F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste) which ruled official bodybuilding sport in the World. Since 1947 until 1969 due to efforts of American BOB HOFFMAN (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 - 1985) through the F.I.H.C. federation bodybuilding was an officially recognized sport and it was very close to be Olympic. Since 1971 until 1998 F.I.H.C. was replaced by the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders). If You want real big not recognized anytime anywhere muscle battle – since 1950 You have N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association). What else a bodybuilder could dream of? Why appeared so many „mickey – mouse“ federations? Let us take as an example Lithuanian Republic. There are representatives of several „mickey – mouse“ federations. They make various festivals and they are proud of this. Where it could lead? To the festivals in other countries? Are they participant bodybuilders or they are „singers and dancers“ of the „song and dance festivals“? What is the official status of these federations? What is official status of their festivals? Really it is not sport.

For example, let us speak of last forty years of the Independent Lithuania Republic. What are the Great Bodybuilding Names of that period? That are the only ones – I.F.B.B. Over All World Champions NATALIJA MURNIKOVIENE, ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS, ROLANDAS POCIUS and OLEG ZUR. Disaster came to this sport when twenty years ago WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN left bodybuilding. All contemporary „World Champions“ can not be compared to any of the mentioned bodybuilders. During the „Weider times“ bodybuilding was sport since 1971 until 1998. It was recognized sport. Now – not! Sport is finished for all times. The above mentioned Lithuanian bodybuilders were representing sport and their achievements were official. Today’s I.F.B.B. “world champions” are of zero value if we speak about sport. The aim of contemporary National I.F.B.B. federation is to go on fooling Ministry of Sport of Lithuania and this way go on receiving governmental money for their activities. And their activities according the I.O.C. official statement already long ago are not sport anymore. Nobody knows the names of today’s “world champions”. Nobody even tries to know.  

SHORT HISTORY OF WORLD’S OFFICIAL BODYBUILDING SPORT.

I.H.C. was a member of the I.O.C. and it influenced the „U.S.S.R. Sport Ministry“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») to set the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ (Comission, «Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») in 1963. The federation was set at the „U.S.S.R. Weightlifting Federation“ («Федерация тяжёлой атлетики С.С.С.Р.»). After 1973 bodybuilding prohibition in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist Countries bodybuilding was prosecuted for twenty years. During this time in the „Western World“ official recognized bodybuilding sport was led by the I.F.B.B. and not recognized bodybuilding activities were ruled by N.A.B.B.A.. at the same time in the Socialist World public U.S.S.R. bodybuilding lived and survived in the Estonian SSR only through „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024) contest organized by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1945 – 2002) and in the Lithuanian SSR only through the „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinio prizo“ «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025) organized by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. During the prohibition years for political reasons it was not possible to set any International Bodybuilding Organization in the U.S.S.R.. Nevertheless DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS initiated official registration of „Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation“ („Klaipėdos kultūrizmo federacija“, «Федерация культуризма г. Клайпеда»). It was registered at the governmental „Klaipeda Sport Committee“ („Kūno kultūros ir sporto komitetas“, «Комитет физкультуры и спорта г. Клайпеда»). In all U.S.S.R bodybuilding was prohibited and at the same time in Klaipeda bodybuilding was allowed. For many years „Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation“ was the only one officially registered bodybuilding federation in the U.S.S.R.. This was the reason that all World‘s Bodybuilding leaders were in touch and correspondence with DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. That were I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER, N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) Chairman OSCAR HEIDENSTAM and W.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association) President SERGE NUBRET. Detailed articles on the topic are at the International Page www.wff.lt . In 1970 F.I.H.C. General Secretary British OSCAR STATE created the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) sport federation in Belgrade (Yugoslavia). Until 1970 I.F.B.B. was just a private commercial company, not sport federation. In 1971 again OSCAR STATE opened doors of G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations)  to the I.F.B.B.. This way from and after the F.I.H.C. the I.F.B.B. took ruling leadership of the International official sport of bodybuilding. International sport was in shock. Soon in the USA was organized the A.A.U. International Council to stop I.F.B.B. membership in G.A.I.S.F.. I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER was present there. He was ready to join the A.A.U. with his new I.F.B.B.. The delegates did not listen to BEN WEIDER and voted not to let him to speak. Fall of bodybuilding sport started in 1998 when after two years trial I.O.C. refused to recognize the I.F.B.B. federation and bodybuilding sport in general.  Bodybuilding was thrown out of the officially recognized sports. Seeing no future WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN sold the I.F.B.B. federation, „Olympia“ contest and all their magazines. In 2008 I.F.B.B. split. I.F.B.B. Vice President PAUL CHUA (Singapore) left the I.F.B.B. of RAFAEL SANTONJA. PAUL CHUA took forty Asia Countries with him. Then PAUL CHUA and the Lower and financist of I.F.B.B. ALEX BAUER published I.F.B.B. juridical and finance documents. There was a big scandal about it. PAUL CHUA and RAFAEL SANTONJA met at International Court of London (UK) where RAFAEL SANTAONJA lost the case. In 2015 I.F.B.B. split again. During N.P.C. (National Physique Committee) professional contest I.F.B.B. President RAFAEL SANTONJA was offended and left America with tears. After this he never came to America again. So after 2015 N.P.C. of JIM MANION came to International Bodybuilding Stage. Since that time because of fierce fight between RAFAEL SANTONJA and JIM MANION bodybuilding sport was finished in total. There is no sport of bodybuilding today any more. Along to this the I.F.B.B. commercial company still goes on working. Nobody is interested in sport – only money... In 2023 G.A.I.S.F. (Global Association of International Sports Federations) was closed and I.F.B.B. lost it‘s last formal officiality. For many years I.F.B.B. propaganda was based only on G.A.I.S.F.. In 2023 W.A.D.A. declared stopping work with I.F.B.B.. Those who are interested in real World bodybuilding history can read in various languages historic articles on International Page www.wff.lt .

