79 YEARS OF WORLD BODYBUILDING SPORT.

67 YEARS OF SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING.

BEGINNING.

Until now official World and Socialist bodybuilding history is presented as a mistake. The basis of the history is incorrect. It is a mistake when we use to say that bodybuilders built and developed sport of bodybuilding. No, not bodybuilders. Bodybuilders were training and participating at the competitions only. Do winning bodybuilders developed sport anyhow? No, not at all. For bodybuilders somebody else had to organize competitions, to get permeations, support, venue places, awards and to collect participants. To say more – somebody had to publicize information about contests and bodybuilders. Otherwise until now nobody would even hear anything about a single bodybuilder.

All bodybuilding organizations, federations were created not by bodybuilders. Organizations were created by functioneers and organizers. During the history of bodybuilding sport there were only few Internationally important persons - organizers. Organizers are the main persons of bodybuilding sport. We will speak shortly in this article. Anyway it will be a long story to put it down.

BEGINNING OF BODYBUILDING SPORT.

As we have spoken before we will present only short information. Each our story can be developed into a long article. For detailed information look on International Site www.wff.lt

Contemporary N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) history writer SI SWEENEY in his articles even does not mention the real first “Mr. Universe” contest. Also he writes incorrect information about the second “Mr. Universe” competition.

The same do writers who write about the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) history. These they underline that there was nothing before the WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN I.F.B.B. Commercial Company. They neglect the previous BOB HOFFMAN’s (Robert Collins Hoffman, 1898 - 1985 m.) “Bodybuilding Empire” which WEIDER brothers copied from beginning to the very end.

Many people want to rise themselves and they create unreal stories. Next followers use their creations and go on developing them.

1947. FIRST “MR. UNIVERSE” CONTEST.

The first real “Bodybuilding Empire” was created through the A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union)  in the USA by American BOBO HOFFMAN. In real A.A.U. united USA National Federations and it was the Ministry of Sport in the USA. They use to call BOBO HOFFMAN “the father of America Weightlifting”. A.A.U. since 1939 was organizing USA bodybuilding “Mr. America” contests. BOB HOFFMAN wanted to make bodybuilding an official recognized sport through A.A.U. and F.I.H. (Federation Internationale Halterophile). USA weightlifting though A.A.U. was a member of the International Weightlifting Federation F.I.H. Later F.I.H. name was changed to F.I.H.C. (F.I.H.C., Federation Internationale Halterophile et Culturisme) when F.I.H. started ruling World’s bodybuilding sport. BOB HOFFMAN decided to do the same with bodybuilding.

In 1947 F.I.H. organized the World Weightlifting Championship and International Congress in Philadelphia (USA). Under the efforts of BOB HOFFMAN the International Congress decided to lead and control World’s bodybuilding on official level. This way for twenty years bodybuilding became officially recognized sport. It was immediately decided to organize the first in Sport’s History International Bodybuilding “Mr. Universe” contest alongside with the F.I.H. World Weightlifting Championship in Philadelphia. Then the Over All “Mr. Universe” Champion was a pupil of BOB HOFFMAN a famous America weightlifter STEVE STANKO. That was a Historical Happening and STEVE STANKO became a Historical Person.

1948. SECOND “MR. UNIVERSE’ IN LONDON.

It was a tradition of F.I.H. not to organize World Weightlifting Championship in “Olympic” years. What to do with the second F.I.H. bodybuilding „Mr. Universe“ competition? Then the idea to organize the F.I.H. bodybuilding “Mr. Universe” during the 1948 “Olympic Games” struck BOB HOFFMAN. There were real ways because F.I.H. was a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.). BOB HOFFMAN addressed British OSCAR STATE who was the President of B.A.W.L.A. (British Amateur Weight Lifting Association) to assist him. At the same time B.A.W.L.A. asked the Chairmen of the British Bodybuilding “Health and Strength” Magazine to assist them too. Through F.I.H. departments in various countries B.A.W.L.A. invited athletes to the contest in London. At the same time BOB HOFFMAN brought USA bodybuilders to compete. There were 1800 spectators at the second F.I.H. “Mr. Universe” in London. All money profit of the competition went to B.A.W.L.A.. After several preliminary rounds the finalists were ANDRE DRAPP (France) and Americans JOHN GRIMEK and STEVE REEVES. JOHN GRIMEK was proclaimed the Over All Winner of the second F.I.H. “Mr. Universe”. STEVE REEVES spoke on microphone saying that “John Grimek is the greatest bodybuilder who ever lived“.

1950. FIRST N.A.B.B.A. “MR. UNIVERSE”.

In 1950 under the efforts of the Chairmen of “Health and Strength” Magazine N.A.B.B.A. association was created in the Great Britain. As the former N.A.B.B.A. President  IVAN DUNBAR told us – N.A.B.B.A. Association was juridically registered as a „Public Club“. In 1950 N.A.B.B.A. organized the first “Mr. Universe” in London. The Over All Champion was STEVE REEVES (USA). At the same time a member of the International Olympic Committee F.I.H.C. went on organizing it’s own “Mr. Universe” contest. Comparing with N.A.B.B.A. “Mr. Universe” F.I.H.C. competitions were the official ones. For the two decades no one could confront F.I.H.C. as the official Bodybuilding Sport was under F.I.H.C. control. Even the Commercial I.F.B.B. Company of the WEIDER  brothers JOE and BEN could not imagine to think being equal to F.I.H.C..

1959. BOB HOFFMAN BRINGS BODYBUILDING TO SOCIALIST COUNTRIES.

In 1959 the USA „Father of Weightlifting“ BOB HOFFMAN through the International Weightlifting Federation F.I.H.C. first time brought bodybuilding sport to the Socialist Countries. That was the World Weightlifting Championship in Warszawa - the Capital of the Polish Democratic Republic. Then F.I.H.C. organized the traditional bodybuilding „Mr. Universe“ in Warszawa too. Over All Winner was GUY MEIRCZUK (born in 1936, France). Right after this Bodybuilding Committe of Poland was created.  First President was the „Father of Polish Bodybuilding“ STANISLAW ZAKRZEWSKI.

IN 1963 FIRST INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING ORGANIZATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN SOCIALIST WORLD.

In 1963 under direct influence American BOB HOFFMAN  and British OSCAR STATE and the initiative of the F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Federation Internationale Halterophile, later F.I.H.C., Federation Internationale Halterophile et Culturiste, later I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation) in the U.S.S.R. was established first International Bodybuilding Organization (Общественный комитет атлетической гимнастики С.С.С.Р.). of the Socialist World. The U.S.S.R. Sport Ministry (Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) appointed a known Russia weightlifter ROMAN MOROZ (Роман Мороз) as the President of this Organization. Then the U.S.S.R. was not ready to face this innovation and the new organization worked only formally. We would like to underline that the I.F.B.B. federation (International Federation of Body Builders) was created only in 1970 in Belgrade (Yugoslavia) by the General Secretary F.I.H.C. OSCAR STATE.

Real bodybuilding started in 1968 when another new Organization was created in Lithuania. Again the formal Chairman of the new Organization was the above mentioned ROMAN MOROZ. He was the man to connect bodybuilders with the Ministry of Sport of the U.S.S.R.. In real bodybuilding sport in the U.S.S.R. was governed by other people. They were Russian GENADIJ BALDIN (Геннадий Балдин) and two Lithuanians VALERIJ KORESHKOV  (Валерий Корешков) and VYTAUTAS ZUMERIS. That were the requirements of the „communist times and the communist regime“.

1966. FIRST SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION.

In 1966 a bodybuilding contest was organized in Moscow (Russia) where the winner was IGOR PETRUCHIN (Игорь Петрухин, Russia). Also in 1966 the first in the Socialist Countries International Bodybuilding competition was organized in Vilnius (Lithuania). The Winners were IGOR PETRUCHIN, RYTIS MACIJAUSKAS and KLEMENSAS ALSHAUSKAS (both Lithuania); second places won Russian GENADIJ BALDIN, Lithuanians CESLAV TAMULEVICH (Чеслав Тамулевич) and ANATOLIJ PRIC (Анатолий Приц); third places went to Russian MARK SHAFRAN and Lithuanians RIMANTAS ZUJUS and ALGIMANTAS RAMANAUSKAS.

THE STORY WILL BE CONTINUED.

Those who are interested in detailed sport history – welcome to our Internet Site. We will publish the article in parts as it will take time. FACEBOOK does not allow long texts. For detailed information read International Site www.wff.lt

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

World Bodybuilding Federation (W.B.B.F. - International)

International Amateur "UNIVERSE" Contest

Men Bodybuilding Over All Winners

(2000 - 2025)

Year, Name, Country.

2025 TORU FUKUTOMI, Japan

2024 MARIS SVEIDUKS, Latvia

2023 ALEKSEJ LAPSIN, Estonia

2022 DMITRIJ ANTONOV, Russia

2021 ROMAN POLSHIN, Estonia

2020 MICHAIL MALEK, Russia

2019 NIKOLAJ VOROBJOV, Russia

2018 RABHA GOLAP, India

2017 FREDDY GASTON VAN PUYENBROECK, Belgium

2016 MAROSZ KANAS, Slovakia

2015 ANDREJ RUMIANCEV, Estonia

2014 ANDRZEJ RAK, Poland

2013 ANDRZEJ BRZEZINSKI Poland

2012 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2011 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2010 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2009 ALEKSANDR VLADIMIROV, Lithuania

2008 DAYO AUDI, UK

2007 ROMAN DUBOVICKIJ, Russia

2006 ANTONIO OSTA, Uruguay

2005 ALEKSANDR BALDIN, Russia

2004 KONSTANTIN ZACHAROV, Russia

2003 JURIJ KARSETJAN, Latvia

2002 FRANCO CARLOTTO, Switzerland

2001 MINDAUGAS KVASYS, Lithuania

2000 MASSIMO MONACO, Italy.

Women Bodybuilding Over All Winners

Year, Name, Country.

2025 OLGA BOGACZ, Poland

2024 JELENA BITINEVA, Latvia

2023 ANNA SOBOLEWSKA KUCHARSKA, Poland

2022 MARIJA SIVKOVA, Russia

2021 HANNA SKYTTA, Finland

2020 OLESIA KONDRATOVA, Vietnam

2019 ALISA KLIMOVA, Russia

2018 NERINA BROGGIA, Argentina

2017 WILLEKE MARLES HOORNAERT, Belgium

2016 YAMILA VANESSA TOLEDO, Argentina

2015 JULIA GLAZYCEVA, Russia

2014 VALENTINA KOZLOVSKAJA, Belarus

2013 DALVANIZA AQUINO, Brazil

2012 YAMILA VANESSA TOLEDO, Argentina

2011 FERNANDA YOUGLAR, Argentina

2010 TRACEY LEE GOTTSCHALK, South Africa

2009 IRINA VALETTE FEDORUK, France

2008 FERNANDEZ ALEXANDRA XIMENA AGUIAR, Uruguay

2007 IRINA RIABOVA, Russia

2006 ROSALIA DUTRA DE CAMPOS, Argentina

2005 RACHEL KAUPPILA, Finland

2004 MARINA BURINSKAJA, Latvia

2003 RIPERT MARIE-PIERRE DOMINIQUE, France

2002 IRINA ZINCENKO, Russia

2001 SVETLANA PUGACHEVA, Russia

2000 MARINA BURINSKAJA, Latvia

W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Secretary International Edita Sendriene

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING HISTORY IN ONE PAGE.

Much time passed away since bodybuilding appeared at the Socialist Countries in 1959. Looking through this period of time is evident who was who in Socialist bodybuilding. It is evident through the real works done of the persons who played important role and who did not. Many „Old School Bodybuilders“ today create their stories which are fare away from the truth. Many athletes name themselves as the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Champions“ but they are not in real. Though there were only five „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championships“ (1971, 1972, 1989, 1990, 1991). Many name themselves as being important personalities in bodybuilding but they were not. Though as many will not like it but we will speak shortly about these problematc historic questions soon. Follow International Page www.wff.lt.

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

WHAT IS N.A.B.B.A.? DRAWING CONCLUSIONS.

THE HISTORY OF THE N.A.B.B.A. ASSOCIATION.

While preparing material for the third volume of the World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia, we continue our review of the history of international bodybuilding organizations.

Until the collapse of the socialist system, the situation was relatively clear. From 1971 to 1998, the officially recognized bodybuilding sport was represented by the International Federation of BodyBuilders (I.F.B.B.), while the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (N.A.B.B.A.), established in 1950, represented an independent bodybuilding movement that did not possess official international sports recognition.

In this article, we examine the history of the N.A.B.B.A. association and its place in the development of world bodybuilding.

THE BEGINNING OF N.A.B.B.A.

BOB HOFFMAN BROUGHT BODYBUILDING TO LONDON

From 1947 to 1969, official world bodybuilding was governed by the Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste (F.I.H.C.), a member of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.).

Largely through the efforts of American sports promoter Robert Collins Hoffman (Bob Hoffman, 1898–1985), the first F.I.H.C. “Universe” contest was held in the United States in 1947. In 1948, during the London Olympic Games and with the approval of the International Olympic Committee, the second F.I.H.C. “Universe” contest took place in London.

The event was organized not only by Bob Hoffman but also by the British Amateur Weight Lifting Association (B.A.W.L.A.) and the magazine Health and Strength.

Inspired by the activities of the F.I.H.C., British bodybuilding enthusiasts founded the National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association (N.A.B.B.A.) in 1950 and organized their own “Mr. Universe” contest. However, until the F.I.H.C. ceased its involvement in bodybuilding in 1969, neither N.A.B.B.A. nor the privately operated I.F.B.B. organization could claim official international recognition.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF N.A.B.B.A.

When discussing the history of sports federations, both athletes and administrators are important. Nevertheless, the identity of an organization is often shaped more strongly by its leaders and organizers, as athletes frequently compete in events organized by different federations.

For many years, American athletes dominated the N.A.B.B.A. Mr. Universe competitions. Supported by the structures of F.I.H.C. and the Amateur Athletic Union (A.A.U.), they regularly traveled to Europe and won the most prestigious titles. One reason for this dominance was their advanced training methods and the earlier adoption of anabolic substances in athletic practice.

During the 1980s, the British sports administrator Oscar Heidenstam emerged as one of the most influential figures within N.A.B.B.A. It was during this period that Dr. Edmundas Daubaras began corresponding with him and exchanging information and historical materials.

At the end of 1990, while meeting I.F.B.B. President Ben Weider in New York, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras did not receive support for Lithuania’s efforts to establish independent participation in international bodybuilding following the restoration of national independence. According to the author, the I.F.B.B. leadership declined to accept Lithuanian bodybuilders directly, bypassing the sports authorities of the Soviet Union. As a result, cooperation with N.A.B.B.A. became a practical alternative.

In 1991, Lithuanian athletes participated in the N.A.B.B.A. European Championships in Épinal, France. Natalija Murnikovienė of Klaipėda and Rolandas Bučinskas of Šiauliai became the first European bodybuilding champions in the history of independent Lithuania.

At the same time, another organization, the Lithuanian SSR Bodybuilding Federation headed by Romanas Kalinauskas, continued to operate within the Soviet sports structure.

ONE N.A.B.B.A. – THREE PRESIDENTS

Following the death of Oscar Heidenstam in 1991, the N.A.B.B.A. organization was led for nearly two decades by Irish administrator Ivan Dunbar. Although dedicated to the association, his tenure was marked by increasing internal disagreements.

By 1999, an unusual situation had developed in which three individuals competed for leadership within the organization: Ivan Dunbar, German official Klaus P. J. Hoffmann, and Australian representative Joe Lopez.

Various national federations competed for influence, while administrative and legal issues became increasingly apparent. Questions regarding the organization’s legal status and governance were raised by a number of national representatives.

THE N.A.B.B.A. SPLIT

At the end of the twentieth century, Joe Lopez became one of the most active and ambitious figures within N.A.B.B.A. His disagreements with Klaus Hoffmann and Ivan Dunbar gradually intensified.

During the 1999 N.A.B.B.A. World Championships in Austria, tensions reached a climax at the international congress held alongside the event. Financial disputes within the organization further complicated the situation.

At the congress, Joe Lopez announced that he and several supporting national federations were leaving the British-based N.A.B.B.A. structure and creating a new organization called “N.A.B.B.A. International.”

For several years, this organization promoted alternative “Mr. Universe” contests in Spain. Eventually, however, its activities declined, and the organization disappeared from the international bodybuilding scene.

WHAT IS N.A.B.B.A.? DRAWING CONCLUSIONS

Following the death of Oscar Heidenstam, N.A.B.B.A. no longer possessed a leader capable of providing a strong strategic direction for the organization. It preserved its traditions and historical legacy but did not pursue major ambitions for international expansion.

Nevertheless, N.A.B.B.A. remains one of the oldest and historically most significant bodybuilding organizations in the world. Since its foundation, it has served as an important alternative within the international bodybuilding movement and has left a lasting mark on the history of the sport.

After the International Olympic Committee abandoned support for bodybuilding’s Olympic aspirations in 1998, and following the closure of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (G.A.I.S.F.) in 2023, the international status of bodybuilding organizations became increasingly complex and less clearly defined.

Today, N.A.B.B.A. and I.F.B.B. occupy different positions within the global bodybuilding landscape, yet both organizations remain important in understanding the development, traditions, and historical heritage of bodybuilding.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“Amber Prix” Today – 60 Years of History, a Legacy Far Greater Than Bodybuilding.

There are sporting competitions. There are tournaments. And then there are phenomena that, over time, become history. The “Amber Prix” belongs to the latter category.

In May 2027, Klaipėda will host the 60th historic “Amber Prix” tournament. This will be neither an ordinary bodybuilding competition nor simply an anniversary event.

It will be a moment in a six-decade-long history.

In terms of longevity, few bodybuilding events in the world can rival the “Amber Prix.” Only the NABBA “Universe,” first held in 1950, and Joe Weider’s “Olympia,” launched in 1965, have somewhat older traditions.

Yet longevity alone does not explain why the “Amber Prix” matters.

What matters most is what has happened around it during those six decades.

What is often misunderstood today

Some athletes of earlier generations, coaches, and people who were in one way or another connected with the historic “Amber Prix” tournament still remember it as it was in their youth.

To them, the “Amber Prix” was, is, and remains simply a bodybuilding competition.

But this is precisely where the fundamental misunderstanding lies.

Over six decades, almost everything has changed: countries, political systems, sports organizations, international relations, the concept of bodybuilding, the geographical reach of competitions, and the scale of the event itself.

Thousands of athletes from different countries and continents have participated in the history of the “Amber Prix.” They left Klaipėda, but they also took with them knowledge of Lithuania, of the tournament, of its organizational culture and its traditions.

The “Amber Prix” traveled with the people who took part in it.

Its history spread far beyond Klaipėda and Lithuania.

Therefore, today it is no longer possible to speak of the “Amber Prix” as just another bodybuilding competition.

It is an international sporting phenomenon that has endured for more than half a century.

1978 – Breaking Through the Wall

There are dates in this history that deserve to be recorded in the history of Lithuanian sport.

One of them is 1978.

Thanks to a petition by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, presented in Moscow to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the exclusive right to organize bodybuilding competitions in Klaipėda was secured.

Today, this might look like a formal administrative decision.

At the time, it was something entirely different.

The position of bodybuilding within the Soviet sports system was complicated. Therefore, the opportunity to organize competitions of this kind in Klaipėda meant more than sporting freedom.

It created an opportunity to build.

To build a tradition.
To build international relationships.
To build Lithuania’s sporting authority.

And this is where the true historical significance of the “Amber Prix” begins.

1986 – Thinking Not About One Competition, but About an Entire Sport

In 1986, at the initiative of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, a decision was made during the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda to establish the USSR Bodybuilding Federation in 1987 and seek official recognition of bodybuilding as a sport.

This was a crucial moment.

Why?

Because the “Amber Prix” was no longer limited to a stage, judges and medals.

The future of the entire sport was being discussed and shaped there.

The tournament became a place where not only athletes, but also people capable of influencing the development of the sport, could meet.

It was no longer simply a competition.

It had become a platform.

1988–1991 – An Attempt to Bring Lithuania into the World

Another historic stage came between 1988 and 1991.

Building on the international experience and connections accumulated through the “Amber Prix” tournaments, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras conducted negotiations with IFBB President Ben Weider regarding Lithuania’s independent admission and participation in IFBB activities, bypassing the USSR Bodybuilding Federation.

Ben Weider did not support this possibility and maintained the Moscow position.

But history is not measured only by what was ultimately achieved.

Sometimes, what people attempted before their time is equally important.

Lithuanian sports leaders were already thinking about an independent place for Lithuania in the international bodybuilding community.

This was a period when political reality still restricted possibilities, while the ambitions of sportspeople had already gone beyond the borders of the USSR.

Independence – and the First Signs of International Recognition

After the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, this work gained entirely new momentum.

With the support of the Ministry of Sports of the Republic of Lithuania and personally Minister Algirdas Raslanas, the first national bodybuilding organization in independent Lithuania – LNKA – was registered.

Under the leadership of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, the first gold medals were brought to Lithuania from France. They were awarded by the international NABBA organization to “Amber Prix” champions Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas.

Recognition documents from the international NABBA organization were also obtained from the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee.

This was a symbolic yet very important turning point: Lithuanian bodybuilding was leaving the Soviet sphere and beginning to establish its own international identity.

When Lithuania Became Not a Spectator, but a Host

In 1996, 1997 and 1998, under the leadership of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius and Palanga with state support and financing. Events were televised by “Eurosport”.

In 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, World Championships were held in Palanga and Vilnius.

The organizing committees were chaired by the highest-ranking representatives of the Republic of Lithuania.

This fact is highly significant.

Lithuania was no longer merely sending athletes into the world. The world was beginning to come to Lithuania.

And this is one of the most important achievements in the history of the “Amber Prize.”

Klaipėda, Palanga and Vilnius became venues for major international bodybuilding events.

Foreign delegations were received at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. International press conferences were held at the ELTA news agency.

This was no longer just sport.

It was Lithuania representing itself to the international community through sport.

2007 – Recognition by the State

In 2007, the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania decided that the 40th anniversary “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda would receive a separate line of funding from the national state budget.

Today, viewed from a historical distance, this should be understood as one of the clearest signs of state recognition.

The international stature of the event was further emphasized by an extraordinary gesture.

Professor Alfred Gerstl, President of the Austrian Parliament, sent to Klaipėda an authentic collection of photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, as well as a film about his life.

The collection was displayed to participants and spectators, while the film was shown before the competition.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name became a symbolic bridge between the history of world bodybuilding and Klaipėda.

When CNN Reported on Klaipėda

Another symbolic moment came with the 50th anniversary of the “Amber Prix.”

Global CNN television broadcast a report about the tournament from Klaipėda to billions of viewers around the world.

The significance of this fact should not be underestimated.

A bodybuilding event taking place in Klaipėda had become an object of attention for global television media.

This meant that the “Amber Prix” had already moved beyond Lithuania’s information space.

Its name had reached a worldwide audience.

Therefore, 2027 Is Not Just Another Anniversary

We are now approaching a new historic milestone.

In May 2027, Klaipėda will host the 60th “Amber Prix” tournament.

Preparations have already been underway since 2025.

This is not simply another event on the calendar.

It is an opportunity to reassess what has been built over six decades.

A particularly solemn international event is being planned, with prominent guests from Lithuania and abroad to be invited.

To mark the 60th anniversary, a unique historical book will also be published, telling the story of the “Amber Prix” against the broader background of events in Lithuania, Europe and the world.

And this is extremely important.

History must not only be remembered. History must be recorded.

Because what is not recorded can be lost after a few generations.

Sixty Years Is Not Just a Number

Sixty years means six decades during which the world has changed beyond recognition.

Countries have changed.
One political system collapsed.
Independent Lithuania was restored.
International sports organizations evolved.
Bodybuilding itself changed.
Generations changed.

And the “Amber Prix” remained.

Therefore, today its significance cannot be measured merely by medals, champions’ names or competition results.

Its true scale must be measured by the people it brought together.

By the countries with which it established connections.

By the international events it helped create.

By the Lithuanian name it carried into the world.

And, above all, by the fact that a bodybuilding tradition born in Klaipėda survived changing eras and became part of international sporting history.

The Main Conclusion

Therefore, the 60th “Amber Prix” tournament in 2027 should not be understood as a beautiful remembrance of the past.

This is not an event of nostalgia.

It is an event of historical continuity.

It must demonstrate that what was created decades ago can not only be remembered today, but also carried forward.

And this is where the greatest value of the “Amber Prix” lies.

It has survived eras.

It has outlived political systems.

It has crossed national borders.

It has grown from a sporting event in one city into an international phenomenon.

Therefore, in May 2027, Klaipėda will not merely celebrate 60 years of bodybuilding competitions.

It will celebrate a part of Lithuania’s sporting history.

It will celebrate the history of Klaipėda.

It will celebrate the history of the people who built this tradition over decades.

And it will look toward the future.

Because a true tradition is not simply what remains in the past.

A true tradition is what passes from the past into the future.

And the history of the “Amber Prix” is certainly not over.

2027 should mark not the closing of a chapter in history, but the beginning of a new one.