WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

1988 SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.

Bodybuilding in Socialist countries faced new horisons when in 1987 was created the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуизма С.С.С.Р.»). The prohibition and the prosecution of bodybuilding ended. Socialist Republics started organizing many bodybuilding competitions. U.S.S.R. bodybuilders were invited to contests of various countries.

No doubt – in 1988 the most important bodybuilding contest was the first official „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cup“ («Кубок С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). It was recognized and supported by the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.»). 69 bodybuilders representing 13 Socialist Republics took part at the event. The competition was held in the still today prestigeous Leningrad Palace „Oktiabrskij“ (дворец „Октябрьский», Ленинград). The Category Winners were: STANISLAV POLIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Riga, Latvian SSR, trainer FELIKS SAJKOVSKJ, Феликс Сайковский); VALERIJ BOGDANOVIC (Валерий Богданович, Minsk, Belorussian SSR, no trainer); SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, no trainer); VIKTORAS JUCYS (Klaipeda, Lithuanian SSR, trainer DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS). The title of the Over All Winner went to VIKTORAS JUCYS. Since that time he holds the title „Mister Absoliutus S.S.S.R.“ («Мистер Абсолютус С.С.С.Р.»). His trainer DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was awarded with the Special Diploma of the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“. All Category Winners received the degrees of the “U.S.S.R. Sport Master” («Мастер спорта С.С.С.Р.»).

The I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) President BEN WEIDER was present at the contest. He spoke very positivelly about VIKTORAS JUCYS then. BEN WEIDER invited all Category Winners to the 1988 I.F.B.B. World Championships in Australia. The special conference was organized fro BEN WEIDER to communicate with the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders. On the top of the stage sat BEN WEIDER and DSc. EEDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, as he was the only one among the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders and officials to know foreign languages. Bodybuilders asked questions and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS translated them. Finally when questions ended the conference looked as a dialoque only of BEN WEIDER and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

Some words on the topic. During the last years appeared „new International federations“ which cheat bodybuilders and lie to them. These „federations“ have no value to the official sport of bodybuilding. They are not recognized by any International Organization. In all the World only Governments of former Socialist and Asia Countries use to support and finance National Federations of I.F.B.B.. Earlier this was because of the I.F.B.B. membership in the G.A.I.S.F. (“General Association of International Sports Federations”). Now it is because of I.F.B.B. being a W.A.D.A. (“World Anti – Doping Agency”) member. Due to the efforts of American BOB HOFFMAN since 1947 until 1969 World‘s bodybuilding was rulled by F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Federation Internationale Halterophile). Then bodybuilding was an officially recognized and respected sport as the F.I.H.C. was a member of the I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee). BOB HOFFMAN seeked bodybuilding to be an Olympic sport. In 1970 F.I.H.C. Secretary OSCAR STATE and WEIDER brothers BEN and JOE created the I.F.B.B. federation in Belgrade (Yugoslavia). In 1971 I.F.B.B. became a member of the G.A.I.S.F.. When I.O.C. refused to support the I.F.B.B. in 1998, WEIDER brothers sold the I.F.B.B. federation and magazines. Contemporary I.F.B.B. President RAFAEL SANTONJA ruined I.F.B.B. officiality after this I.F.B.B. two times was split. In 2022 W.A.D.A. refused to work with I.F.B.B. any longer. This is I.F.B.B.. If we speak about other “federations” we can see only humor and nothing more…