I.F.B.B. FINANCES.

During the times of WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN the I.F.B.B. was seeking Olympic (I.O.C.) recognition. The game of money flows between the I.F.B.B. sport federation and the I.F.B.B. commercial company was active. Now this game is not needed any more when bodybuilding is no more recognized sport. The I.F.B.B. crisis of 1990 was gone when many Socialist Countries joined the I.F.B.B.. It was not an ordinary joining. Socialist Countries came with governmental money. During all history of bodybuilding Ministries of Sport of any democratic country never supported financially bodybuilding. The exception was when World‘s bodybuilding sport was led by the F.I.H.C. federation which was I.O.C. member. Another case was when the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“( «Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») was set in 1987. Then bodybuilding sport got governmental recognition and governmental money. All other Socialist Countries did the same. Even now when bodybuilding is not sport any more former Socialist Countries use to finance national bodybuilding federations with governmental money. Except this - governmental money still comes to the I.F.B.B. through Asia Countries. Basic reason is that from the old F.I.H.C. times Asia bodybuilding federations are under national weightlifting federations which are I.O.C. members. Only this. There are no more sources of governmental money in the I.F.B.B.. We are sure that when National Sport Ministries will learn the truth about the I.F.B.B. the governmental financing will be stopped. During the last years on national governmental money I.F.B.B. makes comedy „world championships“, like it was in Latvia and Lithuania. Also remember big scandal about the I.F.B.B. Asia Championship in India with 5-6 Countries participating... Some time ago a big scandal was in Ukraine. The Ukraine I.F.B.B. President IGOR DELIJEV (Делиев Игорь) disappeared with five hundred thousand US dollars governmental bodybuilding support. Also let us remember big scandals with the RAFAEL SANTONJA‘s assistant Polish PAWEL FILEBORN.

COLUMBUS IS BACK.

Under the leadership of JIM MANION in 1983 some A.A.U. bodybuilders left the organization. For long years A.A.U. was supported by the USA Sport Ministry and the USA Olympic Committee. In 1983 JIM MANION set his private company N.P.C.. Until that time there was a fierce fight between I.F.B.B. and A.A.U.. In 1983 I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER and the owner of the new N.P.C. JIM MANION agreed to divide the bodybuilding world. It was like 1939 agreement between ADOLF HITLER and Communist STALIN. Amateur bodybuilding in the USA went to JIM MANION, the rest of the World went to the G.A.I.S.F. member I.F.B.B. of BEN WEIDER. Professional bodybuilding as a private commercial activity went to JOE WEIDER. He continued his private “Olympia” competition which always had nothing to do with official recognized bodybuilding sport. That was the game of  WEIDER brothers. JIM MANION kept his promise and never touched any questions of his agreement with BEN WEIDER. When WEIDER brothers left bodybuilding and passed away JIM MANION changed his mind. In 2015 during a professional contest in the USA I.F.B.B. President RAFAEL SANTONJA was offended and left America forever. So aiming to finish the I.F.B.B. of RAFAEL SANTONJA now N.P.C. goes aggressively through the World.

