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, 1952 - 2026)). 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. Unfortunately 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.

VLADIMIR DUBININ

Russian bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин, 1948) since 1968 until 1974 participated at eleven competitions. His participation started with the second place at the 1968 National Championship of the Estonian SSR. Best results were first places at the 1970 and 1971 International Contests in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR), 1971 and 1972 U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cahmpionships («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»), 1972 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024). Participation ended when VLADIMIR DUBININ lost his category at the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ to OLEV ANNUS (Estonian SSR). Since 1991 until 2019 he was President of the National I.F.B.B. federation of Russian Federation.

LEONAS PIVORIUNAS

Representing unique in the World „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ („Vilniaus kultūrizmo mokykla“, «Вильнюсская школа культуризма») famous sculpturer LEONAS PIVORIOUNAS participated at various competitions. Best results of LEONAS PIVORIUNAS were the first places at the historical „Amber Prix International“ (1968, „Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз»), Kaunas International Contest (1968), International Competitions in Warszawa (People‘s Republic of Poland) and Tiumen (Russian SSR). In 2020 LEONAS PIVORIUNAS at the Parliament Republic Lithuania was awarded with the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) „International Honour Silver Medal“ («Международная Серебряная Медаль Почёта»).

INDREK OTSUS.

Indrek Otsus was one of the most prominent bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR and a multiple national champion. Between 1974 and 1982, he competed in twenty-three contests and achieved significant victories on the international stage.

A major influence on his career was his coach Innar Mardo (1945–2002), often referred to as “the soul of Estonian bodybuilding.” Under his guidance, Indrek Otsus reached the highest levels of competitive success.

Indrek Otsus achieved outstanding results at the international tournament Georg Tenno Memorial held in Tallinn. He won the competition in 1976, 1977, 1979, and 1985, and in 1985 he was also awarded the title of overall champion.

In 1981, Indrek Otsus won his category at the historic international tournament “Amber Prix International” (Gintarinis prizas”) in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The same year, he also triumphed at the international “Comsomol Cup” tournament held in Kaunas.

Another major achievement in his career came at the international “Trener” tournament in Czechoslovakia. In 1980, 1981, and 1982 he won his category, while in 1981 and 1982 he was recognized as the overall winner of the event.

In 1979, Indrek Otsus also claimed victory at the international “Spartacus Cup” tournament held in the Hungarian People’s Republic.

After completing his active competitive career, Indrek Otsus became involved in organizing bodybuilding events. In 1987, he co-organized the “Georg Tenno Memorial” together with DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, the current president of the World Fitness Federation / World Body Building Federation, who was temporarily living in Estonia at that time.

The Article will be continued and we will speak about each of the mentioned above Athletes. Follow International Page 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. In 2008, competitors from 32 countries took part in the event.

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

2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES. CEREMONIAL SPORTS HONOURING EVENT OF 2025.

On May 17, 2025, the 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding (1965–2025) was solemnly celebrated in the seaside town of Gargždai. It was the only official event of this scale in Lithuania dedicated to the history of national bodybuilding and to honour distinguished representatives of the sport.

The event was organized by sports enthusiasts from Gargždai under the leadership of Viktoras Kura, prize winner of the international “Amber Prix” tournament. The celebration brought together bodybuilding veterans, sports leaders, public figures, and honoured guests from Lithuania and abroad.

Among the distinguished guests were Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Alvydas Mockus, President of the World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation (W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.) Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Klaipėda politicians Gintaras Martinkėnas and Romualdas Milė, President of the Lithuanian Sports Fitness Federation Darius Daubaras, legendary world professional bodybuilder Natalija Murnikovienė, Vidmantas Malakauskas, Alina Pelepko, President of the Lithuanian Bodybuilding Federation Modestas Puišė, Head of the Lithuanian Bodybuilding Academy Remigijus Bimba, President of the Latvian Bodybuilding Federation and absolute 2024 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. professional “Universe” champion Maris Šveiduks, along with many other well-known athletes.

The event was also attended by legendary Lithuanian bodybuilders and former U.S.S.R. champions Saulius Misevičius, Raimundas Petraitis, and Ričardas Petrauskas, as well as athletes Tautvilas Rinkevičius, Aleksas Stankus, Igor Karpec, and Vidmantas Lukys.