In 1988 the first „U.S.S.R. Junior Bodybuilding Championship“ («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. среди юниоров») was organized in Charkov (Ukrainian SSR). Bodybuilders of 8 Socialist Republics took part at the event. At the same time the Committee of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ had a meeting in Charkov too. U.S.S.R. bodybuilders got rid of the decades lasting influence of the U.S.S.R. weightlifters. The President of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ Olympic Champion JURIJ VLASOV (Юрий Власов) informed that he was leaving the federation. At the same time Secretary of the federation VALERIJ TAMARLAKOV (Валерий Тамарлаков) was thrown out as nobody of bodybuilders trusted him. The new President of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ became VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ (Василий Чайковский). Confrontation between JURIJ VLASOV and Leningrad bodybuilding officials started in 1987. As the long lasting Chairman of the National Bodybuilding Federation of the Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002 m.) wrote to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS – JURIJ VLASOV wanted to organize a great International bodybuilding contest in Moscow in 1987. The venue, the medals and posters were printed, bodybuilders were invited and the U.S.S.R. Central Television agreed to meke a report of the competition. But Leningrad officials VLADIMIR DUBININ and VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ were against the contest in Moscow. Supported by the Deputy Chairman of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS they organized the 1987 „White Nights“ («Белые ночи») in Leningrad. This smashed the plans of JURIJ VLASOV. He was deeply offended.

In 1988 an International Contest of women bodybuilders was organized. The Category Winners were representatives of the Lithuanian SSR: NATALIJA DUCHOVIC (Murnikoviene, Наталия Духович), AUSRA SALOMSKAITE, INGA MISEVIČIENE.

In 1988 the I.F.B.B. World Championship was held in Australia. The U.S.S.R. bodybuilders participated at such level the first time. In Australia the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ became a member of the I.F.B.B.. All Winners of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cup“ were included to the team. Among them two representatives of the Lithuanian SSR – VIKTORAS JUCYS and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS. They trained in Moscow. Thgether with bodybuilders the delegation of the U.S.S.R. officials went to Australia too. The Deputy Chairman of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS learned that he was not included to the delegation to Australia. ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS was responsible for passports and visas for the bodybuilders of the Lithuanian SSR. Being angry he kept the passports with him and bodybuilders could not fly to Australia. They were left in Moscow... Having no Lithuanians on board the U.S.S.R. team was of STANISLAV POLIAKOV, VALERIJ BOGDANOVIC, ALEKSANDR VASIN (Александр Васин). The U.S.S.R. bodybuilders did not place high at the World Championshgip then.

The old tradition of the „Amber Prix International“ («Янтарный приз», „Gintarinis prizas“,  1968 – 2025) did not stop. Chairmen of the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ spoke that there is no more need of the „Amber Prix International“ as the U.S.S.R. was participating at the I.F.B.B. World and Europe Championships and it had the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ as well. At the 1988 „Amber Prix International“ participated 112 bodybuilders that represented 9 Socialist Republics. By gradation „Amber Prix International“ was at the second place after the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ in the U.S.S.R.. The Category Winners in 1988 were: Juniors - VIRGINIJUS TVARIONAS, ROBERTAS BALINSKAS (both Lithuanian SSR), ANDREJ VOJTOVIC  (Андрей Войтович, Belorussian SSR), BORIS VELIKOIVANENKO (Борис Великоиваненко, R.S.F.S.R.) and main Categories – NIKOLAJ MALYSEV (Николай Малышев, R.S.F.S.R.), ZIGMAS PRELGAUSKAS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS, VIKTORAS JUCYS (all Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winners were BORIS VELIKOIVANENKO and VIKTORAS JUCYS.

To celebrate 70 years of Comsomol City Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) organized traditional „Comsomol Cup“ («Кубок комсомола», „Komjaunimo taure“). Comsomol Committee of Kaunas helped to invite the bodybuilders from Czechoslovakian SSR (C.S.S.R.) and D.D.R. (German Democratic Republic). The Category Winners were VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS and RAIMUNDAS IVANAISKAS (both Lithuanian SSR). At the same time the „Over All Winner‘s Cup“ («Кубок абсолютных чемпионов») was held too. The Over All Winner was ALEKSANDR TARASEVIC (Александр Тарасевич, R.S.F.S.R.).