Today the I.F.B.B. and N.P.C. make many festivals around the World. Yes, festivals, not competitions. Sport is finished and forgotten. N.P.C. play games with „Olympia“ festivals  and I.F.B.B. play with „Arnold Classic“ festivals. RAFAEL SANTONJA is hiding behind the name of ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. These festivals have nothing connected with real recognized sport. We can say they are like “festivals of dancers and singers” but not sport. Fine – if bodybuilders like it. No International Official Sport Organizations see there any sport. No serious Institutions of any Country recognize them as sport. Long ago CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS  came to America and used to change various worthless things to real gold with local Indians. Now the N.P.C. and I.F.B.B. festival organizers do the same. Bodybuilders are fooled. They forgot the sport and started being “singers” and “dancers”…

OUTSTANDING SOVIET BODYBUILDING THEORETICS AND PRACTICS.

Analyzing today‘s situation we can underline that the officially recognized „Socialist“ bodybuilding of eighties of the last Century was very close to the International Sport Standards and it could lead bodybuilding even to Olympics. Then bodybuilders thought, made decisions and saw real goals of the future. The movement was based on the theoretical and practical works of the leaders of famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма», “Vilniaus kultūrizmo mokykla”) CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский). At that time contest halls were full of spectators. Now nobody goes to watch bodybuilding competitions – they are boring and not interesting. Contemporary bodybuilders can only dream about normal relations with society. Comparing with that mentioned above time even today bodybuilding is at the very primitive level. Joining the „Western“ bodybuilding  „Socialist“ bodybuilding lost it‘s identity and nice future and it was eaten by „West“ organizers.

We do not say that bodybuilders are stupid. Bodybuilders do not think and do not see the essence. Look around and start thinking!

More important news You can find in various languages at the International Page www.wff.lt

World Sport History. Honorary Doctorate for Polish Patron Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski.

In November 2026, immediately following the 37th WFF-WBBF World Championships in Nida, Lithuania, a ceremonial event will be held in Poland during which Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski, a long-standing friend of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, renowned Polish businessman, patron and public figure, will receive one of the highest academic distinctions – the title of Honorary Doctor. The ceremony will also be attended by the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

A Long-standing Friendship and Partnership

Jurek Gotowski’s cooperation with the World WFF-WBBF Federation began in 2006. That year, he became one of the organisers of an international WFF-WBBF tournament in Bydgoszcz. However, his involvement did not end there.

Recognising the importance of international sports cooperation, J. Gotowski became actively involved in the Federation’s activities and soon emerged as one of its most important supporters in Poland.

His most significant contribution to WFF-WBBF activities was the organisation of the WFF-WBBF World Championships in Bydgoszcz in 2008. To this day, the event is regarded as one of the most impressive championships in the history of the Federation.

It was not only a top-level sporting competition, but also a major international event that attracted considerable attention in Europe and beyond.

An Impressive World Championship in Bydgoszcz

The World Championships were held at the prestigious “Łuczniczka” Sports Hall. Bydgoszcz was decorated with Federation symbols, exceptional conditions were provided for athletes and guests, and unique crystal medals were presented to the winners.

The high standard of organisation became an example for many international WFF-WBBF championships that followed.

Particular attention was devoted to promoting the event and strengthening its international prestige. As many as eight international press conferences were held before and after the World Championships.

Official meetings were also held at Bydgoszcz City Hall with the then Mayor Konstanty Dombrowicz and Deputy Mayor Kazimierz Drozd.

On the occasion of the World Championships, Poland’s then Minister of Sport, Zbigniew Pacelt, hosted an official reception for the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation at the Ministry of Sport in Warsaw. This was a significant sign of the Federation’s international recognition at the governmental level.

Contribution to Lithuanian-Polish Cooperation

In 2008, Jurek Gotowski also financed the participation of a large Polish national delegation in the 40th International “Amber Prize” Tournament in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

The delegation was led by Bydgoszcz Deputy Mayor Kazimierz Drozd. During the visit, cooperation projects between Bydgoszcz and Klaipėda were presented and discussed with Viačeslav Karmanov, then Director of the Administration of Klaipėda City Municipality.

In this way, sporting cooperation developed into broader ties between Lithuanian and Polish cities, encompassing sport, culture and public cooperation.

Recognition of His Merits

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the international activities of WFF-WBBF, in 2009 Federation President Dr. Edmundas Daubaras presented Jurek Gotowski with the International Honorary Gold Medal.

This distinction added to J. Gotowski’s extensive collection of state and public awards received for his services to the Republic of Poland.

A Loyal Friend of the Federation

For nearly two decades, Jurek Gotowski has remained a loyal friend of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. He continues to support Federation events in Poland, attends major Federation celebrations as an honorary guest and contributes through his activities to the strengthening of international sports cooperation.

True patronage is measured not only by financial support. It is demonstrated through a long-term commitment to people, ideas and shared values.

Jurek Gotowski’s longstanding activities represent precisely such an example of patronage and international friendship.

The awarding of the Honorary Doctor title in Poland in November 2026 will become another significant recognition of his longstanding work and outstanding contribution.

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