Current Lithuanian bodybuilding leaders were also honoured during the celebration: absolute W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. European Amateur Champion Martynas Pakalnis, athletes Arvydas Mickus and Rokas Ražanauskas, absolute 2024 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Champion Vaida Budrienė, and 2023 Professional European Champion as well as 2025 Professional World Cup Champion Raimundas Urbanavičius.

2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES. Major Historical Anniversaries 1966 – the first international bodybuilding tournament in Lithuania was organized. 1976 – for the first time in U.S.S.R. bodybuilding history, Estonian athlete Olev Annus used a special competition diet while preparing for the “Georg Tenno Memorial”. 1986 – the future of U.S.S.R. bodybuilding was discussed and decided through the initiative of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in Klaipėda. 1996 – for the first time in Lithuanian sports history, the European Bodybuilding Championship was officially supported and financed by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The competition took place at the Klaipėda Drama Theatre, while a ceremonial banquet for 300 participants, guests, and organizers was held at Count Tiškevičius Palace in Kretinga. The chairman of the organizing committee was Julius Jurgutis, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Reforms and Municipal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, and the vice-chairman was Vice Minister of Sports Rimas Girskis. The championship was filmed and broadcast by LNK television. 2006 – the officially supported W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Professional Bodybuilding Championship was organized in Vilnius.  “AMBER PRIX” – 60TH ANNIVERSARY.

The 60th anniversary of the world’s oldest traditional bodybuilding tournament, “Amber Prix International” (“Янтарный приз”), is approaching (1967–2026).

Athletes and bodybuilding organizers from Lithuania and abroad are already actively preparing for this historic event.

The first absolute winner of the tournament in 1967 was Klemensas Alšauskas. In 1968, the second tournament held in Klaipėda was won by famous Vilnius sculptor Leonas Pivoriūnas.

During the period when bodybuilding was prohibited, following the example of Czechoslovak bodybuilders, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras of Klaipėda independently prepared a petition defending bodybuilding and personally delivered it to the highest U.S.S.R. institutions and media offices in Moscow. Despite the ban and persecution of bodybuilding at the time, official political permission was granted in 1978 to organize public bodybuilding competitions in Klaipėda – the “Amber Prix”.

More information: www.wff.lt

60 YEARS OF THE HISTORIC AMBER PRIX!

In 2025, the Lithuanian bodybuilding community celebrated the 60th anniversary of the sport in Lithuania in Gargždai.

In 2026, it marked 60 years since the first international bodybuilding tournament in Eastern Europe was held in Vilnius.

In 2027, it will be 60 years since the first Amber Prix International tournament was held in Klaipėda in 1967. This international tournament has continued to this day, becoming an integral part of Lithuanian bodybuilding history and a unique sporting tradition in Eastern Europe.

Other long-established competitions also hold a special place in the history of world bodybuilding. One of the oldest is the NABBA Mr. Universe competition, first held in London in 1950. The Mr. Olympia competition, launched in the United States in 1965, also became an important milestone in the history of international bodybuilding.

In May 2027, Klaipėda will host three days of celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Amber Prix International. Distinguished figures from Lithuanian and international sport, public life, and politics are being invited to this special commemorative event.

To mark the anniversary, the organizers also plan to publish a historical book in several languages. It will document the history of the Amber Prix International, its development, and its significance for Lithuanian and international bodybuilding.

Six decades represent not only a remarkable anniversary but also a testament to enduring sporting traditions, dedication to bodybuilding, and a legacy that unites generations of athletes, organisers, and enthusiasts of the sport.

For more information, visit the international website: WFF.lt

New Names in the World Sport History. The 37th World Championship for Professionals and Amateurs – A Spectacular Sporting Event in Nida!

From October 24 to 26, Nida will host the 37th World Championship for Professionals and Amateurs, bringing together several hundred athletes from countries around the world.

Spectators can look forward to a truly spectacular event featuring athletes of different ages, exciting competitions, and outstanding performances by representatives of several generations.

A year ago, the Olympic Committee discontinued the popular “Sport for All” initiative. However, the World WFF–WBBF Federation continues this tradition successfully.

Children, teenagers, young athletes, and sports veterans will compete in Nida, including athletes in their seventies.

At the same time, professional athletes will compete for top honours, striving to demonstrate their skills and inscribe their names in the history of world sport forever.

This is an event that brings together sporting excellence, determination, experience, and people of different generations!

For more information, visit the international websites:

www.wff.lt
www.worldfitness.lt