THE BODYBUILDING CIRCUS TRAVELS ACROSS THE WORLD.

“Mouse Federations” in Bodybuilding: Explanations for Athletes.

More than three decades ago, during joint meetings with athletes, we used to explain the fundamental legal truths of our sport. This should be the alphabet of every athlete. Today we see that the subject remains relevant, although uncomfortable for many.

Many athletes participate in countless insignificant competitions, invest time, effort, and money, celebrate titles and victories, yet in terms of sports history and official recognition, the final result is often questionable. Everyone may decide for themselves why this happens.

THE FIRST STEP – AN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION.

Today, more than forty different “international” bodybuilding organizations exist worldwide. However, the legal and sporting status of many of them raises serious questions. None of them is recognized by the global sports system as a whole.

After Lithuania regained independence, many believed integration into the Western sports world would open new opportunities. Yet direct cooperation with various international organizations gradually revealed that many of them were more declarative than genuinely influential sports structures.

I.F.B.B. (International Federation of BodyBuilders).

From 1947 to 1969, official bodybuilding worldwide was governed by F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste), a member organization connected to the International Olympic Committee. Its activities were strongly supported by American sports promoter Bob Hoffman.

In 1970, F.I.H.C. Secretary General Oscar State initiated the establishment of the international I.F.B.B. federation during the Belgrade Congress. Prior to that, I.F.B.B. had operated as a private company without official sporting status.

In 1971, I.F.B.B. became a member of G.A.I.S.F. and assumed leadership of official bodybuilding worldwide. However, in 1998 the International Olympic Committee terminated cooperation with I.F.B.B., and bodybuilding never became an Olympic sport.

Since then, bodybuilding’s position within official international sport has significantly weakened. Today, only some countries — mostly former socialist states and several Asian nations — still allocate state funding to the sport.

N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association).

Lithuania cooperated with the international N.A.B.B.A. organization from 1991 to 2005. Over time, it became clear that the organization functioned more as a club-style association with internal problems and a relatively weak international structure.

Following the death of long-time leader Oscar Heidenstam, the organization lacked strong international leadership, and its influence in the sports world gradually declined.

W.F.F. (World Fitness Federation).

In 1995, seeking to distance themselves from the increasingly extreme direction of professional bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Klaus Hoffmann, Anargiros Tsopouridis, and Peter Papula established the W.F.F. federation.

W.F.F. activities rapidly expanded in Lithuania. Between 1996 and 1998, European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga with support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

In 1998, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras officially registered the World W.F.F. Federation and organized the World Championship in Palanga. Later events in Vilnius and Klaipėda attracted considerable international attention and state support.

The 2005 W.F.F. World Championship in Vilnius featured 742 athletes from 42 countries. Several events were broadcast by Eurosport television.

Graeme Lancefield’s W.F.F..

Several years ago another W.F.F. organization emerged, associated with Australian promoter Graeme Lancefield. Disputes arose regarding the federation’s name, historical legacy, and rights to use the heritage of earlier events.

This conflict reflects a broader problem within bodybuilding — numerous competing organizations whose legal status and international recognition are often unclear.

N.A.C. (National Athletic Committee).

N.A.C. emerged after a split within the German W.F.F. structure. The organization mainly operated within Europe and never achieved major global recognition.

Despite more than two decades of activity, N.A.C. never became a significant international sports force.

N.P.C. (National Physique Committee).

In 1983, the N.P.C. organization was established in the United States and became closely connected to I.F.B.B. activities in America. For many years, it controlled amateur bodybuilding in the U.S.

After the end of the Weider brothers’ era, N.P.C. separated from I.F.B.B. and began operating independently on the international stage. Today, competition between the two organizations continues over influence and commercial interests.

W.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association).

W.A.B.B.A. emerged following the conflict between Serge Nubret and the I.F.B.B. leadership. The organization never became a fully structured international federation, and its activities often relied on personal initiatives rather than institutional foundations.

In Lithuania, W.A.B.B.A.’s presence was episodic and left little significant impact on national sports history.

OTHER FEDERATIONS AND TODAY’S REALITY.

Over recent decades, bodybuilding has seen the emergence of numerous new organizations and categories. Some focus less on sporting excellence and more on commercial entertainment or niche audiences.

Bodybuilding today is more fragmented than ever before. Many federations compete with one another while lacking broad international recognition or long-term strategic direction.

At the same time, the concept of bodybuilding itself has changed. New categories emphasize aesthetics, image, or commercial appeal. Some view this as the natural evolution of the sport, while others see it as a departure from the principles of classical bodybuilding.

CONCLUSION.

The history of bodybuilding demonstrates that a large number of federations does not automatically mean a stronger sport. Athletes should understand not only competition titles and rankings, but also the legal status, international recognition, and actual standing of the organizations they represent.

Only by understanding these differences can athletes objectively evaluate their achievements and their future in the sport.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

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

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