In 1988 West German bodybuilders participated at the International Contest in Riga (Latvian SSR). This was the first time when after the “Iron Wall” period the “West” sportsmen came to the U.S.S.R.. Germans and Latvians were the first in bodybuilding to break the “Iron Wall” which was between the Socialist and the “West” Worlds. Athletes from Estonian SSR, West Germany, Ukrainian SSR, Lithuanian SSR and Latvian SSR took part in the Riga event. The best among the Germans was the Senior Europe Champion HEINZ HORLING and the best among the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders was Latvian STANISLAV POLIAKOV.

In 1988 a number of International bodybuilding Contests were held in the C.S.S.R. and D.D.R.. Having written confirmation of the „Ministry Soport of the Lithuanian SSR“ («Комитет физкультуры и спорта Литовской ССР») the National Team to „Sandow“ and „Trener“ contests was led by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and ARUNAS PETRAITIS.

Category Winners at the1988 „Sandow“ competition were: women bodybuilding –LUX SYBILLA (G.D.R., German Democratic Republic), SUKUPOVA EVA (C.S.S.R.) and Men Categories: BOAR PETER (C.S.S.R.), FARKAL ZDENEK (C.S.S.R.), TURTURO JOZEF (G.D.R.) and VRABEL ROMAN (C.S.S.R.).

Category Winners at the „Trener“ contest were representatives of the Czechoslovakian SSR  ROMAN VRABEL, PAVOL JABLONICKY, JIRI MRACEK and ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS (Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winner was PAVOL JABLONICKY. 

In 1988 at not so great contests of Czechoslovakian SSR „Stribro Cup“ Category Winner were U.S.S.R. bodybuilders ZIGMAS PRALGAUSKAS and at „Tatra Cup“ ALGIRDAS IVANAUSKAS.

U.S.S.R. bodybuilders took part at the „Berliner Baren Pokal“ International Contest in East Berlin (G.D.R.). the U.S.S.R. Officials were DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and ALTAF GELEJEV (). All Category Winners were from G.D.R.: women bodybuilding - KLARA JUHUSZ and in Men Categories – BURKLAF SCHEIBE, PETER CIMMERMANN, MARTIN UNLMANN, FRANK HEINEMANN.

FULL ARTICLE and detailed information is on Global Page www.wff.lt  

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

A GLIMPSE OF BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

Life of bodybuilder NATALIJA MURNIKOVIENE (Наталия Мурниковене – Духович, Klaipeda, Lithuania) is worth a huge book. There is no one equal to her in Lithuania and there are only few like her in the World Bodybuilding. Looking through 1989 „Female Bodybuilding“ Magazine we found several interesting pictures. We are posting them now.

Detailed bodybuilding sport history you can find on International site www.wff.lt

HISTORY. OLDEST TRADITIONAL INTERNATIONAL CONTESTS.

ISTORIJA. SENIAUSIOS TRADICINĖS TAPTAUTINĖS VARŽYBOS.

ИСТОРИЯ. СТАРЕЙШИЕ ТРАДИЦИОННЫЕ МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫЕ СОРЕВНОВАНИЯ.

W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) starts it‘s International Bodybuilding Events since 1968. That is directly connected with  the Oldest Anual Traditional „Amber Prix International“ Competitions („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2025). Long time Socialist Countries had to survive decades of prohibition and prosecution of our sport. Separated from the „Western“ Countries and the rest of the World long time we had to go our original way (read historic articles in various languages on International Site www.wff.lt ).

AMATEUR EVENTS INTERNATIONAL.

W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International holds the folowing anual traditional World‘s Most Important International Amateur Events:

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. „Amber Prix International“ (since 1968)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Amateur Championship (since 1990)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Europe Amateur Championship (since 1996)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. South America Amateur Championship (since 2008)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Asia Championship (since 2006)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Amateur „Universe“ (since 2000)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Grand Prix (since 1991)

-          W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Europe Grand Prix (since 2005).

PROFESSIONAL EVENTS INTERNATIONAL.

WFF-WBBF International holds the folowing anual World‘s Most Important International Pro Events:

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro World Championship „Amber Prix OLYMPIA“ (since 2004)

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro World Cup (since 2011)

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro Europe Championship (since 2006)

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro „Universe“ (since 2012)

-         W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro World Grand Prix (since 2004).

Get detailed Information on International Site www.wff.lt

1976–1977 “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENTS.

THE FIRST PUBLIC BODYBUILDING COMPETITIONS IN THE USSR AFTER THE BAN.

In 1976, Edmundas Daubaras organized the “Amber Prix” tournament together with the “Zemaitija Cup” in the city of Telsiai, Lithuania. The strength events were held in one of the city’s schools, while the physique presentation program took place at the Telsiai Culture Palace. These competitions became the first publicly held bodybuilding contest in the Soviet Union after bodybuilding had been officially banned.

At that time, bodybuilding in the USSR was prohibited and actively persecuted by Soviet authorities. Nevertheless, Edmundas Daubaras succeeded in convincing the administration of the Culture Palace that the event violated no regulations. The competition was openly advertised to local residents, and the hall was filled with spectators. Organizing such an event involved considerable personal risk, but the tournament proceeded successfully and without consequences from the authorities.

Athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated in the event.

Winners of the 1976 Tournament

Junior Group Winners

Rimas Apulskis Stasys Stanius Rimas Česaitis

Youth Group Winners

Antanas Basermanas Aimontas Dolgichas Evaldas Sorius

Adult Group Winners

Valentinas Vandys Risardas Krinickis

Overall Champions

Rimas Apulskis Evaldas Sorius Rišardas Krinickis

For comparison, an international bodybuilding event held in Kaunas the same year took place secretly in a factory cultural hall outside the city and without spectators. Another international bodybuilding competition organized in Kalinin (now Tver, RSFSR) was officially prohibited by authorities, yet athletes still staged the contest in a tiny local sports club as an act of protest. Only a small circle of supporters attended.

In 1976, while training at the Vilnius “Viktorija” club, Edmundas Daubaras met lawyer Grigorij Leonov, who had just graduated from the Faculty of Law at Vilnius University and had been appointed as a people’s judge in Klaipėda.

After Grigorij Leonov moved to Klaipeda, Edmundas Daubaras persuaded him to assume leadership of the city’s bodybuilding movement. The reasoning was practical: a judge’s position opened doors among city officials and made it easier to establish legal opportunities for athletes. While Edmundas Daubaras continued to manage organizational matters, Grigorij Leonov worked on creating legitimate legal foundations for bodybuilding activities in Klaipeda.

In 1977, the “Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation” was officially registered under the Klaipeda City Sports Committee. This was an unprecedented development in the entire Soviet Union. Although bodybuilding remained banned throughout the USSR, Klaipeda now had an officially functioning bodybuilding federation. It remained the only legally operating bodybuilding federation in the Soviet Union until 1987, when the USSR Bodybuilding Federation was established under the USSR Ministry of Sports.

By legal means, all unofficial bodybuilding clubs in Klaipeda were closed, leaving only three clubs operating under the federation:

“Gintaras” — headed by Edmundas Daubaras “Satrija” — headed by Sigitas Vilutis “Alksnyne” — headed by Oleg Serov

The public competitions in Telsiai caused a sensation throughout the Soviet bodybuilding community. Many were astonished that such an event could take place openly. The leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945–2002), sent a letter of support to Edmundas Daubaras and promoted the “Amber Prix” tournament in Czechoslovak sports publications.

Encouraged by the success in Telsiai, Edmundas Daubaras, assisted by his father Vytautas Daubaras, organized the 1977 “Amber Prix” tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. This event featured only physique presentation categories without strength exercises. Once again, the tournament was public, and local athletes personally spread information about the competition among supporters. The hall was filled with enthusiastic spectators.

Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the 1977 tournament, which further strengthened Lithuania’s role as the center of unofficial Soviet bodybuilding during the years of prohibition.

1977 “Amber Prix” Tournament

In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras organized the public “Amber Prix” bodybuilding tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the competition. The hall was full of spectators invited by the athletes and their supporters. These contests became one of the first public bodybuilding events in the Soviet Union after the sport had been officially banned.

Junior Division First Height Category

1st place – Viaceslav Chleborodov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Edvardas Burba (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Rimas Apulskis (Klaipėda)

Second Height Category

1st place – Boris Dolgov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Benas Uckus (Kaunas)
3rd place – Nikolajus Kuznecovas (Vilnius)

Third Height Category

1st place – Stepan Nevera (Vilnius)
2nd place – Evaldas Sorius (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Edvardas Miseniovas (Kaunas)

Adult Division First Height Category

1st place – Algimantas Kersulis (Vilnius)
2nd place – Vytautas Daubaras (Vilnius)
3rd place – Jonas Zurauskas (Kaunas)

Second Height Category

1st place – Kestutis Petrosius (Vilnius)
2nd place – Risardas Krinickis (Vilnius)
3rd place – Stasys Maksimovas (Kaunas)

Third Height Category

1st place – Stasys Cukanovas (Vilnius)
2nd place – Albertas Besakirskas (Kaunas)
3rd place – Vytautas Zenkevicius (Klaipėda)

Overall Winners

Junior Division – Borisas Dolgovas
Adult Division – Stasys Cukanovas

You can find more information on international site www.wff.lt

GREAT ORGANIZATION.

GREAT DATES.

As 2028 approaches, the International WFF–WBBF Federation is preparing to commemorate a significant milestone – the 60th anniversary of its international activities. During this period, the organization has grown into a global sports movement, bringing together members from 141 countries across all continents.

Despite the challenges that have affected the world in recent years – including the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and other international developments – the Federation has maintained active operations, consistently promoting initiatives in sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living. Our mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and physical abilities to participate in sporting activities while strengthening international cooperation in this field.

The Federation's history is closely linked with Lithuania and its contribution to the development of international sport:

In 1967, the international tournament “Amber Prix” was established in Lithuania. In 2027, the event will celebrate its anniversary in Klaipėda. In 1968, the International Athletic Gymnastics (Bodybuilding) Federation was founded in Lithuania and coordinated the development of this sport in numerous countries. During challenging historical periods, the Federation faced various restrictions; however, its community successfully preserved sporting traditions and ensured the continuity of its activities. Following 1991, the Federation actively expanded its participation in the international sports movement, developing cooperation with sports organizations and institutions in many countries. Since 1999, special attention has been devoted to children's sports through the “Fit-Kid” programs and to the development of sports opportunities for persons with disabilities. In 2004, fitness model competitions were introduced into the Federation's event program, attracting broad international interest. Since 2024, the Federation has further intensified its activities in fitness, physical activity, and wellness, promoting sport as a means of improving public well-being and quality of life.

The results achieved in recent years confirm the relevance of these activities and the growing public interest in them. In 2026, approximately 300 athletes from various countries participated in the professional “Universe” competition held in Klaipėda, while the European Amateur Championship in Croatia attracted more than 2,000 participants.

Throughout its history, the Federation has sought constructive cooperation with national and local authorities, sports organizations, and public institutions. In many countries, our events have been recognized as a meaningful contribution to promoting physical activity, strengthening international relations, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. In recent years, the Federation's work has received attention and recognition in Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Estonia, India, and other countries.

The forthcoming 60th anniversary represents not only an important historical achievement for our organization but also an opportunity to once again emphasize the importance of sport in strengthening public health, international cooperation, cultural dialogue, and social unity.

We look forward to continuing meaningful cooperation and to contributing, through joint efforts, to the promotion of sport, physical activity, fitness, and healthy living on an international scale.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt