1982. SOCIALIST WORLD BODYBUILDING NEWS.

Bodybuilding sport was still prohibited but bodybuilders of the Socialist countries felt comming „perestrojka“.

The year of 1982 traditionally started in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) with „Amber Prix International‘ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023). We would like to underline that since 1978 „Amber Prix International“ was the „unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ («неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). Best U.S.S.R. bodybuilders participated at thie event. It became possible after when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) wrote bodybuilding defending petition and personally brought it to the highest U.S.S.R. political Institutions in Moscow (read about this in various languages in details in our articles at the www.wff.lt).

Bodybuilders of six countries took part at the 1982 „Amber Prix International“. The Over All Winners were RICARDAS PETRAUSKAS (Juniors) and EUGENE GORELIK (Евгений Горелик, Main Categories). Both from the Lithuanian SSR.

In 1982 bodybuilding organizers of the Estonian SSR still were fighting in between. Brothers ARRO left our sport, OLEV ANNUS emigrated to Finland. Though the Chairman of the National Bodybuilding Federation of the Estonian SSR was PRANAS MICKEVICIUS but bodybuilders supported INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002).

There were two teams of the Estonian SSR at the 1982 „Amber Prix International“. One was of PRANAS MICKEVICIUS and another of INNAR MARDO.

Traditional 1982 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989) in Tallinn (Estonian SSR) was not the best. Only 31 bodybuilders participated at the competition. The Over All Winners were Lithuanians RAIMONDAS PETRAITIS (Juniors) and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Main Categories).

1982 „Comsomok Cup“ («Кубок комсомола», „Komjaunimo taurė“) was organized in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). Junior Category Winners were Lithuanians RAIMONDAS PETRAITIS, SAULIUS MIKUCKIS, EDMUNDAS GUDAVICIUS, Main Category Winners were STANISLAV POLIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR) and Lithuanians ALGIRDAS IVANAUSKAS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS, ALBERTAS BESAKIRSKAS.

Two teams of the Estonian SSR went to 1982 „Trener“ contest in the Czechoslovakian SSR. One was led by PRANAS MICKEVICIUS and another by INNAR MARDO. First time bodybuilders of the Lithuanian SSR took part at this competition. The Category Winners were Lithuanians EUGENE GORELIK, VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS and LUBOMIR MATEJICKA from the Czechoslovakian SSR. The Over All Winner was SAULIUS MISEVICIUS.

In 1982 a representative of the U.S.S.R. first time visite I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) World Championship. It was held in Belgium. That was secretary of the „Unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («неофициальная «Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. For this he had to fool the U.S.S.R. officials. ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS managed to get into a cruise ship to Europe Countries. This way he reached Belgium and attended the World Championship. The time of cruise and championship was the same. As told by ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS the organizers met him warmly. But knowing no foreign languages he could make pictures with I.F.B.B. President BEN WEIDER nad ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER. Nothing more. But after meeting represntatives of Czechoslovakia SSR ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS communicated with then in Russian free. When competition ended ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS received zero attention and was left alone. Then at the 1982 I.F.B.B. World Championship winners were: USA bodybuilders JAMES GAUBERT, DALE RUPLINGER, LEE HANEY and Turkish AHMET ENUNLU.

In 1989 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS clearly understood that ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS does not understand any foreign language. During active correspondance and a number of personal meetings with BEN WEIDER DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS bacame a real friend of him. In 1989 as a friend BEN WEIDER invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to Paris (France). The 1989 I.F.B.B. World Championships were held in Paris at that time. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took ROMANAS KALINAUSTAS together. During a number of long lasting discussions DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and BEN WEIDER learned about the total unintelligence of ROMANAS KALUNAUSKAS in knowing languages. He totally was not understanding about what both friend were talking.  

It was extremelly dificult to go to Capitalist countries at the Socialist times. For an ordinary people it was impossible. During the eight and nineth decades of the last century of all Socialist countries only a bodybuilding trainer LUDEK NOSEK (Marianske Lazne, Czechoslovakian SSR) had a privilege to travel to Capitalist countries constantly. For many years he was the organizer of the „Sandow“ contest. Wife of LUDEK NOSEK was working as a stewardess on International flights of the airlines of the Czechoslovakian SSR. Her work permitted to go to any of the World countries with her husbund once a year. This way representing National Bodybuilding Federation of the Czechoslovakian SSR LUDEK NOSEK was present at many I.F.B.B. World Championships that were held in various Capitalist countries. 

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.

2026 MEGA EVENTS INTERNATIONAL

37-th Am-Pro World Championship

45-th Am-Pro „World Grand Prix“

3-d „Neringa Mayor‘s Cup“

October 24 - 25, 2026, „Agila“ Palace,  Nida Resort, Lithuania

Official Documents, Articles, Statistics on Global Page www.wff.lt

CONTEST REGISTRATION on www.worldfitness.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»).

The Article will be continued and we will speak about each of the mentioned above Athletes. Follow International Page www.wff.lt

THEY BANNED BODYBUILDING.

HE HELD THE COMPETITIONS ANYWAY.

From illegal competitions in Soviet Lithuania to a Pope’s medal in the Vatican — a story that sounds almost impossible today

1976. Soviet Lithuania.

Bodybuilding was banned.

The authorities did not want it. The system regarded it as something foreign, suspicious and unnecessary.

But someone decided that a ban would not be the final word.

Edmundas Daubaras began organizing bodybuilding competitions.

Public competitions.

At the time — illegal in the eyes of the authorities.

And this is where a story began that, decades later, would lead from Lithuania to Moscow — and ultimately to the Vatican.

NOT IN A GYM. AGAINST THE SYSTEM.

Today, bodybuilding competitions seem completely ordinary.

A stage. Spotlights. Athletes. Judges. Medals.

But in Soviet Lithuania, everything was different.

In 1976–1977, organizing public bodybuilding competitions meant challenging the system.

Athletes wanted to train.

They wanted to compete.

They wanted to demonstrate the results of their work.

And the system said: no.

The answer was simple:

“The competitions will take place anyway.”

And they did.

In Klaipėda, the authorities later permitted bodybuilding competitions to be held.

But that was not the end of the story.

It was only the beginning.

1978. A PETITION — TO MOSCOW

When organizing competitions was no longer enough, an even bolder step was taken.

In 1978, Edmundas Daubaras wrote a petition defending bodybuilding.

And he did not take it to some local authority.

Not to a sports club.

Not to a newspaper editorial office.

He took it to Moscow. To the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

It was an attempt to address the system itself.

Directly.

Without intermediaries.

To demand recognition of the right of a sport to exist — a sport to which the system had imposed restrictions.

Today, individual circumstances of that period may be interpreted in different ways. But one fact cannot be denied:

A man living under the Soviet system chose to openly defend something that the system sought to restrict.

DECADES PASSED.

Time changed the world.

The Soviet Union disappeared.

The Iron Curtain fell.

Bodybuilding became an international sport.

And a story that had once been associated with bans and state control eventually reached a completely different place.

The Vatican.

2011. THE VATICAN.

During an official reception for WFF-WBBF leaders at the Vatican, representatives of the Catholic Church were introduced to this history.

They learned about the position of bodybuilding under the communist system.

About the bans.

About the first competitions.

About the petition to Moscow.

About the activities of Edmundas Daubaras.

And then something happened that nobody at the beginning of this story could have predicted.

Cardinal Jozef Tomko described Edmundas Daubaras’s actions toward the communist regime as dissident in nature.

And there was more.

Edmundas Daubaras was awarded a medal of Pope Benedict XVI.

Later, the WFF-WBBF federation received an official letter from the Vatican blessing the federation’s activities.

From illegal competitions in Soviet Lithuania — to the Vatican.

From prohibition — to blessing.

Could there be a more striking historical irony?

60 YEARS. AND ONE EXTRAORDINARY STORY.

Today, WFF-WBBF celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Six decades of sporting history.

But among the countless dates, championships, athletes and titles, there is one story that stands out.

Because it did not begin under comfortable circumstances.

Not in a free country.

Not at a time when everything was permitted.

It began when people had to fight for the very right to organize bodybuilding competitions.

And that is precisely why this story deserves to be remembered.

BECAUSE SOMETIMES A MEDAL IS NOT FOR MUSCLES.

In sports history, medals are usually awarded for victories.

For records.

For championship titles.

But in this story, the medal presented at the Vatican carried an entirely different meaning.

It became a symbolic recognition of the work of a man who began acting at a time when even the right to organize bodybuilding competitions could not be taken for granted.

1976–1977 — illegal competitions.

1978 — petition to Moscow.

2011 — the Vatican.

Medal of Pope Benedict XVI.

Recognition by Cardinal Jozef Tomko.

Official Vatican blessing of WFF-WBBF activities.

That is the journey.

And so, as the federation marks its 60th anniversary, one can say it very simply:

WHEN THE SYSTEM SAID “NO” — SPORT SAID “YES.”

And history remembered it.

INTERNATIONAL COACHES’ AND JUDGES’ SEMINAR IN KLAIPĖDA: THE ART OF POSING IN THE SPOTLIGHT.

An international seminar for coaches and judges will take place in Klaipėda on September 27, focusing on one of the most important, yet increasingly underestimated, elements of bodybuilding – posing.

In preparation for the 37th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championship, which will take place on October 24–26, 2026, at the “Agila” Cultural Centre in Neringa, the WFF-WBBF World Federation, together with the International Sport University, will organize an international coaches’ and judges’ seminar in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026.

The upcoming seminar is significant not only because of its international scope, but also because of its long-standing tradition. Coaches’ seminars in Klaipėda were first organized back in 1987, meaning that this year marks another chapter in a tradition that has continued for almost four decades.

Posing – More Than Just a Required Part of Competition

The main topic of this year’s seminar will be posing in competition – posing technique, stage presentation, aesthetics, and the importance of posing in the overall evaluation of an athlete.

According to the organizers, this subject is particularly relevant today. In their view, the standard of posing has declined considerably in recent years, while stage presentation has increasingly lost some of its aesthetic and artistic qualities.

In bodybuilding, an athlete’s physique must not only be displayed – it must be presented professionally. Posing allows athletes to demonstrate their proportions, symmetry, muscular development, posture, and overall aesthetic preparation. For this reason, the art of posing remains an essential part of high-level bodybuilding.

The seminar will therefore bring together highly experienced professionals who will share their knowledge and practical experience and address the question of how to improve posing standards and restore a greater sense of professionalism and aesthetics to stage presentation.

New Fitness Categories and Current Judging Issues

The seminar will cover much more than posing. Participants will also be introduced to new fitness categories, while important issues concerning athlete evaluation criteria and current judging practices will be discussed.

Particular attention will be given to ensuring that coaches and judges share a clear understanding of judging principles and are able to evaluate athletes objectively in terms of physical development, proportions, symmetry, aesthetics, and stage presentation.

Seminar participants will also have the opportunity to obtain the appropriate international coaches’ and judges’ qualifications, making the event an important platform for professional development and qualification improvement.

A Return to the Classical Concept of Bodybuilding

The purpose of the seminar goes beyond the professional development of judges and coaches. The organizers aim to strengthen the understanding of bodybuilding as a sport in which success is determined not only by physical development, but also by aesthetics, proportions, symmetry, elegance, stage presence, and professional presentation.

It is an effort to return to the classical concept of bodybuilding – one in which an athlete’s stage performance should be engaging and appealing not only to the judges, but also to the audience.

The September 27 seminar in Klaipėda will be an important step toward improving the qualifications of coaches and judges, developing athlete evaluation standards, and strengthening posing culture within international bodybuilding and fitness.

Further information about the seminar programme, lecturers, and participation requirements will be announced soon.

More information: www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt