VISIT TO POLISH CITIES – DAYS OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND HISTORIC RECOGNITION.

Early May 2018. Poland – Kraków, Bydgoszcz and Tarnowskie Góry.

These days became a significant period in the history of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, marked by international meetings, new cooperation plans and a distinguished recognition.

In early May 2018, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World WFF-WBBF Federation – World Fitness Federation (WFF) and World Body Building Federation (WBBF) – visited Poland.

During the visit, plans for future international events were coordinated, relations with Polish municipal, public and academic institutions were developed, and new directions for international cooperation were discussed.

MEETINGS IN POLISH CITIES

During his visit, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras travelled to Kraków, Bydgoszcz and Tarnowskie Góry. Meetings were held with city leaders, local government representatives and members of the academic community.

Particular attention was devoted to the prospects for organizing international events and to opportunities for closer cooperation in the fields of sport, public activities and international projects.

An important part of the visit was a meeting with Prof. Helena Czakowska, Ph.D., Rector of the Józef Ratzinger University KPSW (Joseph Ratzinger University KPSW). The meeting with representatives of the academic community provided another opportunity to discuss the development of international relations and possible joint projects for the future.

Such meetings were an integral part of WFF-WBBF's international activities. The Federation has sought not to limit its work solely to sporting competitions, but also to build a broader network of international cooperation connecting sports, public, cultural and academic institutions.

DISTINGUISHED RECOGNITION OF INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

A special ceremony also took place during the visit to Poland.

For his active international public service, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras was solemnly awarded the historic Order of St. Stanislauw.

The award was presented during a solemn ceremony in a church. This moment became one of the most important highlights of the visit and a symbolic recognition of his international activities.

The history of the Order of Saint Stanislaw, Bishop and Martyr, dates back to the 18th century. Historical sources indicate that the order was established on May 7, 1765, by the last King of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Stanisław August Poniatowski.

The history of the order is closely connected with the era of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, its political and social traditions, and the honoring of distinguished individuals. For this reason, an award associated with its name and tradition carries particular historical and symbolic significance.

HISTORY THAT CONTINUES

Dr. Edmundas Daubaras' visit to Poland was more than an ordinary international trip. It was a combination of meetings focused on the future and moments of historic recognition.

Kraków, Bydgoszcz and Tarnowskie Góry became places where international relations were strengthened and new cooperation plans were developed. Meetings with city leaders, representatives of the academic community and other public figures demonstrated that sport can serve as an important platform for international dialogue and human solidarity.

The historic award presented to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the WFF-WBBF Federation, symbolically crowned the visit. It represented recognition of his international public activities and long-standing efforts to develop international relations.

Today, looking back on these events from the perspective of time, the visit to Poland remains a significant episode in the history of WFF-WBBF's international activities.

Sport unites nations.
International cooperation unites people.
And historic recognition becomes a sign that dedicated work does not go unnoticed.

The days in Poland in May 2018 were precisely that – days of meetings, international friendship, plans for the future and historic recognition.

More information is on international site 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.

Slovakia as an International Center of W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Bodybuilding and Fitness: The Role of Patron Stefan Hrčka (2009–2013). Introduction

At the end of the first decade of the twenty-first century and the beginning of the second, the Slovak Republic emerged as one of the most important centers of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement in Europe. This development was closely linked to the activities of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.), as well as to the exceptional support provided by Slovak patron and public figure Stefan Hrčka. Through his initiative and organizational capabilities, Slovakia became the host of a series of high-level international sporting events that attracted the attention not only of the sports community but also of the country’s highest political institutions.

The 2009 “Universe” Contest in Brusno Kupele

A significant milestone was the international “Universe” contest held on November 6–8, 2009, in the Brusno Kupele resort located in the Tatra region of Slovakia. Athletes from thirteen countries participated in the event: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

The international status of the contest was underscored by the presence of high-ranking Slovak state officials. Among them was Dušan Galis, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Government Committee for Youth and Sports, who presented a Letter of Appreciation from the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, to the President of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. This gesture reflected the official recognition of the Federation’s activities and its contribution to the organization of international sporting events.

International Recognition and the “International Honour Gold Medal”

During the 2009 event, former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Vladimír Mečiar was awarded the International Honour Gold Medal. The award recognized his personal contribution to the development of sport and the promotion of health and fitness both nationally and internationally.

At that time, the medal represented one of the highest distinctions conferred by the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. Prior to Mečiar, it had been awarded only to former President of the Austrian Parliament Professor Alfred Gerstl. This practice reflected the Federation’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between sport and public institutions while recognizing individuals who contributed significantly to the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Cooperation with Slovak State Institutions

Following the 2009 “Universe” contest, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received an official invitation to the Government Office of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. During the meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico and Chancellor František Hatar, discussions focused on the future development of international sport and the prospects for organizing further W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events in Slovakia.

During the visit, Robert Fico was presented with the International Honour Gold Medal as a symbol of the Federation’s appreciation for his support of sport and health-promotion initiatives.

This cooperation continued in 2012. While preparing for the World Championship in Brusno Kupele, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a second official meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. The meeting was attended by Stefan Hrčka and Lubomir Martinka, the official W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. representative in Slovakia. During the discussions, Prime Minister Fico agreed to serve as Patron of the World Championship, once again demonstrating the Slovak Government’s support for the event.

Slovakia as a Center of International Bodybuilding Events

Between 2009 and 2013, the Brusno Kupele resort became the permanent venue for the most important W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events, including World Amateur and Professional Championships and international “Universe” contests. The organizational foundation of these events was built upon the close cooperation between the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and Stefan Hrčka.

Particularly significant were the events held in 2013, which were attended by the Speaker of the Slovak Parliament, Ján Figeľ. During his visit, he not only participated in the official ceremonies but also presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the Slovak Parliament’s Certificate of Honour and a special Parliamentary Medal in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the development of international fitness and bodybuilding.

Subsequently, at the invitation of the Speaker, Dr. Daubaras paid an official visit to the Parliament of the Slovak Republic in Bratislava. The meetings focused on issues related to sports policy, public health promotion, and international cooperation.

International Recognition and Continuity

The support of Slovak state institutions for the Federation’s activities continued beyond 2013. During the 2016 W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. World Championship held in Lithuania, Slovak delegation leader Lubomir Martinka presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with a Certificate of Honour from the Parliament of the Slovak Republic. The document was signed by Deputy Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic Andrej Hrnčiar.

This award symbolized the long-term cooperation between Slovakia and the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation and served as recognition of outstanding contributions to the development of the international fitness and bodybuilding movement.

Development of International Relations

The expansion of international relations also played an important role in the Federation’s activities. In 2011, an official visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Bratislava was organized. The meeting with the Cuban Ambassador was attended by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras and Stefan Hrčka. Discussions focused on opportunities for Cuban athletes to participate in W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. events and on future prospects for sports cooperation.

Conclusions

The period from 2009 to 2013 occupies a special place in the history of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation. During these years, Slovakia became one of the most significant international centers of fitness and bodybuilding in Europe. This status was achieved not only through the regular organization of world-class sporting events but also through the active involvement of Slovak state institutions.

An analysis of this period demonstrates that a decisive role was played by patron Stefan Hrčka, whose initiatives, organizational efforts, and financial support created the conditions necessary for the successful implementation of long-term international projects. His contribution stands as a notable example of how private patronage and civic initiative can enable a relatively small European nation to become a focal point of a global sporting movement.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

World Bodybuilding History. GEORG TENNO – The Man Who Opened the Door to Athletic Training in the Soviet Union.

During the 1950s and 1960s, one of the most important promoters of athletic training and bodybuilding in the Soviet Union was the Estonian-born Georg Tenno (Georg Tenno, Георгий Павлович Тэнно, 1911–1967). His life story is about much more than sport. It is the story of a man who survived the Soviet system of political repression, attempted to escape from the Gulag five times, and later used his knowledge and experience to help shape the development of athletic training and bodybuilding in the Soviet Union.

Georg Tenno was a naval officer, a World War II veteran, an athlete, coach and translator. In 1948, he was arrested, accused of espionage and sentenced to a long term in the Gulag. He was released and rehabilitated in 1956.

Eight Years in the Gulag

Georg Tenno spent eight years in the Soviet camp system. He repeatedly refused to accept the life imposed upon him as a prisoner and took part in five escape attempts. Although none of them succeeded, his determination and courage later made him one of the most memorable figures in Alexander Solzhenitsyn's writings.

Tenno and Alexander Solzhenitsyn knew each other from their years in the camp system. Solzhenitsyn devoted a chapter entitled “The Committed Escaper” (“Убеждённый беглец”) to Tenno in The Gulag Archipelago. He also included Tenno's account of one of his escape attempts elsewhere in the book.

Solzhenitsyn later remembered Tenno as a hero, fighter and athlete – one of the strongest, bravest and most daring people he had known. He regarded Tenno as one of the principal figures associated with The Gulag Archipelago.

Their relationship became important not only because of their shared experience of imprisonment. After his release, Tenno helped Solzhenitsyn locate former political prisoners whose experiences could contribute to the emerging Gulag Archipelago. He also played a crucial role in protecting the manuscript of the work. In 1965, Tenno secretly transported the manuscript to Estonia, where it could be kept out of the reach of the Soviet security services.

In 1970, Alexander Solzhenitsyn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Returning to Life – and to Sport

After his release in 1956, Georg Tenno returned to the world of sport. He began working at the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Physical Culture (ВНИИФК), where his work involved foreign literature and translations.

This access to foreign publications was particularly important. At a time when Western training methods and bodybuilding literature were largely inaccessible to ordinary Soviet citizens, Tenno was able to study foreign methodological material and make use of it in his own work.

He was helped in obtaining employment at the institute by Roman Moroz, a former coach of the Soviet national weightlifting team.

It was during this period that Tenno began systematically promoting athletic training and bodybuilding. His approach was remarkably modern for its time. Physical exercise was not merely a means of increasing muscle size. It was intended to improve health, develop strength and endurance, build a harmonious physique and increase a person's overall physical capabilities.

Tenno became one of the people who introduced Soviet readers to training principles that had already been developed and tested in Western countries. His articles appeared in Sportivnaya zhizn Rossii (“Sports Life of Russia”) and other sports publications. From 1964, he was a member of the Athletic Gymnastics Commission of the All-Union Weightlifting Federation.

Athletism – The Book That Became a Landmark

In 1968, one year after Georg Tenno's death, his book Athletism (Атлетизм), written together with Yuri Sorokin, was published.

The book presented training methods and exercises for developing different muscle groups, as well as information on sports nutrition and recovery after physical exertion. At the time, this was exceptional material for Soviet readers. The book quickly became popular among people who wanted to train independently with weights and develop their physical strength and appearance.

Tenno understood very well the ideological environment in which he was working. In the Soviet Union, bodybuilding was not regarded simply as a legitimate form of sport and self-development. It could easily be criticized as excessive individualism or vanity.

For this reason, Tenno presented athletic training primarily as a means of improving health, strength, physical fitness and working capacity. The aesthetic side of bodybuilding was deliberately kept in the background.

This was both a practical and politically cautious approach. In the Soviet context, the promotion of bodybuilding had to be justified not simply by appearance, but by physical preparedness and usefulness to society.

“Every Athlete Is His Own Adviser and Coach”

The essence of Tenno's training philosophy was conscious and independent exercise. He believed that a person who trained regularly and paid attention to the body's response to physical stress could learn to determine the methods and workloads best suited to him.

This approach was later discussed by Vladimir Chudinov, who argued in Sportivnaya zhizn Rossii that the Soviet physical-education system should make greater use of Tenno's athletic-training methodology.

Chudinov emphasized that Tenno translated foreign literature and drew upon already developed training methods. He also noted that Tenno did not make a strict distinction between the concepts of bodybuilding and athletic training. What mattered was not the label, but the physical result.

This philosophy – that the athlete should learn to understand his own body and take responsibility for his training – was particularly progressive in an era when organized sport in the Soviet Union was dominated by highly structured systems.

Georg Tenno's Legacy

Georg Tenno died in Moscow on October 22, 1967, at the age of 56. He was buried in Estonia, at Pärnamäe Cemetery in Tallinn.

His legacy extended far beyond the book Athletism. Tenno became one of the key figures in the development of early Soviet athletic training and bodybuilding. His writings and methods influenced numerous followers who later continued to develop and popularize bodybuilding throughout the Soviet Union.

His life brought together several seemingly different worlds: sport, political repression, the Gulag, journalism, translation and his close association with one of the most important writers of the twentieth century.

The fact that a man who had attempted to escape the Gulag system five times later became one of the leading pioneers of athletic training and bodybuilding in the Soviet Union makes Georg Tenno's story extraordinary.

The Georg Tenno Memorial

Georg Tenno's memory was also preserved through international bodybuilding competitions in Estonia. Inaro Mardo's efforts led to the organization of the first Georg Tenno Memorial in 1971. Fourteen memorial competitions were held between 1971 and 1989.

Together with the international Amber Prix International tournament, the Georg Tenno Memorial was for many years among the few regular bodybuilding competitions held in the Soviet Union and throughout the socialist world.

In 2024, organizers in Pärnu, Estonia, revived the tradition of the Georg Tenno Memorial. The event was presented as the 15th Georg Tenno Memorial, continuing the competition's historical legacy after the long interruption.

The return of the memorial was more than a sporting event. It was a reminder of a remarkable Estonian figure whose influence reached far beyond the borders of his homeland.

Georg Tenno's name remains an important part of the history of athletic training and bodybuilding in Estonia, the former Soviet Union and the wider socialist world.

His life demonstrates that sport can sometimes be much more than the development of physical strength. It can become an expression of personal freedom, determination and resistance – a way for a human being to preserve his dignity even under the most difficult circumstances.
More information is on international site www.wff.lt

The History of the “Amber Prix”. EDITA DAUBARAITĖ – THE FIRST OVER ALL WORLD FITNESS CHAMPION.

In 2027, Klaipėda will commemorate an important anniversary in the history of the “Amber Prix”, one of the long-standing international sporting tournaments associated with the city and with Lithuania’s sporting heritage.

This history is inseparable from the name of Edita Daubaraitė (now Sendrienė). Thirty years ago, in 1997, in Mannheim, Germany, she became the over all World Fitness Champion at the W.F.F. World Fitness Championships.

This was more than a personal sporting victory. At the time, it represented a remarkable achievement for Lithuanian sport: a representative of Lithuania—and, more broadly, of the former socialist world—had reached the very top of the emerging international fitness movement.

From ballet and gymnastics to the fitness stage

Edita’s path to fitness was unusual. From an early age, she was involved in ballet and artistic gymnastics, disciplines in which movement, flexibility, coordination, musicality and stage presence are essential.

A turning point came in 1995. While attending N.A.B.B.A. competitions in Malta, Edita saw athletes whose performances combined physical strength with aesthetics, choreography and gymnastics.

One athlete in particular made a strong impression on her: Daniela Harič of Croatia. Her performance stood out for its lightness, sophisticated gymnastics elements and stage presence.

Edita remembers thinking:

“I want to do that, too...”

That thought marked the beginning of a new chapter in her sporting life.

After returning to Lithuania, she began serious fitness training. Her first successes came at national competitions, followed by victories at the Lithuanian National Championships and increasingly important international appearances.

The “Amber Prix” – an important part of her career

International “Amber Prix” tournaments held in Klaipėda also became an important part of Edita Daubaraitė’s sporting career.

In 1996, she won first place in the fitness category, and in 1997, she finished second.

This was a period when fitness was still defining itself as a distinct sporting discipline. There was growing emphasis on separating fitness from traditional bodybuilding and highlighting a combination of physical conditioning, flexibility, gymnastics, choreography and stage presentation.

Edita’s athletic background made her particularly well suited to this emerging concept of fitness.

A new federation and a new sporting concept

In 1995, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, German Klaus P. J. Hoffmann, Greek Anargiros Tsopouridis and Austrian Peter Papula met at the Sheraton Hotel in Stuttgart, Germany. The foundations of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) were established there.

The federation sought to develop a different concept of the sport—a form of fitness in which physical development was combined with movement, gymnastics, flexibility, aesthetics and stage performance. A new chapter in the history of fitness had begun.

Edita Daubaraitė would soon become one of Lithuania’s most prominent representatives of this new sporting movement.

1997 – the historic triumph in Mannheim

The decisive moment came in 1997 in Mannheim, Germany.

At the W.F.F. World Fitness Championships, Edita Daubaraitė won the title of over all World Fitness Champion. W.F.F. archival material lists her as the first athlete among the absolute women’s world champions. W.F.F. archival material

Her achievement was presented as a historic event in Lithuanian fitness. Reports of her victory also reached a wider international audience, including television coverage on Eurosport. W.F.F. archival material states that her performance was broadcast several times. W.F.F. archival material

Edita’s victory was significant in an even broader historical context. W.F.F. historical sources describe her as the first over all World Fitness Champion representing the former socialist world. W.F.F. archival material

But the most important point is not simply the title.

A Lithuanian athlete demonstrated that success on the international stage could be achieved not only through physical strength, but also through movement, gymnastics, elegance and stage mastery.

A victory that might have received state recognition

Edita Daubaraitė’s achievement did not go unnoticed in Lithuania.

At the time, Rimas Girskis, a deputy ministerial-level official within the Lithuanian national sports administration, sought to have her achievement recognized with a state award.

The initiative, however, was not ultimately successful. W.F.F. archival material also refers to the consideration of state recognition for Edita, but confirms that the award was not granted. W.F.F. archival material

Three decades later, this part of the story can be viewed more calmly.

What remains most important in sporting history is not the controversy or disagreements of the time, but the achievement itself:

a Lithuanian athlete had reached the international summit of a rapidly developing new sport.

From champion to coach

After completing her physical education studies at Klaipėda University, Edita Daubaraitė-Sendrienė chose a career as a coach.

This was a natural continuation of her sporting journey.

Her competition experience, understanding of stage performance, gymnastics background and international knowledge became valuable tools in preparing a new generation of athletes. A number of her students later achieved major victories, including titles and medals at World and European Championships.

Her contribution to sport therefore did not end with her 1997 victory.

The champion became a coach, and the coach became a mentor to a new generation of champions.

The “Amber Prix” and Edita’s story

Edita Daubaraitė’s story has particular meaning as the anniversary of the “Amber Prix” approaches.

The “Amber Prix” is more than the name of a competition or an award. It represents decades of sporting history, bringing together athletes, coaches, organizers, judges and spectators across generations.

Edita’s story stands out because it reflects one of the important turning points in the development of the sport—the transition from traditional bodybuilding concepts toward a more modern understanding of fitness.

Her journey began with ballet and artistic gymnastics, continued on the “Amber Prix” stage, and ultimately led to the title of over all World Fitness Champion.

Later, that same journey continued through coaching.

Conclusion: history must not only be remembered – it must be preserved

Thirty years after Edita Daubaraitė’s historic triumph, her achievement should be viewed not merely as an episode in the career of one athlete.

It is part of the history of Lithuanian fitness.

It is the story of a woman from Klaipėda who moved from ballet and artistic gymnastics into a new sporting discipline, accepted an international challenge and, in 1997, reached the highest level of world fitness competition.

It is also the story of a period when fitness itself was still developing and establishing its identity as a distinct sport.

And finally, it is a story of continuity: the athlete became a coach, and her experience was passed on to a new generation.

As the anniversary of the “Amber Prix” approaches, it is worth remembering not only competition results and lists of winners. Behind every name is a person, a choice, years of work, courage and an era.

Edita Daubaraitė’s story is one of those stories.

1997 remains a landmark year in Lithuanian fitness history—the year when Klaipėda-born Edita Daubaraitė reached the summit of the sport and became over all World Fitness Champion.

And the 2027 anniversary of the “Amber Prix” provides an opportunity to bring this story back into the light—not merely as a legend, but as a valuable part of Lithuania’s sporting heritage.

“Amber Prix” Stories. Michael Glass - United States of America.

Michael Glass (Mike Glass) was an American bodybuilder and sports organizer who played an active role in the development of the WFF–WBBF federation in the United States and in the organization of international sporting events.

Michael Glass competed in bodybuilding only once — at the 1971 A.A.U. “Mr. California” competition, where he won the junior category.

Later, his activities were mainly associated with sports administration and organization. From 2004 to 2008, Michael Glass served as President of the U.S. WFF–WBBF federation and was responsible for organizing the participation of American athletes in international WFF–WBBF events.

In 2006, Michael Glass organized a major international WFF–WBBF competition in Mexico, which, according to federation information, attracted approximately 300 athletes.

In 2007, Michael Glass was a member of a U.S. delegation that was officially received at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania (Seimas). During the meeting, the activities of the WFF–WBBF federation were presented, preparations for the 2007 World Championships in Vilnius were discussed, as well as the forthcoming 40th “Amber Prix International” tournament in Klaipėda.

During the reception at the Seimas, Michael Glass was presented with the WFF–WBBF International Diploma of Honour. Following the meeting, he participated, together with heads of delegations from various countries, in a press conference at ELTA, the Lithuanian news agency.

In 2006, Michael Glass led the U.S. delegation to the WFF–WBBF World Championships in Tver, Russia. Following the championship, he and other federation officials were received by the Governor of Tver and participated in an international press conference.

Michael Glass’s connection with Lithuanian sports organizers continued in subsequent years. In 2008, a letter from him published in the WFF–WBBF archives congratulated federation leader Edmundas Daubaras on the 40th anniversary of the “Amber Prix International” tournament. Glass emphasized the tournament’s long history and its importance to athletes and spectators.

Thus, Michael Glass’s story in the context of the “Amber Prix International” is not only the story of a former bodybuilder, but also of an international sports organizer who contributed to strengthening relations between bodybuilding and fitness organizations in the United States and Lithuania.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

World Bodybuilding History.

VYTAUTAS ZUMERIS – PIONEER AND ARCHITECT OF ORGANIZED BODYBUILDING IN LITHUANIA.

Vytautas Zumeris (born 1944) was a physician, one of the pioneers of bodybuilding in Lithuania, and one of the leading organizers of the sport during its formative years. His importance extends beyond the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding: he also played a significant role in the emergence and organization of bodybuilding throughout the Soviet Union.

While studying at the Kaunas Medical Institute, Zumeris became interested in bodybuilding in 1965. His involvement, however, quickly went beyond personal interest. He became actively engaged in the organizational development of bodybuilding, at a time when the sport had virtually no established institutional structure in Lithuania.

The first leader of organized bodybuilding in Lithuania

In 1967–1969, Vytautas Zumeris headed the Lithuanian Athletic Gymnastics Committee. In 1969–1971, he became chairman of the Lithuanian Athletic Gymnastics Federation. The establishment of an organized bodybuilding structure in Lithuania was a remarkable development: the sport was being institutionalized at a time when it was still viewed with considerable suspicion within the Soviet sports system.

The official establishment of the Lithuanian Athletic Gymnastics Federation was confirmed on March 5, 1969, and Vytautas Zumeris was elected its first president.

This was more than the creation of a sports organization. It was an attempt to establish and legitimize a new form of physical culture, strongly influenced by Western bodybuilding, within a system in which the sport had no secure institutional position.

Lithuania's role extended beyond its borders

Zumeris's activities were not limited to Lithuania. Together with Vilnius-based Valerij Koreshkov, he became one of the key figures involved in the development of organized bodybuilding structures in the Soviet Union.

In 1968, Zumeris was elected to a five-member public Soviet bodybuilding committee. This group played a leading role in coordinating bodybuilding activities in the USSR until the sport was officially suppressed in the 1970s.

Particularly important were the international contacts established with Poland. In 1968–1969, bodybuilding competitions between the USSR and Poland were organized in Kaunas, Sopot, and Warsaw.

These events were highly significant because they represented some of the earliest international contacts between Soviet bodybuilding enthusiasts and athletes from abroad.

Zumeris can therefore be viewed as a bridge-builder – a person who helped Lithuania become one of the channels through which bodybuilding entered the broader sports environment of the Soviet Union.

Bodybuilding between sport and prohibition

The importance of this period must be understood within its political context. Bodybuilding was a young and distinctive form of physical culture, strongly influenced by developments in the West. In the Soviet Union, it did not fit easily into the officially approved model of physical education and sport.

In 1973, bodybuilding was effectively prohibited in the Soviet Union. This brought the first period of organized bodybuilding to an end.

Vytautas Zumeris subsequently withdrew from active bodybuilding activities. Nevertheless, the work carried out during the preceding years did not disappear. Lithuania already had an organizational tradition, international contacts had been established, and a generation of enthusiasts had emerged who would later contribute to the revival of bodybuilding.

Historical significance

Vytautas Zumeris's contribution is important primarily because he was not merely a bodybuilding enthusiast, but an organizer and leader. His organizational work helped transform an individual sporting interest into a structured movement.

His activities also demonstrate that Lithuania was not simply a passive participant in the Soviet sports system during the 1960s. In certain areas, Lithuanian sports enthusiasts themselves created new structures and established international contacts. In the history of bodybuilding, Vytautas Zumeris was one of these pioneering figures.

His greatest historical achievement was not a collection of sporting titles, but the creation of a beginning. He belonged to the small group of people who, in the late 1960s, transformed bodybuilding in Lithuania from an individual interest into an organized sporting activity.

Recognition and legacy

On September 28, 2020, at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, Vytautas Zumeris was presented with the WFF–WBBF International Silver Medal of Honor for his contribution to the history of bodybuilding and his public activities.

Conclusion

Vytautas Zumeris can rightly be regarded as one of the architects of organized bodybuilding in Lithuania. His importance lies not simply in the formal positions he held, but in the fact that, as a young physician and medical student, he helped institutionalize a sport that had no established place within the Soviet sports system.

His and Valerij Koreshkov's activities demonstrated that the Lithuanian bodybuilding movement was capable of establishing international contacts as early as the late 1960s. The subsequent prohibition of bodybuilding only further highlighted the importance of the pioneers of this first period: they laid the foundations upon which the Lithuanian bodybuilding system could later be rebuilt.

Vytautas Zumeris's place in Lithuanian sports history should therefore be understood primarily as that of a pioneer, organizer, and one of the principal initiators of the institutionalization of bodybuilding in Lithuania.

His legacy extends beyond bodybuilding itself. It represents an important chapter in the history of Lithuanian sport – a story of initiative, organizational courage, international cooperation, and the determination to develop a new sporting culture under exceptionally difficult political circumstances.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

THE HISTORY OF THE “AMBER PRIX”.

BRONÉ DUBAR – A PIONEER IN WOMEN’S SPORTS HISTORY.

The woman who entered sports history before the world was ready to call it fitness.

There are athletes whose names are written into history by medals. There are champions whose names are preserved in record books. But there are also people whose historical significance lies somewhere entirely different.

They appear before the sporting system.

Before the rules. Before the championships. Before the federations. Before established social perceptions.

Broné Dubar (Broné “Brownie” Dubar, Daubaraitė, 1906–1986) was one of these individuals.

An American of Lithuanian origin, she represents an early era when women’s physical education and sport were only beginning to make their way into the public sphere. Today, her activities can be viewed as one of the early manifestations of women’s fitness culture. But what matters most is not what we would call her activities today. What matters is that Broné Dubar was doing, in her time, what later became part of modern women’s fitness culture.

THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF A HISTORICAL FIGURE

A historical figure is not simply a famous person. A historical figure is someone whose activities help us better understand the changes of their era and the subsequent development of history. Broné Dubar’s story meets this criterion.

She lived at the beginning of the 20th century – an era when the place of women in sport was still being shaped. Women’s sports were only beginning to establish themselves in international sporting life. Modern fitness sport did not yet exist. There was no contemporary system of women’s fitness competitions. There were no world championships. There was no international fitness sports structure.

Yet Broné Dubar was already training, creating physical exercise programs, and publicly demonstrating her physical abilities.

This is the core of her historical significance. She was ahead of the system.

LITHUANIA, AMERICA, AND A WOMAN OF A NEW ERA

In 1912, Broné Dubar emigrated from Lithuania to the United States with her parents and four brothers.

This detail is important not only to her biography. It places Broné’s story within the broader context of Lithuanian emigration to America. She belonged to a generation of people whose lives connected two different cultural worlds: Lithuanian heritage and the American environment; tradition and a rapidly modernizing world.

In this environment, Broné chose sport.

She grew up in an athletic family. Her brothers participated in boxing, ice hockey, and baseball competitions. Broné herself took part in swimming and diving. But her interests were broader. She enjoyed books and chess.

Thus, in her personality, physical and intellectual development formed a unified whole.

She represented the portrait of a modern 20th-century woman – a person who wanted to develop not only the body, but also the mind.

SHE DID NOT JUST PRACTICE SPORT – SHE CREATED

This is where Broné Dubar’s true historical distinctiveness begins.

She did not limit herself to the sporting activities common at the time. Through constant training, she achieved a high level of physical fitness and created her own exercise program.

This was an important step.

An athlete who performs already-known exercises is a participant in an existing sporting system. A person who begins creating their own physical training program and presenting it to the public becomes a disseminator of an idea.

Broné chose the second path.

She did not merely practice sport. She created her own form of sport.

Today, we would easily recognize this type of activity as part of fitness culture. But in Broné’s time, this phenomenon still lacked its modern name, structure, and sporting institutions.

Her innovation, therefore, lay not in using an established system, but in acting before that system had been formed.

THE WOMAN WHO TURNED HER BODY INTO HER MESSAGE

Broné Dubar’s sporting activities went beyond training. She began giving public performances.

During the 1920s and 1930s, she traveled across the United States with her programs – from New York to Seattle, from Ohio to California. This was an era when a woman publicly demonstrating physical strength, endurance, flexibility, and acrobatic abilities was an unusual phenomenon. Through her body, Broné communicated something that was not yet universally accepted at the time: A woman can be strong. A woman can be athletic. A woman can publicly demonstrate her physical abilities. A woman can create her own path in sport. This was not merely a sporting performance. It was a social statement.

INNOVATION THAT CAME BEFORE THE NAME

Broné Dubar’s activities contain several elements that later became foundations of modern fitness:

an individual training program; systematic physical development; a combination of strength and flexibility; the development of endurance and coordination; the public demonstration of physical fitness; the promotion of health and an active lifestyle; the aesthetics of the athletic body.

She did all of this at a time when these elements were not yet united by a single global sporting system.

Therefore, Broné Dubar’s historical significance lies not only in her personal abilities.

She helps us see that fitness culture did not appear overnight. It developed through people who began consciously training their bodies, demonstrating their achievements, and inspiring others long before a formal system existed.

Broné was one of the representatives of this early culture.

STRENGTH, ACROBATICS, AND AESTHETICS

Broné Dubar’s performances were original. During one performance, she carried out her program on a second-floor balcony so that the audience could see her better. The climax was a jump over the heads of the assembled spectators into a swimming pool below. This story is important not only because of the stunt itself. It reveals Broné’s approach to sport.

For her, sport was an action that had to be performed in a way that left an impression.

Her performances brought together: athleticism, acrobatics, courage, and aesthetics. It was an early synthesis of sport and public spectacle.

THE ATHLETE WHO ATTRACTED THE ATTENTION OF THE PRESS

Broné Dubar’s performances attracted the attention of the American press of the time. Newspapers wrote about her physical abilities, but they also noted her clothing and appearance. In photographs, she was compared to the image of a Vogue magazine cover. Today, this may seem like nothing more than a colorful biographical detail. But from a historical perspective, it is significant. In Broné’s case, society encountered a new image of a woman: an athlete did not necessarily have to abandon femininity; physical strength could coexist with aesthetics. Today, this is a completely ordinary part of fitness culture. At the time, it was one of its innovations.

THE HISTORICAL FIGURE TEST – WHAT REMAINS AFTER A PERSON?

Broné Dubar ended her public performances with the beginning of the Second World War. She never returned to the stage. But this is precisely where we can distinguish short-lived fame from historical legacy. Short-lived fame ends when a person withdraws from public life. Historical legacy begins when an idea remains after the person is gone. In Broné’s case, the sporting tradition continued within her family. And this is one of the strongest elements of her historical story.

FAMILY CONTINUITY – A LIVING LINE OF HISTORY

A close relative of Broné Dubar, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, became an international fitness sports organizer and leads the global WFF-WBBF federation. His daughter, Edita Daubaraitė (Sendrienė), became the first absolute world fitness champion representing Eastern Europe in 1997. These facts give Broné’s story a special sense of continuity. In one generation there was a pioneer. In the next – an international sports organizer. And in another – a world champion. This is more than a family genealogy. It is a genealogy of a sporting idea. Broné’s generation developed a personal understanding of physical training. Later generations transferred that idea into organized sport. Eventually, it reached the level of a world championship. This is the journey from personal initiative to an international sporting system.

BRONÉ DUBAR – THE PIONEER, EDITA – THE CHAMPION

The comparison between these two generations is particularly revealing. Broné Dubar worked at a time when the modern world of women’s fitness championships did not yet exist. Edita Daubaraitė (Sendrienė) became a world champion within an established international fitness system. One began the journey. The other followed it all the way to the top of the world. This is the true meaning of sporting continuity. The significance of a pioneer is not always measured by their own titles. Sometimes it is measured by how far later generations travel along the path they began.

THE “AMBER PRIX” – NOT A PRIZE, BUT A SYMBOL OF MEMORY

Here, the true symbolism of the “Amber Prix” emerges. Amber in Lithuania is not merely a beautiful stone. It is a symbol of the Baltic region, Lithuania, and historical time. Amber preserves what became trapped within it thousands of years ago. In the same way, the memory of sport should preserve what began decades ago. Broné Dubar’s family left Lithuania in 1912. Her life took shape in America. Yet the family’s sporting tradition survived. Across several generations, it connected Lithuanian heritage, American sporting culture, and international fitness. Therefore, the “Amber Prix” can become a symbol of this memory.

Symbolically, it connects:

Lithuania and the world.

The past and the present.

Pioneers and champions.

Family and the sporting community.

An idea and its continuation.

AMBER AS THE MEMORY OF SPORT

If a medal commemorates a specific victory, amber can commemorate historical memory. A medal says: “Today, you won.” Amber says: “We have not forgotten those who came before you.” This distinction is essential. Because without pioneers, there would be no champions. Without the first training sessions, there would be no sporting systems. Without traditions passed down through families and teachers, there would be no sporting generations. Therefore, the value of the “Amber Prize” may lie not only in the award itself, but also in preserving memory.

BRONÉ DUBAR – HISTORICAL TESTIMONY

Broné Dubar’s story demonstrates that the history of sport does not begin with the first world championship. It begins much earlier. With the person who first asks: “What if I can do more?” With the person who begins training. With the person who is not afraid to be different. With the person who shows their achievements to others. With the person who inspires another person.

Broné Dubar was one of those beginnings. Therefore, her place in history belongs not only in a family album. She is part of a broader story – the story of the development of women’s sports, physical education culture, and the path toward modern fitness.

HISTORICAL CONCLUSION

Broné Dubar deserves to be remembered not because she lived at a time when sport was different. She deserves to be remembered because she herself was one of the signs of change. She lived in an era when women’s sports were still searching for their place. She trained. She created her own programs. She publicly demonstrated her physical abilities. She traveled throughout America. She inspired women to take an interest in physical education. And she left behind a sporting tradition that continued within her family. Her activities did not have the modern name of fitness in her own time, yet many of her principles are inseparable from fitness culture today. Therefore, Broné Dubar can be regarded as an early pioneer of women’s fitness and physical education, a historical figure whose activities were ahead of the sporting understanding of her time.

EPILOGUE

Broné Dubar – the beginning.

Her family – continuity.

Edita Daubaraitė – championship.

The “Amber Prix” – memory.

This four-word chain contains more than one family story. It contains more than the history of a single sport. It contains a story about how a person’s idea can outlive its time, be passed on to another generation, and ultimately become part of international sport. Therefore, Broné Dubar’s name in the history of the “Amber Prix” should not be spoken merely as the name of a sportswoman who lived long ago. It should be spoken as the name of a pioneer. A woman who was there when there was still no path. And she was the first to begin walking it. Because every sports champion has a predecessor. Every sport has its pioneers. Every tradition has its first generation. And history begins with those whom later generations must not forget. Broné Dubar – one of them.

The History of the “Amber Prix”. Albertas Besakirskas – a prize-winner whose journey began during the years of the ban.

During the socialist period, Albertas Besakirskas, a bodybuilder from Kaunas’s “Olimpas” sports club, was one of the most prominent Lithuanian bodybuilders of his generation. Between 1978 and 1985, he competed in 21 events and finished among the prize-winners in all of them. As many as 15 of these competitions were international.

A particularly significant part of Albertas Besakirskas’s career was his participation in the “Amber Prix” tournaments. He competed in this international event six times and finished among the prize-winners on every occasion. This is not merely impressive statistics; it is evidence of his skill and consistency at a time when every international appearance was a significant achievement for Lithuanian bodybuilders.

Victories that became career highlights

Among Albertas Besakirskas’s finest achievements were his victories in his respective qualifying categories in 1981. That year, he won his category at the “Komsomol Cup” Championships in Kaunas, and later that same year he also won his category at the Georg Tenno Memorial in Tallinn.

These victories were important not only because of the places he achieved. They demonstrated that Lithuanian athletes were already capable of competing successfully on the international bodybuilding stage. Besakirskas was among those athletes whose performances helped establish the reputation of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

A story that began when bodybuilding was still banned

Albertas Besakirskas’s story is particularly remarkable because the beginnings of his international sporting path date back to a period when bodybuilding was still officially banned in the USSR.

In 1978, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, working together with the Czechoslovak bodybuilding federation, was preparing a project for joint international competitions. Albertas Besakirskas, together with several other leading bodybuilders of the time, was included in the planned USSR national team.

Two competitions were envisaged. One was to take place in Klaipėda in 1979, during the “Amber Prix” tournament, while the other was planned in Czechoslovakia, during that country’s national bodybuilding championships.

Considerable preparations had already been made. During several visits by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras to the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sport, approval was obtained for such international events to be organized. The Czechoslovak side even sent personal invitations to members of the USSR national team. This was particularly important at the time, as such official invitations were essential for athletes seeking permission to travel abroad from the USSR.

Everything appeared to be ready for the international exchange.

But the project ultimately collapsed.

According to accounts from the period, Roman Kalinauskas, secretary of the then formally operating USSR bodybuilding federation, undermined Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’s initiative by submitting complaints to various authorities. Personal and institutional disagreements reportedly played a role: the initiative had not originated with Kalinauskas, and he himself had not been included in the planned delegation.

Thus, a carefully prepared project for international cooperation never became a reality.

The “Amber Prix” – more than just a competition

Albertas Besakirskas’s story also reveals the broader significance of the “Amber Prix.” At that time, the tournament was more than simply a sporting competition. It became one of the venues where Lithuanian bodybuilders could meet athletes from abroad, gain international experience and demonstrate their abilities on a broader stage.

Besakirskas’s six prize-winning appearances at the “Amber Prix” are an important part of this history. His results show that Lithuanian bodybuilders were not merely enthusiasts operating on the margins of organized sport. They were ambitious athletes capable of competing successfully at an international level.

Conclusion

Albertas Besakirskas was one of the athletes whose achievements helped shape the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding. Twenty-one competitions and twenty-one finishes among the prize-winners, six prize-winning appearances at the “Amber Prix,” and category victories in 1981 demonstrate an exceptional level of consistency and sporting ability.

Yet another aspect of his story is equally important. Besakirskas’s career developed during a period when bodybuilding in the USSR was subject to bans and severe administrative restrictions. Consequently, every international appearance represented not only a sporting challenge but also an organizational and political one.

Looking back today, Albertas Besakirskas’s story reminds us that Lithuania’s international bodybuilding achievements did not emerge by themselves. They were built by athletes, coaches and organizers who, despite the circumstances of the time, sought ways to enter the international arena. The “Amber Prix” was one of the platforms that made this possible.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“Amber Prix” Stories. VALDAS ALIUBAVIČIUS – ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF LITHUANIAN BODYBUILDING.

Valdas Aliubavičius (Valdemaras Aliubavičius, Valdas Aliubavichus, 1942–2003) was a Lithuanian sculptor and bodybuilder, and one of the representatives of the “Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.” His competitive career lasted only a few years, from 1968 to 1972, yet during this period he achieved significant victories not only in Lithuania but also in international competitions.

Aliubavičius is first and foremost remembered in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding as a junior champion. He won the Lithuanian Junior Championship in 1968, 1969, 1970 and 1971. These achievements demonstrate not only his athletic talent but also his sustained dominance in what was then a developing Lithuanian bodybuilding scene.

Victories in Lithuania and on the International Stage

One of Aliubavičius’ first major successes came in 1968 in Klaipėda, at the second international “Amber Prix” (“Gintarinis prizas”) tournament. There he became the overall winner of the junior categories. This achievement was important not only for the athlete himself. The international tournament in Klaipėda was one of the venues where Lithuanian bodybuilders could establish themselves within the broader sporting environment of the Soviet Union and beyond.

The year 1969 was particularly successful for Aliubavičius.

In Tyumen, Russia, at the international “Siberian Cup” (“Первенство Сибири”) tournament, he became the overall winner of the junior division. In the same year, representing the T.S.S.R., he took first place in his height category at the international “Warszawa-69” competition held in Warsaw, Poland.

He also continued to achieve victories in Lithuania. At an international tournament in Palanga, Aliubavičius won his height category, while at the third international “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda he became the champion of his height category in the junior division.

Thus, 1969 marked a year in which Aliubavičius progressed from being a Lithuanian junior champion to an athlete capable of winning competitions at both national and international level.

Champion in Estonia and at the First Official T.S.S.R. Championships

In 1971 and 1972, Aliubavičius successfully competed in Estonia at the “Georg Tenno Memorial”, winning his category on both occasions.

An even more significant stage of his career came in 1971 and 1972 in Sverdlovsk, where the first official T.S.S.R. bodybuilding championships in history were held. Aliubavičius won the junior category at both championships.

These victories are particularly significant because they came at the very beginning of the period when bodybuilding was gaining official recognition within the Soviet Union. Aliubavičius’ name is therefore associated not only with individual championship titles but also with a formative period in which bodybuilding was evolving from an enthusiasts’ movement into an organized competitive sport.

An Athlete at a Turning Point in Bodybuilding History

Valdas Aliubavičius’ competitive career lasted from 1968 to 1972. During this relatively short period, he became a four-time Lithuanian Junior Champion, an international tournament winner, a champion at the “Amber Prix,” a category winner at the “Georg Tenno Memorial,” and the junior champion at the first two official T.S.S.R. bodybuilding championships.

Yet a list of victories alone does not fully reveal Aliubavičius’ significance.

His career coincided with a period when Lithuanian bodybuilding was still developing its traditions, competition structure and leading figures. Athletes such as Aliubavičius therefore played a role that went beyond competition: they helped shape the identity of Lithuanian bodybuilding and raise its sporting standards.

It is also important that Aliubavičius was not only a bodybuilder but also a sculptor. This aspect adds another dimension to his sporting biography. The human form, proportion, structure and aesthetics were central both to sculpture and to the classical concept of bodybuilding. In Aliubavičius’ life, the experiences of the artist and the athlete therefore naturally came together.

Conclusion

Valdas Aliubavičius can be regarded as one of the important historical figures of early Lithuanian bodybuilding. His achievements demonstrate remarkable competitive consistency, while his victories at the first official T.S.S.R. championships give his career a broader historical significance.

The period from 1968 to 1972 was relatively short, but exceptionally productive: from Lithuanian Junior Champion to international tournament winner and champion at the first official T.S.S.R. championships.

Aliubavičius’ story is more than a list of sporting victories. It is part of the history of the formation of Lithuanian bodybuilding, documenting a time when a discipline that is taken for granted today was still fighting for its place in the sporting world.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

The Stories of the “Amber Prix”. VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ – A MAN FOR WHOM SPORT BECAME A PART OF LIFE.

Vitalij Asovskij (Виталий Асовский, 1952-2026) is one of the personalities of Lithuanian bodybuilding history whose activities went far beyond sport alone. His life story brings together bodybuilding, coaching, public activity, and literature.

From a Ban on Sport to Bodybuilding

Vitalij Asovskij was in poor health from childhood. In 1964, following a complicated operation, doctors forbade him from taking part in sports. However, this restriction did not stop the young man.

Cinema became the decisive inspiration. In 1966, after seeing the film “Hercules” starring Steve Reeves, the winner of the 1950 NABBA “Mr. Universe” title, Vitalij became interested in bodybuilding. At first, he trained at home, secretly from his parents.

This episode is important not merely as a biographical detail. It reveals one of Asovskij’s most important personal qualities – his determination to pursue his goal even when circumstances were unfavorable.

“Victoria” and Ceslav Tamulevic

In 1967, Vitalij Asovskij met Ceslav Tamulevic (Чеслав Тамулевич). This meeting became important not only for his own life – the two men remained friends for the rest of their lives.

That same year, Ceslav Tamulevic founded the Vilnius “Victoria” bodybuilding club, which later developed into what became known as the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding. Its influence on the development of bodybuilding in Lithuania and, later, throughout the Soviet Union was considerable.

Athletes from various Lithuanian cities, as well as bodybuilders from foreign countries, travelled to “Victoria”, located on Gorky Street in Vilnius (today Pilies Street), to learn the principles and techniques of bodybuilding.

It was more than a gym. “Victoria” became a place where knowledge was passed on, a sporting culture was developed, and a new generation of bodybuilders was trained.

Vitalij Asovskij worked at “Victoria” as assistant coach, while his connection with the “Amber Prix” tournament was different from that of most athletes – he served as a judge at the competition.

A New Chapter at the “Žalgiris” Stadium

In 1982, when Ceslavas Tamulevic withdrew from active work because of health problems, Vitalij Asovskij continued the club’s activities and moved them to premises at the “Žalgiris” Stadium.

During this period, he was assisted by coaches Viaceslav Federonko (Вячеслав Федоренко) and Anatolij Marcenko (Анатолий Марченко).

At the new location, Asovskij continued what had begun at “Victoria” – he not only coached athletes but also developed and mentored them, passing his accumulated knowledge and experience on to a younger generation.

Among his trainees were bodybuilders such as Oleg Zhur (Олег Жур) and Kshistof Cerniavskij (Кшистоф Чернявский).

Thus, Asovskij’s role in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding is associated primarily not with his own competitive achievements, but with his work as a coach, educator, and custodian of bodybuilding traditions.

The “Amber Prix” – More Than a Competition

The international bodybuilding tournament “Amber Prix”, held in Klaipėda, was an important part of the sporting life of its time. Athletes from different cities and countries came together there. The competition was not merely a test of strength, muscular development, and physical preparation – it was also a meeting place for the bodybuilding community.

Vitalijus Asovskis’s story allows us to look at the “Amber Prix” from another perspective – not only as a stage on which athletes competed, but also as a space where judges, coaches, sports organizers, and people who shaped the traditions of the sport played an essential role.

That is why Asovskij’s name is important in the history of the “Amber Prix” as the name of one of the people who contributed to the development of the bodybuilding community and the preservation of its traditions.

Sport Was Only One Side of His Life

What makes Vitalij Asovskij’s story particularly interesting is that his activities were not limited to bodybuilding.

He is also a well-known poet and playwright, having worked for many years in the editorial offices of various newspapers, as well as for Lithuanian Radio and Television. From 2000 onward, he worked at the Lithuanian Russian Drama Theatre, where he served as head of the literary department.

Asovskij has also received various literary awards.

This part of his biography reveals a remarkable combination: sport and art, physical culture and literature, coaching and creative work. At first glance, these may seem to be completely different fields, yet in Asovskij’s life they existed side by side and complemented one another.

Recognition

In 2020, for his public activities, Vitalij Asovskij was awarded the Honorary Silver Medal of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.

This recognition symbolically continued the story of his many years of activity – from a young man who, despite being forbidden by doctors to participate in sports, began training at home, to a coach, custodian of bodybuilding traditions, judge, public figure, and cultural personality.

Conclusions

The story of Vitalij Asovskij is not merely the biography of one man. It is part of the history of bodybuilding in Lithuania.

First of all, his life demonstrates how much sports history depends not only on champions, but also on the people who train, teach, judge, and pass their experience on to others.

Secondly, Asovskij’s work at “Victoria” and later at the “Žalgiris” Stadium demonstrates the importance of continuity. What Ceslavas Tamulevic began, Asovskis took over and continued, passing the bodybuilding tradition on to a new generation of athletes.

Thirdly, his connection with the “Amber Prix” reminds us that the history of this tournament was shaped not only by the athletes who appeared on stage. Behind every competition stood coaches, judges, organizers, and an entire bodybuilding community.

Finally, Asovskij’s biography stands out because sport in his life was never merely about muscles and physical strength. Alongside it were creativity, literature, public activity, and, above all, people.

Therefore, Vitalij Asovskij can be regarded as a guardian of bodybuilding traditions and one of those people whose contribution often remains less visible than the achievements of athletes, yet without whom the history of the sport would have been different.

In the history of the “Amber Prix”, such personalities are especially important – they help us understand not only who won, but also who helped create the culture of bodybuilding itself.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

The History of the “Amber Prix”. 2026. “Ode to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras”.

Sometimes the greatest recognition does not come in the form of an order, a medal, or an honorary title. Sometimes it comes in the form of a poem.

Today, I was pleasantly and sincerely surprised by a very special gesture of recognition. A longtime employee of the Port of Klaipėda and my fellow bodybuilding colleague wrote a lengthy poem about me, which he entitled “Ode to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras.”

This has never happened to me before.

The poem can be found on my Facebook page. For me, this is a particularly meaningful and unexpected form of recognition, because throughout my life I have received various official awards and had the opportunity to meet presidents of different countries, prime ministers, ministers, government officials of various ranks, as well as renowned philanthropists and business leaders.

For my international public and civic activities, I have received numerous orders, medals, awards and honors, as well as honorary titles. Among them are an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Lviv University, a medal from the Pope, the Orthodox Church’s Gold and Silver Medal of St. Nicholas, and the Order of St. Stanislaus of Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last King of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Twenty-five years ago, in recognition of my activities, a bronze bust of me was even cast at the initiative of Natalija Murnikovienė, regarded as the greatest Lithuanian female bodybuilder of all time.

Yet the poem I received today is special for another reason: it is not an award from an institution, a committee, or an official ceremony. It is one person’s words dedicated to another person.

Throughout my life, I have always said what I believe and have tried to place the truth in the palm of my hand, without wrapping it in cotton wool. I understand that such an approach is not appreciated by everyone. But if speaking openly and remaining true to myself means facing criticism, envy or hostility, then that is simply the price of having the courage to speak honestly.

Therefore, I am especially grateful to all those who approach me with goodwill. Your support is not only appreciated – it is a responsibility that inspires me to keep moving forward.

I will not give up. I will continue my work.

And ahead lies a very special anniversary.

In 2027, one of the three oldest traditional bodybuilding competitions in the world – the “Amber Prix” – will celebrate its 60th anniversary.

This is more than just an impressive number. It represents six decades of bodybuilding history, athletes, coaches, organizers, traditions and people who have contributed to the development of the sport.

We will celebrate this exceptional anniversary in Klaipėda over three days.

And there is more. To mark the occasion, we will publish, in three languages, a unique historical book unprecedented in the world, documenting the history of the “Amber Prix”, its significance and its connections with the international world of sport.

It will not simply be a book about a competition.

It will be a book about the people who created history.

And that history is far from over.

The history of the “Amber Prix” continues.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

Stories of the “Amber Prix”. Rishard Krinickij – Athlete, Scholar, and a Symbol of a Historic Era of Lithuanian Bodybuilding.

The history of Lithuanian bodybuilding includes personalities whose achievements extended far beyond the boundaries of sport. One of the most prominent was Rishard Krinickij (1949–2015). He belonged to the first generation of Lithuanian bodybuilders who trained and competed at a time when bodybuilding was officially banned in the Soviet Union. Athletes involved in the sport were subjected to constant political pressure, while organizers of competitions faced restrictions and persecution. Despite these circumstances, Krinickij’ sporting achievements, academic career, and public service became an important part of the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

Originally a weightlifter, Rishard Krinickij was introduced to bodybuilding by the legendary founder of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, Ceslav Tamulevic, one of the most distinguished bodybuilding coaches in the Soviet Union. Tamulevic quickly recognized the young athlete’s exceptional physical potential, determination, and discipline. His judgment soon proved correct as Krinickij rapidly rose to the elite ranks of Soviet bodybuilding.

His first major international success came in 1972, when he won his weight category at the prestigious Georg Tenno Memorial in Tallinn. At that time, the tournament ranked among the most important bodybuilding competitions in the Soviet Union, making the victory a significant sporting achievement.

Training and competing under such circumstances was extremely difficult. During the 1960s and 1970s, official Soviet sports policy regarded bodybuilding as an ideologically unacceptable activity. Competitions were banned in many cities, athletes were monitored by the authorities, and organizers were subjected to constant political pressure. Nevertheless, Lithuanian bodybuilding enthusiasts refused to abandon the sport.

In 1975, Krinickij won the overall title at the “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipėda. This victory firmly established him as one of the strongest bodybuilders in both Lithuania and the Soviet Union.

The events of 1976 were even more dramatic. In Kalinin (now Tver), a bodybuilding competition banned by the Soviet authorities was organized in secret inside a local sports club without spectators. These underground conditions clearly reflected the reality of the period, when athletes were forced to compete almost clandestinely simply to continue practicing their sport. Krinickij once again emerged as the winner of his weight category.

Later that same year, he won his category for the second time at the Georg Tenno Memorial in Tallinn, once again demonstrating his exceptional competitive level.

The 1976 “Amber Prix” tournament in Telšiai occupies a unique place in the history of Soviet bodybuilding. Through the initiative of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, the first officially public bodybuilding competition with spectators in the entire Soviet Union was organized at the Telšiai House of Culture. It was not merely a sporting event but also a courageous act of civic resistance that openly challenged official Soviet policy toward bodybuilding. At this historic competition, Rishard Krinickij captured the overall championship, becoming one of the leading symbols of this landmark event.

His achievements, however, extended far beyond competitive sport. In 1982, Krinickij successfully defended his doctoral dissertation and earned the degree of Doctor of Economics. Examples of elite bodybuilders attaining the highest academic qualifications are exceptionally rare in the history of world bodybuilding. His accomplishment effectively disproved the stereotype that elite sport and advanced academic achievement are incompatible.

Following the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, Krinickij continued his service to the nation. As a long-serving member of the leadership of the State Control Committee of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, he played an active role in organizing the international “Amber Prix” tournaments between 1995 and 2008. His administrative experience, professional authority, and organizational abilities contributed significantly to strengthening Lithuania’s reputation as one of Europe's leading international bodybuilding centers.

The international bodybuilding community also recognized his contributions. In 2008, the World WFF–WBBF Federation awarded Rishard Krinickij its Honor Gold Medal in recognition of his outstanding services to the global bodybuilding movement.

Rishardas Krinickij’ life was remarkable because it united three distinct fields: elite sport, academic scholarship, and public service. Few individuals in Lithuanian sporting history have achieved distinction in all three areas, and even fewer have become not only multiple winners of prestigious international bodybuilding competitions but also Doctors of Economics and senior government officials.

Conclusions

Rishard Krinickij is rightly regarded as one of the most distinguished figures of Lithuania’s historic bodybuilding era. His victories at the 1975 and 1976 “Amber Prix” tournaments coincided with the period when Lithuanian bodybuilding became the principal force resisting the official Soviet ban on the sport. Thanks to athletes such as Krinickij, the traditions of Lithuanian bodybuilding were preserved and later became the foundation for the international achievements of independent Lithuania.

His biography demonstrates that genuine sporting authority is built not only upon championship titles but also upon intellectual achievement, public responsibility, commitment to one’s ideals, and dedicated service to both the nation and sport. For this reason, the name of Rishard Krinickij is inseparably linked not only with the history of the “Amber Prix”, but also with the entire development of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“Amber Prix” Stories. PRANAS MURAUSKAS – A LEADING PIONEER OF LITHUANIAN BODYBUILDING AND A SYMBOL OF INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION.

Pranas Murauskas is one of the pioneers of Lithuanian bodybuilding and one of the most distinguished representatives of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding. His athletic achievements became an important part not only of Lithuania's sporting heritage but also of the international history of bodybuilding. Although his competitive career lasted only from 1969 to 1974, during those years he achieved results that remain among the most significant accomplishments in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

Murauskas rose to prominence during a particularly difficult period for bodybuilding in the Soviet Union. As the sport rapidly gained popularity, it was increasingly viewed with ideological suspicion by the Soviet authorities and was officially banned in 1970. Despite these restrictions, Lithuanian athletes and coaches succeeded in preserving a remarkably high standard of competitive bodybuilding. Vilnius emerged as one of the leading bodybuilding centers in the Soviet Union, and Pranas Murauskas became one of the brightest representatives of this renowned school.

Before the ban on bodybuilding was imposed, Murauskas won the title of Lithuanian National Champion, establishing himself among the country's elite athletes. This victory confirmed not only his exceptional talent but also the high level of bodybuilding that had already developed in Lithuania.

In 1971, he won his height category at the International Tournament in Kaunas, further demonstrating his growing international competitiveness. However, this success proved to be only a prelude to the greatest achievement of his sporting career.

In 1974, at the prestigious Georg Tenno Memorial International Tournament, Pranas Murauskas presented a physique that fully met the highest international bodybuilding standards of the era. His outstanding muscular development, exceptional symmetry, aesthetic proportions, and impeccable stage presentation earned him victory in his height category and, ultimately, the title of Overall Champion of the entire competition.

The significance of this victory becomes even greater when considering the caliber of his opponents. To win the Overall Championship, Murauskas defeated two of the Soviet Union's most celebrated heavyweight bodybuilders—Vladimir Dubinin (Russian SFSR) and Olev Anus (Estonian SSR). This was not merely another competition victory but a decisive triumph over athletes regarded among the strongest in the USSR.

The 1974 victory at the Georg Tenno Memorial became one of the defining bodybuilding events of the decade. It represented far more than personal success; it demonstrated the maturity and international competitiveness of the Lithuanian School of Bodybuilding. Bodybuilding magazines around the world reported extensively on Murauskas's achievement, published his photographs, and introduced him as one of Europe's outstanding bodybuilders. His name became known far beyond the borders of the Soviet Union.

Although Pranas Murauskas never had the opportunity to compete in the legendary “Amber Prix” ("Gintarinis prizas") International Tournament, his authority within the bodybuilding community was unquestionable. From 1978 to 1985, he served as a permanent judge of the tournament, one of the most prestigious bodybuilding events in Eastern Europe. Such appointments were reserved only for highly respected experts whose professionalism, experience, and integrity were universally recognized.

Pranas Murauskas's contribution extended far beyond his competitive achievements. He belonged to the first generation of Lithuanian bodybuilders who established the nation's bodybuilding traditions, promoted the principles of aesthetic physique development, and proved that Lithuanian athletes were capable of competing successfully against the world's best competitors. His achievements inspired future generations and played a major role in strengthening Lithuania's international reputation in bodybuilding.

His lifelong contribution to the sport was officially recognized in independent Lithuania. In 2021, during a ceremonial event held at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, Pranas Murauskas was awarded the WFF–WBBF Federation Silver Medal of Honour in recognition of his outstanding contribution to world, Lithuanian, and Vilnius sports.

The sporting career of Pranas Murauskas is the story of an athlete who, despite difficult historical circumstances, reached the highest level of excellence and secured a permanent place in the history of Lithuanian and international bodybuilding. His victory at the 1974 Georg Tenno Memorial was far more than a personal triumph—it symbolized the international recognition of the Lithuanian School of Bodybuilding and demonstrated that dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of aesthetic perfection could elevate Lithuanian bodybuilding to the highest international level. Today, Pranas Murauskas is rightfully regarded as one of the most outstanding figures in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding, and his legacy remains an enduring source of inspiration for future generations of athletes.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“Amber Prix” Stories. Rimantas Mažionis – A Soviet Bodybuilding Phenomenon Whose Potential the System Never Fully Utilized.

Standing 181 cm tall, weighing 100 kg in competition shape, with a 140 cm chest circumference and an astonishing 55 cm biceps. These measurements impress bodybuilding experts even today, while in the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s they seemed simply unbelievable. Rimantas Mažionis from Klaipėda was one of the most physically impressive athletes of his generation, yet his sporting career unfolded at a time when bodybuilding in the USSR was not supported but persecuted.

Born in 1956, Rimantas Mažionis began training in 1973. Within just a few years, it became evident that Lithuania had produced an athlete with exceptional genetic potential. In Lithuanian school championships, he consistently won his weight category, impressing not only with his muscular proportions but also with extraordinary strength.

Bodybuilding competitions of that era were very different from those of today. Athletes were required not only to display their physiques but also to perform strength exercises. It was in this part of the competition that Rimantas Mažionis stood out as one of the very best. His enormous biceps became his trademark.

The athlete later recalled on numerous occasions that he never pursued sophisticated training systems. Working with extremely heavy weights, he preferred maximum intensity. During a single arm workout, he completed as many as 70 sets. This training approach produced remarkable results—his arms eventually reached an incredible 55 centimeters in circumference. Even today, this is a measurement achieved by only a handful of elite professional bodybuilders.

From 1976 to 1978, his athletic progress was interrupted by compulsory service in the Soviet Army. However, after returning, Rimantas quickly regained his excellent competitive form.

An important milestone in his career came in 1979 at the international "Amber Prize" tournament held in Klaipėda. There he won second place. At that time, the tournament itself had already become a symbol of resistance to official Soviet sports policy.

The competition took place shortly after Dr. Edmundas Daubaras submitted his bodybuilding defense petition to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the USSR in Moscow in 1978. Although the official ban on bodybuilding was not lifted, the authorities allowed the international "Amber Prix" tournament to be held publicly in Klaipėda. This was an unprecedented decision that attracted enormous attention not only in Lithuania but throughout the Soviet Union.

Following these competitions, Rimantas Mažionis devoted several years to powerlifting. However, when Lithuanian bodybuilding experienced a new revival, he returned to the stage stronger than ever.

Preparing for competitions, he trained with almost fanatical dedication. In order to eliminate as much excess water from his body as possible, he performed his workouts wearing a rubber diving suit. Today such methods appear extremely harsh, but at the time they were regarded as one of the ways to achieve peak competitive condition.

In 1987, at the international Georg Tenno Memorial tournament in Tallinn, Rimantas Mažionis won his weight category. Three years later, in 1990, he claimed second place at the international "Amber Prize" Championship.

Nevertheless, his sporting biography is best defined not by the number of medals he won. In 1989, Rimantas had reached arguably the best condition of his entire career and, with the assistance of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, was preparing to compete in the USSR Bodybuilding Championship. However, he never made it to the competition. The reason was not athletic performance—it was the behind-the-scenes intrigues of the then leaders of Lithuanian bodybuilding that prevented his participation.

This fact speaks volumes about the Soviet sports system of the time. Even exceptional talent and outstanding results did not guarantee the opportunity to represent one's country. Administrative decisions often carried more weight than sporting achievements.

A Soviet Bodybuilding Phenomenon

Viewed from today's perspective, Rimantas Mažionis was one of the most unique bodybuilders Lithuania has ever produced. His physical characteristics, exceptional strength, and remarkably developed musculature distinguished him not only within Lithuania but throughout the entire Soviet Union.

However, he belonged to a generation that was never given the opportunity to realize its full potential. Bodybuilding was banned, international competitions remained inaccessible to most athletes, and sporting careers were often determined not on the posing stage but behind the closed doors of government offices.

For this reason, the story of Rimantas Mažionis is far more than the biography of a single athlete. It is the story of an entire era of Soviet bodybuilding—a time when world-class athletes developed almost underground, and when their greatest opponents were often not the competitors standing beside them on stage, but the system itself. His career remains a powerful reminder of how many extraordinary talents of that era were never allowed to reach their full potential.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“Amber Prix” Stories. Viaceslav Fedorenko – A Giant of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.

The history of bodybuilding should never forget its heroes, even those who never became world-renowned champions. The legacy of the sport is built not only by titleholders but also by individuals whose dedication, example, and lifelong commitment shaped entire generations of athletes. One such figure was Viaceslav Fedorenko, today an almost forgotten representative of the original Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.

Having devoted his entire life to bodybuilding, Viaceslav Fedorenko left an unforgettable impression on many athletes of his generation in Vilnius. In the gym, he was more than just a training partner—he was an older brother figure, always ready to offer advice, demonstrate proper technique, and inspire others through his own example. He was never known for empty words; his authority rested on his actions. Fedorenko trained twice a day, every day, firmly believing that outstanding results could only be achieved through relentless, disciplined work.

His physical strength was equally impressive. Weighing around 120 kilograms (265 lbs), he regularly trained with barbells exceeding 200 kilograms (440 lbs), while his massive physique commanded respect even among the strongest athletes of the era. Yet Fedorenko himself never regarded brute strength as the ultimate goal. According to him, an athlete had to learn to work at the very limits of his abilities—and occasionally beyond them. However, he emphasized that such training was possible only after many years of careful preparation.

Fedorenko, originally a track and field athlete, entered bodybuilding in 1968 under the guidance of Ceslav Tamulevic, the founder and driving force behind the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding. Just one year later he competed in an international tournament in Kaunas, where he finished behind one of the Soviet Union's strongest bodybuilders, Vladimir Dubinin of Leningrad. In 1970, Fedorenko won the Lithuanian Championship, and in 1971 he placed third in another international tournament held in Kaunas. These were significant achievements, considering that Lithuanian athletes competed against the elite bodybuilders of the Soviet Union.

It is also important to remember the nature of bodybuilding competitions at that time. Until the end of the 1960s, official international bodybuilding events were conducted under the rules of the FIHC (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste). Athletes were judged not only on muscular development and posing but were also required to perform strength exercises. In other words, bodybuilders of that era had to demonstrate genuine strength in addition to possessing an aesthetic physique.

In 1979, at the prestigious international “Amber Prix” ("Gintarinis prizas") tournament, Fedorenko placed fifth in a field of eighteen competitors in his class. Although he narrowly missed the medals, the result once again confirmed his consistent place among the strongest bodybuilders of Eastern Europe.

Reflecting on his competitive years, Fedorenko also spoke candidly about one of bodybuilding's most controversial subjects. He recalled that gym discussions often revolved around whether it was possible to achieve top-level results without anabolic steroids. Over time, after meeting athletes from many different sports, he concluded that most competitors simply concealed the truth about the substances they used, their methods, and the dosages involved. Today, these reflections stand as valuable firsthand testimony about the realities of bodybuilding during that period.

Fedorenko also offered insightful assessments of the leading personalities of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.

He spoke of Ceslav Tamulevic with the deepest respect. According to Fedorenko, Tamulevic always experimented on himself before applying any new training method to his students. He was not merely a coach but a true innovator whose enthusiasm inspired generations of athletes.

Speaking about the poet and playwright Vitalij Asovskij, Fedorenko emphasized his exceptional pedagogical abilities. Although a serious heart illness in childhood prevented Asovskij from pursuing an elite athletic career himself, he became one of the finest bodybuilding coaches, successfully passing on Tamulevic' knowledge not only to athletes in Vilnius but throughout the Soviet Union.

Fedorenko described Jevgenij Zurcev as a true bodybuilding fanatic. In his view, Zurcev developed an original training system, became an outstanding creator and performer of posing routines, and possessed remarkable coaching talent that was never fully realized because of his own competitive career.

Viaceslav Fedorenko's life reflects the very spirit of the first generation of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding. Although he never became one of the sport's greatest international champions, he belonged to the group of dedicated pioneers who laid the foundations of Lithuanian bodybuilding through their daily work and unwavering commitment. His training philosophy, respect for his mentors, extraordinary devotion to the sport, and vivid recollections of bodybuilding's formative years in Lithuania remain as valuable today as any championship title.

For this reason, Viaceslav Fedorenko deserves to be remembered not only as a powerful athlete but also as one of the most distinguished representatives of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding—a man whose life demonstrated that the true legacy of sport is measured not only by medals but also by the people one inspires.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“Amber Prix” stories. Yevgeny Zhurtsev – A Lifetime Devoted to Bodybuilding.

One of the most prominent figures associated with the legendary international Amber Prix tournament was Yevgeny Zhurtsev of Vilnius, one of Lithuania's leading bodybuilders of the 1970s and 1980s. He belonged to a generation of athletes who built the sport not with modern training facilities or financial support, but through enthusiasm, perseverance, and an unwavering determination to improve.

Zhurtsev began training in 1966 in a woodshed in his backyard and later continued in the attic of his home. Only a year later, in 1967, he made his competitive debut at local bodybuilding competitions in Panevėžys.

From 1969 to 1971, compulsory military service in the Soviet Army interrupted his athletic career. Upon returning, he immediately resumed training together with his friend Yuri Prikhodko.

A turning point came when he began working under Česlav Tamulevič, one of the Soviet Union's finest bodybuilding coaches and the founder of the renowned Vilnius School of Bodybuilding. Athletes trained within this system became famous not only for their outstanding physiques but also for their exceptional posing artistry. Their posing routines became a benchmark throughout the Soviet Union, attracting bodybuilders from many republics who traveled to Vilnius to learn from them.

Yevgeny Zhurtsev became one of the brightest representatives of this school. In 1972, although he was still eligible to compete as a junior, his coach entered him in the senior division at the Georg Tenno Memorial in Tallinn. The decision reflected both the coach's confidence in his athlete and Zhurtsev's remarkable level of maturity.

Zhurtsev was remembered not only for his well-balanced physique but also for his artistry on stage. His original and meticulously choreographed posing routines distinguished him from other competitors, earning enthusiastic applause from spectators. Within the bodybuilding community, he gained respect not only for his competitive achievements but also for his character and unwavering dedication to the sport.

In 1973, he established his own bodybuilding club in a former bomb shelter in the Antakalnis district of Vilnius. For more than two decades, the gym served not only as his personal training facility but also as a gathering place for aspiring bodybuilders. In 1994, however, rising rental costs forced him to close the club.

Determined to reach the highest level of excellence, Zhurtsev constantly experimented with new training methods. He trained every day, often twice a day. Such uncompromising dedication eventually took its toll. Years of extreme workloads resulted in serious shoulder and arm joint injuries. Nevertheless, his perseverance prevailed. After a lengthy recovery, he returned to competition in 1976 and won second place in his class at an international tournament in Kalinin (now Tver, Russia). Ironically, because the local authorities had banned the event, the competition was held illegally inside a sports club—an illustration of the difficult circumstances surrounding bodybuilding in the Soviet Union at the time.

His greatest competitive successes came in the late 1970s and early 1980s. At the 1978 Amber Prix in Klaipėda, Zhurtsev placed second in his category behind Olev Anus. Two years later he achieved the greatest victory of his career, winning his class at the 1980 Amber Prix. He also competed successfully in the traditional Komsomol Cup tournaments held in Kaunas in 1980, 1983, and 1984, consistently finishing among the prize winners.

Reflecting on his career, Zhurtsev once said:

"I trained incredibly hard, but I never became a world champion. I was never a slave to money—whatever I earned, I spent on food..."

These few words capture his entire philosophy. For him, bodybuilding was never about wealth or fame. It was a way of life.

Yevgeny Zhurtsev can rightly be described as a true bodybuilding idealist. He belonged to a generation of athletes who competed not for financial rewards but out of genuine passion for the sport. His life was defined by relentless self-improvement, and every success he achieved was earned through discipline, determination, and extraordinary willpower.

Today, Yevgeny Zhurtsev is remembered not only as the winner of the 1980 Amber Prix but also as one of the finest representatives of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding, a master of posing artistry, and a man whose complete devotion to the sport inspired an entire generation of Lithuanian bodybuilders. His legacy demonstrates that an athlete's greatest achievement is measured not only by medals but also by the lasting mark left on the history of sport and in the memories of those who witnessed it.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA. PRESIDENT OF THE W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. FEDERATION AWARDED THE U.R.K. “SILVER CROSS” ORDER.

On May 13, 2024, following a series of major international W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. events held in Kandava (Latvia), Pärnu (Estonia), Klaipėda and Vilkaviškis (Lithuania), a group of international leaders and public figures paid an official visit to the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania (Seimas) in Vilnius.

The visit became an important highlight of international cooperation and a symbolic recognition of the long-standing activities carried out by the World W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation in promoting sport, strengthening cultural ties, and developing cooperation among public organizations throughout Europe.

Among the distinguished guests were official representatives of the Republic of Estonia from U.R.K. EESTI KASAKATE ÜHING S.A.: Colonel General Andrei Gritskov, Colonel General Vassili Trofimov, Aleksej Filatov, and Evgenia Toffert.

During the official ceremony, the Estonian delegation presented the President of the World W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, with the U.R.K. “Silver Cross” Order (U.R.K. Order “Silver Cross”). The decoration was awarded in recognition of his active international public service, his long-standing contribution to the promotion of sport, and his leadership in implementing international projects of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation.

This distinguished award represents significant international recognition, confirming that decades of dedicated work devoted to the development of sport, the strengthening of international relations, and public service have earned respect and appreciation far beyond the borders of Lithuania.

Conclusion

The official visit to the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and the presentation of the U.R.K. “Silver Cross” Order to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras marked an important event in international cooperation. It once again demonstrated that the activities of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Federation extend far beyond the field of sport, bringing together organizations from different countries, strengthening international partnerships, and contributing to the development of public and cultural cooperation. This distinction recognizes not only the personal achievements of the Federation's President but also the many years of dedicated work carried out by the entire W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community on the international stage.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

International Recognition of Public Service. Dr Edmundas Daubaras Inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Kingdom of Denmark.

In 2008, during the WFF–WBBF World "Universe" Championships held in Vilnius, Lithuania, Dr Edmundas Daubaras received one of the most significant international distinctions of his career when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2005 by a group of distinguished Danish public figures to recognise individuals whose work has made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of health promotion, fitness, bodybuilding and international sporting cooperation. Each year, a single laureate is selected by an independent jury from among nominees representing different countries.

The standing of the distinction is reflected in its previous recipients. In 2006, the honour was awarded to Arnold Schwarzenegger, then Governor of California and one of the world's most influential figures in the history of bodybuilding. The following year, the Hall of Fame recognised Bruce Bell of Nebraska, USA—an educator, sports photographer, documentary filmmaker and publisher whose lifelong work preserved much of the visual history of international sport and helped promote the sport across the world.

In 2008, the jury considered thirteen internationally respected nominees before unanimously selecting Dr Edmundas Daubaras. The official certificate confirming the decision was presented during the international event in Vilnius by Anders Buus, Chairman of the Hall of Fame of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The citation accompanying the award describes Dr Daubaras as a leading figure in the international fitness and bodybuilding movement whose dedication has played an important role in promoting the sport and strengthening its international standing. It further acknowledges his long-standing commitment to representing athletes' interests and his contribution to fostering cooperation within the worldwide bodybuilding community.

The original citation reads:

"Mr. Edmundas Daubaras is a constant source of wisdom to the muscle sport all over the World, and his work in promoting Fitness and Bodybuilding is without comparison.

Furthermore Mr. Edmundas Daubaras is a true gentleman and always the Athletes' spokesperson No. 1, and his work will forever remain a true gesture to anybody with interest in the fine sport of Bodybuilding and shaping bodies.

It is our hope that Mr. Edmundas Daubaras will remain a true friend of the sport for many years, and we hereby welcome him into the fine company of the HALL OF FAME.

Thirteen other prominent international persons were nominated this year, but the Jury voted for Mr. Edmundas Daubaras, and he is now in the distinguished company of, amongst others, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who received this honour in 2006.

Anders Buus
Chairman, Hall of Fame of the Kingdom of Denmark

Dr Daubaras's induction into the Hall of Fame represented not merely a personal distinction but also international acknowledgement of Lithuania's contribution to the development of organised fitness and bodybuilding. His selection from a field of thirteen distinguished international nominees reflected the high regard in which his organisational leadership, public service and long-term commitment to the sport were held by the international community.

The award confirmed Dr Edmundas Daubaras's position as one of the foremost figures in the international fitness and bodybuilding movement. His work over several decades contributed substantially to the sport's institutional development, strengthened cooperation between national federations and consistently advanced the interests of athletes at the international level.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

World Bodybuilding History. Senior Lithuanian State Officials Who Achieved International Distinction in Bodybuilding.

As the 60th anniversary of the International "Amber Prix" Tournament—one of the world's longest-running traditional bodybuilding competitions—approaches, it is fitting to recall the distinguished individuals whose achievements have become part of the history of this sport. To mark this important milestone, a comprehensive historical volume is being prepared for publication in several languages, documenting the evolution of the tournament and the personalities who have shaped its legacy.

Throughout the six decades of the "Amber Prix," Lithuanian bodybuilding has benefited from the encouragement and support of numerous public figures. Presidents of the Republic of Lithuania, government ministers, Members of the Seimas representing different political parties, and municipal leaders have all contributed, in various ways, to the development and public recognition of bodybuilding. Their involvement has ranged from institutional support for international events to the promotion of physical culture and competitive sport. Their contribution has been acknowledged in a number of our previous historical publications.

One fact, however, stands apart.

In the modern history of the Republic of Lithuania, only two senior state officials are known to have reached the highest level of international achievement in bodybuilding while also serving in positions of exceptional public responsibility. This rare combination of elite athletic accomplishment and distinguished state service has few parallels, not only in Lithuania but also in the international history of the sport.

The first was Rišardas Krinickis (1949–2015), Doctor of Economics, former Chairman of the State Control Committee of the Republic of Lithuania, and multiple Overall Champion of the International "Amber Prix" Tournament. As one of the leading representatives of the pioneering generation of Lithuanian bodybuilders, he played a significant role in establishing the country's international reputation in the sport before continuing his career in senior public administration.

The second is Linas Pernavas, 2019 WFF–WBBF World Champion and the current Director of the Special Investigation Service of the Republic of Lithuania. His career exemplifies the rare convergence of world-class sporting achievement and leadership within one of Lithuania's foremost law enforcement institutions, demonstrating that the qualities required for success in elite sport—discipline, perseverance, integrity, and responsibility—are equally indispensable in public service.

Although they belonged to different generations and pursued different professional careers, Rišardas Krinickis and Linas Pernavas occupy a unique place in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding. Both attained international championship status before assuming positions of major responsibility within the Lithuanian state, thereby linking the pursuit of sporting excellence with distinguished national service.

Their biographies constitute a remarkable chapter in the history of Lithuanian sport. They illustrate that the highest standards of athletic achievement and exemplary public service are not mutually exclusive but may, in exceptional individuals, become complementary expressions of the same enduring values: dedication, discipline, integrity, and commitment to one's country.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF LONG-STANDING ACHIEVEMENTS CONFERMENT OF THE U.N.E.S.C.O. AMBASSADOR OF PEACE TITLE

For many decades, the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation – World Body Building Federation) has carried out extensive international activities that have attracted the attention and recognition of various international organizations. Through its initiatives promoting sport, healthy lifestyles, culture, and international cooperation, the Federation has made a significant contribution to strengthening international relations and promoting the name of Lithuania worldwide.

In September 2023, upon the nomination of Professor DSc. Yaroslav Kmit, Rector of the oldest Stavropigion University in Lviv, Ukraine, the President of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, was awarded the title of "U.N.E.S.C.O. Ambassador of Peace" (2023).

On the same occasion, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras was presented with a commemorative medal featuring a star, symbolizing this international recognition and distinction.

The title was awarded in recognition of Dr. Daubaras' long-standing contribution to the development of international cooperation, the unification of sports organizations from different countries, and the promotion of peace, mutual respect, and humanistic values through sport.

Throughout its decades of activity, the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation has become one of the most active international sports organizations, bringing together representatives from dozens of countries. The Federation's championships, congresses, and international projects have contributed to strengthening sports diplomacy, expanding cultural cooperation, and fostering dialogue among nations.

CONCLUSION

The conferment of the "U.N.E.S.C.O. Ambassador of Peace" title upon Dr. Edmundas Daubaras represents a significant international recognition of his lifelong dedication and achievements. At the same time, it acknowledges the consistent efforts of the World W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. Federation in promoting international cooperation, the values of sport, and dialogue among nations. This distinction marks another important milestone in the Federation's history and reflects its growing authority and reputation within the international sports community.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

HONORARY DOCTORATE – DOCTOR HONORIS CAUSA The Highest International Recognition of a Lifetime of Achievement

In June 2013, Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F.) and the World Body Building Federation (W.B.B.F.), paid an official visit to the city of Lviv, Ukraine.

Lviv, one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities, is renowned for its rich history, remarkable architectural heritage, and long-standing academic traditions. It was in this distinguished setting that an event of special significance took place—one recognizing Edmundas Daubaras' decades of international leadership and achievement.

Upon his arrival, the President of the W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. was officially welcomed by a delegation of the City of Lviv, which escorted him to the apartments of the prestigious Leopol Hotel.

The highlight of the visit was the solemn ceremony held at Lviv Stavropigion University, one of Ukraine's oldest institutions of higher education, whose origins date back to 1788. In recognition of more than three decades of outstanding international organizational, sporting, and public activity, the University's Academic Council conferred upon Edmundas Daubaras the honorary academic title of Doctor Honoris Causa (Doctor of Sciences, D.Sc.).

This distinction is among the highest academic honors awarded in recognition of exceptional contributions to society, international cooperation, science, sport, and culture.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives of the academic community from Ukraine and neighboring countries. Among them were Professor Dr. Yaroslav Kmit (Ярослав Кміт), Rector of Lviv Stavropigion University and Vice President of the International UNESCO Programs Implementation Center, as well as Professor Viktor Idzio (Віктор Ідзьо), Rector of Moscow University, Academician of the International Eurasian Academy, and Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Higher Education of Ukraine, together with many other prominent scholars.

The honorary doctorate awarded to Edmundas Daubaras represented far more than personal recognition. It became an international acknowledgment of the global W.F.F.–W.B.B.F. movement, to whose development and worldwide expansion he devoted a substantial part of his life. Over the years, the organization united dozens of countries, organized numerous international championships, and established close cooperation with academic institutions, public organizations, and governmental bodies throughout the world.

Conclusion

The conferral of the honorary title Doctor Honoris Causa upon Edmundas Daubaras marked an important international recognition of his lifelong work and achievements. This distinguished academic honor confirmed that his decades of dedication to the global development of fitness and bodybuilding, the promotion of international cooperation, and the strengthening of international sports organizations had earned recognition not only within the sporting world but also from the academic community. It remains one of the most significant acknowledgments of Edmundas Daubaras' contribution to the history of international sport.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

International Activities of the WFF-WBBF Federation in the Context of Europe's Geopolitical Developments

The year 2018 was a period in which international cooperation acquired particular importance throughout Europe. Following the events in Ukraine in 2014 and the beginning of Russia's military aggression against the country, many international public, academic, and sports organizations sought to preserve and strengthen their cooperation with Ukraine. Such relations were regarded not only as a form of professional collaboration but also as an expression of moral support for the country's society, cultural institutions, and academic community.

Within this context, the visits of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, to Ukraine assumed a broader significance. They extended well beyond cooperation in the field of sport. Meetings with university leaders, representatives of public organizations, historical orders, and Cossack associations demonstrated a commitment to maintaining international dialogue, expanding cultural cooperation, and strengthening civil society partnerships.

Lithuania and Ukraine share historical ties dating back to the period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Over the centuries these political, cultural, and social connections have evolved into a modern partnership based on mutual support for democracy, statehood, and European integration. In this respect, the activities of Lithuanian public organizations in Ukraine represented a natural continuation of longstanding bilateral cooperation.

Relations with Poland were equally significant. Lithuania and Poland are linked by a common historical heritage originating from the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Following the restoration of Lithuanian independence, both countries became strategic partners within the European Union and NATO. Consequently, cooperation between Lithuanian and Polish public organizations acquired importance not only in the fields of culture and sport but also as a contribution to broader regional cooperation and European integration.

Dr. Edmundas Daubaras' visit to Poland in 2018 represented a continuation of this longstanding partnership. His participation in international events and the presentation of the historic Order of Saint Stanislaus symbolized recognition of many years of dedicated work in promoting cooperation among public organizations throughout Europe.

It is important to emphasize that the World WFF-WBBF Federation based its international activities on the principles of what is commonly referred to as public diplomacy or people-to-people diplomacy. Such initiatives complement official interstate relations by creating opportunities for cooperation among universities, sports organizations, cultural institutions, historians, and non-governmental organizations. International sporting events thereby become not only venues for athletic competition but also platforms for cultural dialogue, professional networking, and the strengthening of mutual understanding among nations.

It is therefore significant that the international distinctions conferred upon Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in 2018 recognized not athletic achievements but his contribution to international public activities. This demonstrates that the work of the World WFF-WBBF Federation was appreciated by its international partners in a much broader sense—as a long-term contribution to international cooperation, academic exchange, preservation of historical heritage, and the promotion of dialogue among the peoples of Europe.

Viewed from a historical perspective, the events of 2018 constituted an important stage in the international development of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. Over several decades, the Federation evolved from an international bodybuilding organization into a broad platform for international public cooperation. Its activities expanded beyond the promotion of bodybuilding and fitness to include partnerships with universities, academic institutions, public organizations, and organizations dedicated to preserving Europe's historical and cultural heritage. This development was the result of consistent long-term efforts that significantly strengthened the Federation's international prestige and recognition across numerous European countries.

Special Focus on the International Activities of the WFF–WBBF Federation in 2018 Expansion of International Activities in Europe

The year 2018 marked an important stage in the international development of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Throughout the year, the organization actively expanded its international relations in Europe while strengthening cooperation with academic institutions, public organizations, and cultural partners. Representing the Federation at numerous international events, its President, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, participated not only in sports-related activities but also in academic, public, and historical initiatives.

Official visits to Ukraine and Poland became significant milestones in the Federation's international activities during 2018. During these visits, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received several prestigious international public and historical distinctions in recognition of his long-standing contribution to international cooperation, the development of sport, and public service.

Visits to Ukraine

During 2018, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras visited Ukraine on several occasions. Meetings were held with university leaders, representatives of public organizations, officials of historical orders, and leaders of Ukrainian Cossack organizations. These meetings focused on strengthening international cooperation in the fields of culture, history, sport, and public activities.

Award at Lviv University

In January 2018, during an international scientific conference held in Lviv, Professor Yaroslav Kmit, Rector of the historic Ukrainian Stavropigion University, presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the university's highest distinction—the Order of Merit.

The award was conferred in recognition of his active international public service, long-term cooperation, and significant contribution to the development of international relations among various public organizations. The prestige of this distinction is reflected by the fact that, during the same period, it was also awarded to Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Ukraine, one of Ukraine's most prominent religious and public figures.

The Order of Hetman Ivan Sulima

In March 2018, during another visit to Ukraine, a ceremonial event was held at the Greek Catholic Church in Lviv, where the leadership of the Ukrainian Cossack League presented Dr. Edmundas Daubaras with the Order of Ukraine Hetman Ivan Sulima.

This historical distinction was awarded for his outstanding international public activities, contribution to strengthening cooperation among nations, and active participation in international projects. Hetman Ivan Sulima occupies an important place in Ukrainian history as a symbol of statehood, freedom, and national identity. Consequently, the order bearing his name is regarded as one of the country's most honorable historical public distinctions.

The Order of the Crown of Christ

In October 2018, during another visit to Lviv, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received the Sovereign Knights Order of Christ the Saviour, commonly known as the Order of the Crown of Christ, during an international ceremony held in one of the city's historic churches.

The decoration was presented by the Grand Master of the international historical Order of the Brothers of Christ. It recognized Dr. Daubaras for his long-standing efforts in promoting international public cooperation, encouraging dialogue among nations, and preserving the historical traditions of Europe.

Visit to Poland

In March 2018, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras also visited Poland, where he participated in international public events and held meetings with representatives of various organizations.

During the visit, he was invested with the historic Order of Saint Stanislaw in recognition of his active international work and his contribution to the development of international cooperation.

The Order of Saint Stanislaw was established on May 7, 1765, by King Stanisław August Poniatowski, the last monarch of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Over more than two and a half centuries, the order has become one of Europe's best-known historical distinctions, symbolizing service to society, the state, and Christian values.

Dr. Edmundas Daubaras received the order in recognition of his long-standing efforts to strengthen international relations among public organizations, cultural and sports institutions, and to promote international dialogue.

The International Standing of the WFF–WBBF Federation

The international distinctions received in 2018 reflected not only the personal recognition of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras but also the growing international prestige of the World WFF–WBBF Federation.

By this time, the Federation's activities had expanded well beyond the traditional framework of bodybuilding and fitness. The organization actively participated in international cultural, historical, academic, and public projects while developing cooperation with universities, research institutions, historical organizations, and civic movements throughout Europe.

This broad range of activities strengthened the Federation's role as a platform for international cooperation and contributed significantly to its growing international reputation.

Conclusions

The year 2018 became one of the most significant milestones in the international history of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. Official visits to Ukraine and Poland strengthened the Federation's ties with academic institutions, historical organizations, and public movements.

The international distinctions awarded to Dr. Edmundas Daubaras constituted official recognition of his many years of dedicated work while also reflecting the Federation's contribution to the development of international cooperation. They demonstrated that the Federation's activities were appreciated not only within the sporting community but also among academic, cultural, and public institutions.

The events of 2018 once again confirmed that the World WFF–WBBF Federation based its mission on more than sporting achievements alone. It consistently promoted international cooperation, encouraged dialogue among nations, supported the preservation of historical heritage, and fostered public partnership. These principles became an important foundation for the Federation's growing international prestige and now form a significant chapter in its history.

International Personalities Professor Lalit Soni – India's Ambassador of Sport to the World

Over the past several decades, India has become one of the most active participants in the international activities of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. A significant contribution to this development has been made by sports organizer and public figure Professor Lalit Soni (Lalit Kumar Soni, India), whose lifelong dedication has played an important role in strengthening the Federation not only throughout India but across the Asian continent.

With a professional education in sports, Lalit Soni began his career by managing local sports clubs. Through exceptional organizational skills, tireless dedication, and unwavering commitment to the development of sport, he steadily advanced from local leadership positions to become one of the most influential representatives of the WFF–WBBF Federation in Asia. Today, he serves as Vice President of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, coordinating the Federation's activities in numerous Asian countries, organizing international events, maintaining close cooperation with national federations, and contributing to the establishment of new sports organizations.

Lalit Soni's sporting career began in Ludhiana, Punjab, one of northern India's largest industrial and sporting centers. For many years he managed several successful sports clubs, where young athletes were trained and national competitions were organized. Having accumulated extensive experience in sports administration, he later devoted himself entirely to international sports management and public service.

His activities, however, extend far beyond competitive sport. Professor Soni serves as President of a public cancer prevention organization, actively supports the women's rights organization Ek Ass Women Helpline NGO, cooperates with animal welfare organizations, and participates in numerous social initiatives promoting youth development, healthy lifestyles, and public education. His diverse public service reflects a firm belief that sport should contribute not only to athletic achievement but also to the well-being, health, and moral development of society.

Throughout his career, Lalit Soni has organized numerous national and international events in India and Thailand. Under his leadership, high-level meetings with government officials, business leaders, and representatives of public organizations have taken place. He has been one of the principal organizers of the prestigious international "Universe" and "World Grand Prix" championships, while also arranging press conferences, television coverage, and media campaigns that have significantly increased the visibility of the WFF–WBBF Federation throughout Asia.

Particular attention has always been devoted to the formation and development of India's national teams. For virtually every World and Continental Championship, Professor Soni personally oversees athlete selection, team preparation, delegation management, and the strengthening of international cooperation. Owing to his efforts, Indian athletes have become regular participants in World Championships, and the country's reputation within the international WFF–WBBF community has grown steadily.

His achievements have received international recognition. While serving as a member of the World WFF–WBBF Federation delegation in Ukraine, Lalit Soni was awarded an Honorary Diploma of UNESCO in recognition of his outstanding public service and contribution to international cooperation. In addition, Stavropigion University, one of Ukraine's oldest academic institutions, conferred upon him the title of Honorary Professor, acknowledging his distinguished contributions to sport and society.

Professor Soni's international reputation has also been recognized in Lithuania. In 2019, during an official reception at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania (Seimas), he was solemnly awarded the “International Honorary Silver Medal” of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. This distinction recognized his many years of dedicated service and his outstanding contribution to the international development of the Federation.

For Lalit Soni, Lithuania represents more than simply a venue for international competitions. During his visits to the city of Klaipėda, he repeatedly organized performances and demonstrations by Indian athletes in local kindergartens, inspiring children to embrace physical activity, healthy living, and the ideals of sport. These visits became a meaningful expression of friendship and cultural exchange between India and Lithuania.

One of Professor Soni's greatest achievements has been his commitment to discovering and developing young sporting talent. Thanks to his guidance and organizational efforts, many gifted Indian athletes have achieved international recognition. A remarkable example is Fateh Gill, who, at only three years of age, became the WFF–WBBF World Champion in the Martial Arts Division during the 2024 World Championship held in Klaipėda. His extraordinary performance attracted widespread international attention, while in India he quickly became a symbol of youthful determination and inspiration, demonstrating that early guidance and systematic development can produce exceptional results.

The life and work of Professor Lalit Soni represent the modern ideal of sports leadership. He is not merely an organizer of competitions or an administrator of sports organizations; he is a builder of long-term international cooperation, bringing together athletes, organizations, and cultures from many nations. His career demonstrates that sport is a powerful instrument for strengthening international friendship, educating young generations, promoting humanitarian values, and building mutual understanding among peoples.

Conclusion

Professor Lalit Soni's contribution extends well beyond the traditional responsibilities of sports administration. Over many years, he has become one of the leading personalities of the international WFF–WBBF movement in Asia, making a substantial contribution to the Federation's expansion, to the international success of Indian athletes, and to the education of future generations.

His organizational leadership, public service, and charitable activities clearly demonstrate that genuine sporting leadership is measured not only by victories in competition but also by the ability to unite people, inspire young athletes, promote international cooperation, and uphold the highest humanitarian ideals of sport. For these reasons, Professor Lalit Soni is rightly regarded as one of the most distinguished international figures in the contemporary history of the World WFF–WBBF Federation.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

The History of the "Amber Prix" Rolandas Bučinskas – An Athlete at the Crossroads of Two Eras

Rolandas Bučinskas is one of the most distinguished figures in Lithuanian bodybuilding, whose career reflects the development of the sport from the mid-1980s through the end of the twentieth century. His sporting life encompassed remarkable victories, political change, organizational struggles, and personal setbacks, making him one of the defining personalities of Lithuanian bodybuilding during this period.

Bučinskas demonstrated exceptional talent at an early age. In 1982, while still competing as a junior athlete, he participated in the “Georg Tenno Memorial” tournament in Tallinn, where he finished second in his category. At that time, the competition was among the most prestigious bodybuilding events in the Soviet Union, and his performance immediately established him as one of Lithuania's most promising young competitors.

His career, however, was soon complicated by internal conflicts within the Lithuanian bodybuilding community rather than by sporting considerations. During the period when bodybuilding remained officially prohibited in the Soviet Union, Romanas Kalinauskas, head of the unofficial Lithuanian SSR Bodybuilding Federation, prohibited Rolandas Bučinskas from participating in competitions. Such a decision could easily have ended the career of a talented young athlete.

Seeking an opportunity to return to competition, Bučinskas turned to Edmundas Daubaras, who maintained close relations with Estonian bodybuilding organizer Inar Mardo. Thanks to Mardo's guarantees, Bučinskas was allowed to compete in the 1983 “Georg Tenno Memorial”, where he won the junior division. The victory became not only a sporting comeback but also proof that genuine talent could not be suppressed by administrative restrictions.

Bučinskas achieved even greater recognition in 1986 when he won the Overall Champion title at the prestigious international Amber Prix tournament. By then, the Amber Prix had become one of the most significant bodybuilding competitions in Eastern Europe, and the Overall Champion title represented the highest level of athletic excellence. This victory firmly established him among Lithuania's elite bodybuilders.

Following the official restoration of bodybuilding competitions in the Soviet Union, Bučinskas competed in the 1988 USSR Bodybuilding Cup, where he placed second in his weight category. For this achievement, he was awarded the title of “Master of Sport of the USSR”, one of the highest sporting distinctions of the period.

A defining chapter of Bučinskas' career came in 1991. After Lithuania restored its independence, Lithuanian athletes found themselves in a unique and difficult position. Most refused to compete for Soviet teams or participate in Soviet competitions in accordance with the policy adopted by the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee. At the same time, Lithuania's newly established sports organizations had not yet been fully recognized internationally, leaving athletes with very limited opportunities to compete abroad.

To overcome this situation, Edmundas Daubaras, encouraged by Lithuania's Minister of Sport Algirdas Raslanas, registered the Lithuanian National Bodybuilding Association (LNKA) with the Ministry of Justice, creating the first official bodybuilding organization of independent Lithuania. Shortly afterward, he organized a delegation of Lithuania's leading bodybuilders to compete at the NABBA European Championships in France, with Rolandas Bučinskas joining the team.

The decision proved historic. Rolandas Bučinskas and Natalija Murnikovienė of Klaipėda both captured European Championship titles, bringing home the first international gold medals ever won by independent Lithuania in bodybuilding. Their victories carried significance far beyond sport, symbolizing Lithuania's successful return to the international sporting community. At the same time, another group of Lithuanian bodybuilders, led by Romanas Kalinauskas, chose a more cautious approach and continued waiting until after the failed August 1991 Moscow coup before fully distancing themselves from the Soviet sports system.

Bučinskas continued his successful career within the IFBB. In 1996, he became IFBB European Champion, once again confirming his place among Europe's leading bodybuilders.

In 1997, he won his weight category at the IFBB World Championships. However, after failing a doping test, his world title was revoked and his victory officially annulled. This became the most painful episode of his sporting career and profoundly affected both his reputation and future professional path.

Even before the final doping results were announced, Bučinskas had begun preparing to emigrate to the United States in 1998. Once again, he sought assistance from Edmundas Daubaras, who contacted his long-time American friend Louis Zwick.

Their friendship dated back to 1989 during the international USSR–USA bodybuilding match. At that time, Edmundas Daubaras, Louis Zwick, Viktoras Jucys, and Rolandas Bučinskas managed to evade surveillance by Soviet KGB officers and secretly filmed two documentary productions about Lithuanian bodybuilders training at a cultural center outside Leningrad. Later that year, the films were broadcast on the American television network ESPN. Copies remain preserved in the archives of the World WFF–WBBF Federation. These documentaries became some of the earliest Western television productions featuring Lithuanian bodybuilding before the restoration of the country's independence.

By 1998, Louis Zwick owned a private television production company that produced bodybuilding programs for ESPN and organized numerous international events, including Miss Fitness America, Miss America Pageant, Hit the Rock, and others. Through his professional connections, he helped Bučinskas secure employment in the sports publishing and media industry. However, after the official announcement of the positive doping result, Bučinskas decided to leave the professional sports industry.

Today, Rolandas Bučinskas lives and works in the United States with his family.

Conclusions

Rolandas Bučinskas' sporting career represents far more than a collection of athletic achievements. His life mirrors the transformation of Lithuanian bodybuilding itself—from years of prohibition under the Soviet regime, through the struggle for international recognition, to the establishment of independent Lithuania within the global bodybuilding community.

His victory at the 1991 NABBA European Championships remains one of the landmark moments in Lithuanian bodybuilding history. It was not merely a sporting triumph but also an important symbol of the country's re-emergence on the international stage after the restoration of independence.

Although the 1997 doping case fundamentally altered the public perception of his competitive career, it does not diminish his earlier accomplishments or his contribution to the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding. From a historical perspective, Rolandas Bučinskas remains one of the defining figures of Lithuanian bodybuilding during the final decades of the twentieth century, an athlete whose career reflects both the remarkable achievements and the complex challenges faced by the sport during a period of profound political and social change.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

Professor Vasilij Bespalenko – The Founder of Modern Bodybuilding in Ukraine A Personality Who United Science, Sport and Public Service

Professor Vasilij Bespalenko is one of the most distinguished figures in the history of Ukrainian bodybuilding. His life's work encompasses competitive sport, scientific research, higher education, public service, and cultural activities. Throughout a professional career spanning more than four decades, he has successfully combined the roles of athlete, coach, university professor, researcher, and sports administrator, becoming an authority for several generations of athletes and coaches.

In 1983, Vasilij Bespalenko graduated in Art and Design from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. He later continued his education in Physical Culture at Lviv State University and subsequently earned a Master's degree in Practical Psychology. Combining knowledge from sport science and psychology, he developed effective educational and training methodologies that have been widely applied in coaching and higher education.

For many years Professor Bespalenko taught at various Ukrainian universities, educating future specialists in physical education and sports science. As Head of the Department of Physical Culture at Lviv Stavropigion University, he devoted significant attention to developing modern educational curricula and improving professional standards in sports education. Today he continues to contribute to higher education by developing academic programs at the International Sports University.

Beyond academia, Professor Bespalenko is widely recognized as a charismatic public figure. His reputation has made him a frequent guest on Ukrainian television and radio programs, a sought-after interviewee for newspapers and magazines, and a participant in artistic photography projects as well as Ukrainian and Polish film productions.

Athlete and Coach – A Pioneer of Ukrainian Bodybuilding

The sporting career of Vasilij Bespalenko is inseparable from the history of bodybuilding in Ukraine. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern competitive bodybuilding in the country.

His contribution became particularly significant during the years when bodybuilding was officially prohibited or severely restricted throughout most socialist countries (1973–1987). Despite these political and ideological obstacles, Bespalenko became the first representative of the Ukrainian SSR to participate regularly in bodybuilding competitions held in the Baltic States. His activities helped establish international sporting contacts and contributed to preserving and promoting bodybuilding during one of the most difficult periods in its history.

Throughout his competitive career, Professor Bespalenko won numerous World and European championship titles. Among all his achievements, he considers his victories at the prestigious "Amber Prix" ("Gintarinis Prizas") tournament to be especially significant. Winning the Overall Champion title at the 2022 Amber Prix represented another milestone in his remarkable sporting career and demonstrated his exceptional longevity and competitive excellence.

His contribution extends far beyond his own athletic achievements. As a coach, Professor Bespalenko has trained numerous elite athletes who successfully represented Ukraine at international competitions. His coaching philosophy combines physical excellence with psychological preparation, discipline, ethical values, and personal responsibility.

Leadership and Public Activities

An equally important part of Professor Bespalenko's life has been dedicated to sports administration and public service.

He became the first President of the Ukrainian SSR IFBB Federation and played a decisive role in establishing organized bodybuilding in Ukraine. Today he serves as President of the Ukrainian WFF–WBBF Federation, promoting international cooperation and healthy lifestyles through sport.

During his leadership he organized numerous national and international bodybuilding events throughout Ukraine. Among the most significant was the WFF–WBBF World Grand Prix, held in 2013, which attracted competitors from many countries around the world.

Representing Ukraine as the head of official sports delegations, Professor Bespalenko has visited Lithuania on numerous occasions to participate in international sporting events. During these visits he was officially received several times at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, contributing to the development of sporting and cultural cooperation between Lithuania and Ukraine.

Professor Bespalenko also actively participates in the work of various Ukrainian public organizations. In recognition of his contribution to society and national traditions, the Historical Ukrainian Cossack League awarded him the honorary rank of Lieutenant General.

International Recognition

Professor Bespalenko's lifelong contribution has been acknowledged through numerous national and international distinctions.

In 2017 he received the Medal of the Historic Order of Christ, presented by an organization associated with United Nations public initiatives.

In 2020 his achievements in education, sport, and public service were further recognized when he received a UNESCO Certificate of Honor.

Later that same year, the World WFF–WBBF Federation presented Professor Bespalenko with its International “Gold Medal of Honor”, one of the organization's highest distinctions.

Legacy

The life and work of Professor Vasilij Bespalenko demonstrate how determination, professional excellence, and public dedication can shape the development of an entire sport. He belongs to the generation of pioneers who preserved and developed bodybuilding under extremely difficult political conditions and later contributed to its international recognition.

His legacy extends far beyond championship titles. As a university professor, he educated future specialists; as a coach, he developed champions; as a sports administrator, he helped establish the organizational foundations of bodybuilding in Ukraine; and as a public figure, he strengthened international cooperation through sport.

Today Professor Vasilij Bespalenko is deservedly recognized as one of the most influential personalities in the history of Ukrainian bodybuilding. His achievements, his students, and his organizational work remain an enduring part of both Ukrainian and international bodybuilding history.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“History of “Amber Prix”. “Mr. Absoliutus SSSR”

Sports organizers and administrators hold competitions in which athletes strive for victory and the highest achievements. It is through these competitions that victories and outstanding performances become known to the public through the media. Without sporting achievements, many athletes would remain unknown to the wider public.

Victories bring joy and pride not only to the athletes themselves, but also to their families, coaches, teammates, and the entire sporting community. Every victory is a recognition of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Although countless athletes compete in sporting events, only a select few leave a lasting mark on the history of sport through their exceptional achievements. These athletes become role models for younger generations and inspire others to pursue excellence and strive for the highest goals.

Today’s athletes usually know the strongmen of past decades only through stories and recollections. Yet there was a time when one man’s name resonated throughout the bodybuilding world of the Soviet Union. That man was Viktoras Jucys from Klaipeda. By the late 1980s, he had become the undisputed leader of Soviet bodybuilding. Vladimir Dubinin, President of the Russian IFBB Federation, once referred to him as “Mr. Absoliutus SSSR” – a title that perfectly reflected his dominance in competition during that era.

His journey to the top began in Klaipeda. The first time he saw the competitors of the famous “Amber Prix” tournament, he was astonished by their physiques and athleticism. Leaving the event, he made a promise to himself: “I will become like them.” That moment marked the beginning of a goal that would change his life.

He did not join a gym immediately. Instead, he began training alone in a garage near the seaside. The conditions were primitive. During winter he worked out wearing a heavy jacket and gloves to keep warm, and at times his evening training sessions were lit only by candlelight. Yet such hardships never discouraged him. Like many enthusiasts of that era, he learned discipline, perseverance, and the determination to pursue his dream regardless of circumstances.

After eventually joining a bodybuilding club, Viktoras was encouraged by his coach to compete. His first attempt, however, was unsuccessful. Disappointed, he turned his attention to karate. At that time, both bodybuilding and karate were viewed unfavorably by Soviet authorities and were, at various periods, effectively banned. Such restrictions only strengthened the commitment of those who practiced them. Having mastered the basics of martial arts, Jucys competed successfully until the authorities closed the city’s only karate club. He then returned to where his sporting journey had begun – the bodybuilding gym.

From that point on, training became the center of his life. The results soon followed. In 1984 and 1985, Jucys won the overall title in the youth division of the “Amber Prix” tournament. In 1985, he also captured first place at the “Komsomol Cup” competition in Kaunas. Soon afterward began the most remarkable period of his career.

From 1986 onward, Viktoras won every competition he entered. He claimed victory twice at the “White Nights” Tournament in Leningrad, won the “Amber Prix” three times, and became the overall champion of the first official USSR Bodybuilding Cup. He also accumulated nineteen victories in international competitions. During those years, he had no equal in the Soviet Union.

His physical attributes were equally impressive. Standing 174 centimeters tall, he weighed approximately 109 kilograms between competitions. Both his biceps and calves measured an extraordinary 50 centimeters in circumference. Jucys preferred training with extremely heavy weights, and although his workouts were relatively short, they were exceptionally intense. In the gym, certain pieces of equipment even acquired nicknames: “Viktoras’s barbell” and “Viktoras’s dumbbells.” These were weights so heavy that few other athletes dared to use them.

The story of Viktoras Jucys is the story of a man who rose from training in an unheated garage in Klaipeda to the pinnacle of Soviet bodybuilding. His achievements stand not only as a testament to extraordinary determination and talent, but also as an important chapter in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

100 YEARS WORLD FITNESS HISTORY.

BRONE DUBAR - WORLD’S FIRST FITNESS ATHLETE.

International sport society knows very well about the U.S.A. sportsman BRONE DUBAR - DAUBARAITE (Broné “Brownie” Dubar, 1906 - 1986). Emigrated from Lithuania to USA in 1912 just before the First World War she was the World’s First Female Fitness Athlete. At that time there was no bodybuilding and fitness sport and BRONE DAUBARAITE did not participate at the competitions. As many athletes and strongmen of her time she travelled though the World Countries and demonstrated her unique acrobatic and gymnastic sport programs. Also at that time the same did famous USA male athletes LOUIS CYR (1863 - 1912) and CHARLES ATLAS (Charles Atlas, Angelo Siciliano, 1893 - 1972). Newspapers wrote that BRONE DUBAR looks like an image of “Vogue” magazine. When the second World War started BRONE DUBAR stopped her participation. Today we can say she was much ahead the time she lived. Due to her efforts several DUBAR families were involved in sports and still are.

More detailed information is on Global Site www.wff.lt 

LEARN WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

THE ONLY ONE CLASSIC BODYBUILDING SCHOOL IN ALL SOCIALIST COUNTRIES.

WORLD BODYBUILDING HEROES. CESLAV TAMULEVICH.

Today we can not speak about bodybuilding in the Socialist Countries not mentioning CESLAV TAMULEVICH. For twenty years his personal influence to bodybuilding was evident.

CESLAV TAMULEVICH was one of bodybuilding pioneers in the Socialist World. He was a talented trainer who training other athletes before giving them suggestions  did many experiments on himself.  CESLAV TAMULEVICH together with Lithuanian poet and drama writer VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский) gave theoretic background for Socialist bodybuilding. They wrote about every possible bodybuilding pose and underlined how to make tem correct. They made original artistic performances for their bodybuilders. Today contemporary primitive bodybuilding is fare away of this. Making the “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») in 1986 theories of CESLAV TAMULEVICH was used to make contest and judging rules.

Also he participated himself at nearly all first U.S.S.R. bodybuilding competitions. CESLAV TAMULEVICH was the founder and the Chairman of the famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ (1965 - 1995) which was for many years the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding leader. The school gave direct and real way to develop bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R..

When we speak about any classic bodybuilding school in any of the Socialist Countries we mean that „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ was the only one of that kind. We may try to mention the „Sandow“ bodybuilding school in Chechoslovakian Marianske Lazne led by LUDEK NOSEK until now. But this shool had no great international level bodybuilders except ALOIS PEK. 

In 1974 at the U.S.S.R. Contest „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Georgo Tenno Memorialas“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно») representatives of the „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ took all first places. The contest was organized by the „Soul of Estonia Bodybuilding“ INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо). At that competition only Estonian OLEV ANNUS won this hight category against Russian monster VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин). Then the Over All Champion became a student of CESLAV TAMULEVICH legendary PRANAS MURAUSKAS (Пранас Мураускас). World bodybuilding magazines wrote about this many times, including themagazines of the Weider brothers.

 CESLAV TAMULEVICH trained many famous U.S.S.R. bodybuilders and most of them participated at the historical „Amber Prix International“ (1968-2020) „Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз») bodybuilding contest.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD REACHED IT‘S HEROE.

On September 28, 2020 at the Headquarters of the Parliament Republic Lithuania for the social work done CESLAV TAMULEVICH was announced about the Great International Award. Right after it the delegates of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Federation (World Fitness federation, World Body Building Federation) left the Parliament to present CESLAV TAMULEVICH the International Honour Silver Medal. For many years on CESLAV TAMULEVICH  lives and is under the doctor‘s care in a small city hospital.

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

2025. HONORABLE INTERNATIONAL AWARD.

HIGH EVALUATION OF INTERNATIONAL WORK DONE BY VYTAUTAS MIKUCKIS.

Today VYTAUTAS MIKUCKIS celebrates his birthday.

President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for the important International work done in fitness and bodybuilding awarded famous Lithuania Organizer VYTAUTAS MIKUCKIS.

 „2016 W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Silver Medal Awarded to World Sport Leader VYTAUTAS MIKUCKIS  for his support of Competitive and General Fitness and Bodybuilding Amongst All Peoples of the World and Regardles of Race, Religijon and Politics.

President W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS“.

INFORMATION.

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

IMPRISONED WITH NOBEL PRIZE OWNER ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN.

GEORG TENNO – ESTONIA HEROE OF SOVIET TIMES.

SOCIALIST WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

In the sixties of the last century the greatest bodybuilding propaganda in the USSR was made by the Estonian weightlifter GEORG TENNO (Георгий Тэнно). GEORG TENNO was a former navy officer and participant of the Second World War. In 1948 due to a false accusement of spying against the USSR GEORG TENNO was arrested and sentenced to eight years imprisonment. It happened that GEORG TENNO was placed in the same prison cell together with the USSR disident ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN  (Александр Солженицын). During the imprisonment GEORG TENNO made five unsuccessfull attempts to run away. There is a story about GEORG TENNO in the famous book of ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN „Arkhipelag Gulag“ named „The Runaway“ “ («Убежденный беглец»). About GEORG TENNO ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN wrote: „He was the most stronger and the most brave of us...“. In 1970 Nobel Committee awarded ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN with the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Ending the fifties of the last century GEORGIJ TENNO was released from the prison. He started working at the USSR Institute of Scientific Studies of the Physical Culture (ВНИИФК, Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры).

In 1968 GEORG TENNO published his book „The Athletism“ («Атлетизм»). At once it became very popular. The book was full of information: training methods, recupperation after workouts and various diets. At that time this was a unique information. Though GEORG TENNO did not speak about the sources of his knowlidge but it was evident he used various foreign literature. The work at the institute gave him such opportunities. After imprisonment GEORG TENNO knew very well all political moments and he was carefull. Due to this in his book he wrote that „bodybuilding is not to stay in fron of a mirror. Bodybuilding is to strenthen the muscles that will serve to the country“.

Once VLADIMIR CIUDINOV in the USSR popular magazine „Sportivnaja žizn Rossii“ («Спортивная жизнь России») insisted that the USSR system of physical culture should accept the bodybuilding methods developed by GEORG TENNO. He speaks how GEORG TENNO translated information from the „West“ literature. Often he just copied the methodical information. GEORG TENNO never saw any diference between the bodybuilding and the „athletism“. Also GEORG TENNO thought that „everybody for himself is the advicer and the trainer“.

Suddenly when the prosecution of bodybuilding started GEORG TENNO  died in an accident. Who knows - maybe it was an accidental death.

To remember GEORG TENNO Estonians started organizing the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно») contest in 1971. Fourteen Memorials were organized until 1989. For long years of the bodybuilding prohibition and prosecution in the Socialist Countries  „Georg Tenno Memorial“ and the historic „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis Prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968-2019) were the only one regular bodybuilding competitons in the Socialist Countries.

Remark: the documents of the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ collected by the President WFF-WBBF Estonia INNAR MARDO are kept in the archieves of the WFF-WBBF International Federation.

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

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

“VILNIUS BODYBUILDING SCHOOL”.

VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ.

In the mid of sixties of the last century talented bodybuilders started their activities in Vilnius (Lithuanian SSR). They were CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) and LEONAS PIVORIUNAS. They set a famous Vilnius “Victoria” gym. Basing on this gym famous “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” (‘Vilniaus kultūrizmo mokykla”, «Вильнюсская школа культуризма») was established. In 1970 LEONAS PIVORIUNAS left bodybuilding and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский) came to replace him. VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ is a known contemporary poet and drama writer. Through Socialist times “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” presented many famous International level bodybuilders. The essence of the school was that the Chairmen of the school CESLAV TAMULEVIC and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ  developed theoretical and practical background for bodybuilding sport. Especially that was important in 1987 when the first official “U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation” («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.») was set. Bodybuilding became a recognized sport at that time and primitive games of bodybuilders had to become sport looking. Prohibition of bodybuilding was stopped and basics of the sport were needed very much. CESLAV TAMULEVIC and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ founded and developed complicated schemes of posing routines for bodybuilders. No other in the World did anything like this ever and this made “Vilnius Bodybuilding School” unique. Bodybuilders from Lithuanian SSR and other countries used to come and to study the knowledge of CESLAV TAMULEVIC and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ. Basing on the works of CESLAV TAMULEVIC and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ a certain system of judging criteria was developed. It was something scientific and it is nothing to compare with today’s primitive bodybuilding. The “U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport” («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.») started presenting honour names of the “U.S.S.R. Master of Sport” («Мастер спорта С.С.С.Р.») for bodybuilders. After the fall of Socialist World the “West” has eaten the “Socialist Bodybuilding”.  Scientific ways of Socialist system became the same primitive as in the “West”. In 1998 International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.) refused to recognize bodybuilding sport and threw away the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) federation. That was the end of bodybuilding recognition as sport. In 2023 G.A.I.S.F. was closed and also in 2023 W.A.D.A. (World Anti Doping Agency) refused to work with I.F.B.B.. Former Socialist Countries still play games with bodybuilding but there is no more sport in the World like bodybuilding any more.

Some time ago CESLAV TAMULEVIC, LEONAS PIVORIUNAS and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ at the Parliament of the Lithuanian Republic were presented with the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation) International Honour Silver Medals.

You can get more details on the International Site www.wff.lt .

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

PERSONALITY. LINAS PERNAVAS.

LINAS PERNAVAS - former General Commissar of Police of the Republic Lithuania, diplomat of the Republic Lithuania in the UK, contemporary Director of the Special Services of the Republic Lithuania is the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Bodybuilding Federation) Over All World Senor Bodybuilding Champion.

More information is in various languages at the International Site www.wff.lt 

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

HIGH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN BODYBUILDING.

Today since 1968 uniting 141 Country-members W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)International in various Countries arrange over sixty International events every year.

During the years a number of High Government Officials were organizers and guests of the International W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. events. Among them: President Parliament Austria ALFRED GERSTL, President Parliament Slovakia JAN FIGEL, Russia Parliament Vice President VLADIMIR ZIRINOVSKIJ (Владимир Жириновский), Prime Minister Slovakia VLADIMIR MECIAR, Prime Minister Slovakia ROBERT FICO, Prime Minister Lithuania GEDIMINAS KIRKILAS, Prime Minister Lithuania ALGIRDAS BUTKEVICIUS, India Parliament Committee Chairman SARDAR RAVNEET BITTU, Minister Sport Poland ZBIGNIEW PACELT, Minister Sport Lithuania VITAS NENIUS, Minister Sport Lithuania ALGIRDAS RASLANAS, Minister Sport Iran DSc. MOHAMMAD ASTEYANI, Lithuania Parliament Members GEDIMINAS VASILIAUSKAS and JULIUS DAUTARTAS and also many Ministers, Governors and City Mayors of various Countries. More detailed information in various languages on International Page www.wff.lt .

2024.EXCEPTIONAL SPORT PERSONS.

SVETLANA PUGACHEVA.

SVETLANA PUGACHEVA (Светлана Пугачёва) is the Chairman of the W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International Technical Committee, famous trainer, Judge of International Category, still active athlete. Now she is already twenty five years on International Bodybuilding Stage. Being a great bodybuilder she represents Republic Lithuania at the International track and field competitions. SVETLANA PUGACHEVA among over twelve thousand athletes of all federations is on the third place at the “World Ranking List”. In 2019 at the Parliament Republic Lithuania SVETLANA PUGACHEVA was awarded with the  “International Honour Silver Medal”.

More information You can get in various languages on International Page www.wff.lt .

WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

DIRTY BODYBUILDING IN ESTONIA.

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 138 Country – Members and organizes nearly 60 annual Amateur and Professional International Events World Wide. Looking from the juridical point of view the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International is no doubt the Real World Bodybuilding Leader.

Crowning it‘s 50 years of  International Bodybuilding activities, the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.  works on the Unique Global International Bodybuilding Project -  the „World Bodybuilding  Encyclopedia“ («Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма», “Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija”).

There will be four books of the Encyclopedia. The first book will cover period of time from the old times to 1973. The work on the Encyclopedia goes on.

DIRTY BODYBUILDING IN ESTONIA.

INNAR MARDO (1946-2002; Inaras Mardo, Иннар Мардо)  was the most important Estonia bodybuilding persons ever. Several days we were studying the thirty years lasting correspondence between the President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) and INNAR MARDO. INNAR MARDO was and still is the unique historical Estonia bodybuilding leader and the real soul of bodybuilding in Estonia. Twenty years ago INNAR MARDO presented to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS historical documents on the Estonia International contest „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Georgo Tenno Memorialas“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно»).

HAVING A WISH DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN DO IT.

Multiple letters of INNAR MARDO tell us about many unknown and forgotten facts and stories. We are surprised of the inner powewr of INNAR MARDO when his bodybuilders betrayed him and when many Estonian organizers treated him very badly. The reason is clear – they envyed him and his talent so much. We would like to underline that for several years best bodybuilders of the U.S.S.R. and Socialist countries were pupils of INNAR MARDO Estonians OLEV ANNUS  and INDREK OTSUS. Both bodybuilders were winners of the most important International U.S.S.R. competitions – the „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», is still running, 1968-2020) and the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (organized in 1971-1989). Also under the guidance of INNAR MARDO both bodybuilders won several International competitions in various Socialist countries.

Think of this - who are those bodybuilders and organizers without INNAR MARDO? In some cases the enemies of INNAR MARDO were successful and INNAR MARDO had to leave the National Estonia bodybuilding federation. By the way, Lithuanians were not very happy of the strong Estonia bodybuilding and helped the enemies of INNAR MARDO in their dirty works. The Lithuanians were led by ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS and some official from Kaunas city. Especially big fight against IONNAR MARDO was after the tenth „Georg Tenno Memorial“ But after this no one Estonia bodybuilding organizer ever reached the highness of the work done by INNAR MARDO. The level and inside power was very low of them.

In the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” year after year we will speak about the activities of those above mentioned “heroes”. It is a pity that at the end of his life INNAR MARDO had no enough power to reach the previous hights of the glory of Estonia bodybuilding. The glory that was created by him – INNAR MARDO.

About these details we will speak in the second book of the Encyclopedia.

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. North America, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. South America, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Asia, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Europe, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Africa, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Asia Continental Federation, International Sport University (I.S.U., www.isuniversity.lt), W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro Division, W.P.S.F. World Power Sports Federation.

R.I.P. MIKE MITCHELL

MIKE MITCHELL (1955 – 2021, Scotland) was a W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro, „Mr. World“ and „Mr. Universe“ Champion.

In 2005 in Italy MIKE MITCHELL was awarded wit the „International John Grimek Award“.

In 2006 at the Headquarters of the Parliament Republic Lithuania MIKE MITCHELL was awarded with the „International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Honour Silver Medal“.

On July 24, 2021 MIKE MITCHELL suffered a heart attack and died while on his boat in Turkey with his family. Sleep in the lights. R.I.P..

WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS.

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 138 Country – Members and organizes nearly 60 annual Amateur and Professional International Events World Wide. Looking from the juridical point of view the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International is no doubt the Real World Bodybuilding Leader.

Crowning it‘s 50 years of  International Bodybuilding activities, the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.  works on the Unique Global International Bodybuilding Project -  the „World Bodybuilding  Encyclopedia“ («Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма», “Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija”).

There will be four books of the Encyclopedia. The first book will cover period of time from the old times to 1973. There will be hundreds of sport biographies of the important International Persons.  One of them is Lithuanian ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS (1947-1998).

ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS – NEGATIVE BODYBUILDING HEROE.

As a bodybuilding organizer ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS started working in 1973. Then during the meeting in Kaunas city he organized the overthrow of the President National Bodybuilding Federation of Lithuania JUOZAS JUSEVICHUS. JUOZAS JUSEVICHUS was one of the bodybuilding pioneers in the U.S.S.R. and Lithuania.

1979. RUINED INTERNATIONAL CONTEST „U.S.S.R. – CZECHOSLOVAKIA“.

During the time of the political prohibition and prosecution of bodybuilding sport in the Socialist Countries still some contests we managed to do with great efforts. In 1979 ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS ruined the International Contest „U.S.S.R. – Czechoslovakia“. This competition was prepared by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and a number of the Bodybuilding Chairmen of  Czechoslovakia – the President of the National Federation VOJTECH FIALA and his assistants FRANTISHEK BULVA and IVAN MACH. This would be the first time when the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders will cross the U.S.S.R. country boarder that was closed due to the above mentioned bodybuilding prohibition.

After the first visit of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to Czechoslovakia, their bodybuilding Chairmen addressed GENADIJ BALDIN (Геннадий Балдин) in Moscow. GENADIJ BALDIN was one of the five Chairmen of the in 1968 established U.S.S.R. bodybuilding federation which stopped working in 1973 after bodybuildin prohibition. GENADIJ BALDIN answered the Czechslovakians that he left bodybuilding activities. He wrote that there are several still working bodybuilding organizers in Baltic countries whom they can contact easily. Only they dared to go on working during the years of prohibition of bodybuilding (letters were presented to us by another one of the five Chairmen of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding federation VALERIJ KORESHKOV (Валерий Корешков) and now they are kept in the archieves of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International).

The preparation for the contest „U.S.S.R. – Czechoslovakia“ took four years. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS visited Czechoslovakia in 1975 and 1977. A number of meeings with Czechoslovakia bodybuilding leaders were made. Also he met famous trainers and bodybuilders there. The intensive correspondence was done as well. The U.S.S.R. bodybuilders needed visas to reach another countries. Finally the needed official documents from Czechoslovakia reached DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS had nothing to do with the competition „U.S.S.R. – Czechoslovakia“ and he was not included to the delegation to Czechoslovakia. That was the reason that ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS started his intrugues and ruined the visit.

DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS always was in touch with many World Bodybuilding Leaders. In 1978 he visited Varzszawa „Herkules“ (Poland) bodybuilding gym. Polish organizers planned to make an International Contest in 1979.  They gave DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS official invitiation for the U.S.S.R. team to participate at the event. After the above mentioned intriques of ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS did not visit the Polish contest himself. He gave the official invitation to Poland to Estonia Bodybuilding Chairman INNAR MARDO. INNAR MARDO took the best U.S.S.R. bodybuilder Estonian OLEV ANNUS to Poland and he became the Over All Champion there (documents about all mentioned events are kept at the archieves of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International).

1981. OLEV ANNUS LOST A CONTEST DUE TO POLITICAL REASONS.

In 1981 in Lithuanian Klaipeda City was held the most important U.S.S.R. bodybuilding contest of the year – the „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis Prizas“, „Янтарный приз»). During this contest the General Secretary of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding federation ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS organized the defeat of OLEV ANNUS. The political powers of the U.S.S.R. knew that OLEV ANNUS was on the way to emigrante to Finland and they did not like this. How it could happen that the best U.S.S.R. bodybuilder runs away from the country? The defeat of OLEV ANNUS was organized through ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. Before the competition ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS gathered the judges and strictly informed them the „how to judge“.  OLEV ANNUS lost his win to another athlete. After the 1981  „Amber Prix International“ competition OLEV ANNUS protested and wrote letters to the bodybuilding magazines of various countries, but it changed nothing. Defeat is defeat...

INTRIQUES WITH GUSEV AND BUCHINSKAS.

Due to the fights with ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS inside Lithuania bodybuilding organization the Champion of the „Amber Prix International“ JURIJ GUSEV (Юрий Гусев) and his trainer were planing to participate in Estonia at the International „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Мемориал Георга Тенно», „Georgo Tenno Memorialas“) on their own. Then ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS took efforts to prohibit the participation of JURIJ GUSEV. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke with the Estonia Bodybuilding Chairman INNAR MARDO and received his official permition for JURIJ GUSEV to participate. After this JURIJ GUSEV participated at the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ and became the Junior Over All Champion.

Exactly the same situation happened with another Champion of the „Amber Prix International“ Lithuanian  ROLANDAS BUCHINSKAS. Again ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS prohibited him to participate in Estonia. Again DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke with  INNAR MARDO and received his permition for ROLANDAS BUCHINSKAS to participate. Again ROLANDAS BUCHISKAS became the Junior Over All Champion of the „Georg Tenno Memorial“.

1988. INTRIQUES STOPPED PARTICIPATION AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN AUSTRALIA.

In 1988 history with the intriques of  ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS was repeated. In 1987 the Official U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation was established. Due to the efforts of the famous weightlifting Olympic Champion JURIJ VLASOV (Юрий Власов) the federation was recognized by the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (Goskomsport; Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.). According to the rules all category winners of the first Official U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cup were included to the National Team to participate at the 1988 World Championship in Australia. Among the champions were two Lithuanians: VIKTORAS JUCYS  (Over All Champion) and category winner  SAULIUS MISEVICHUS. As before the General Secretary of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS was not included to the delegation which participated in  Australia. For this reason ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS did not give the passports for VIKTORAS JUCYS  and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS. Both of them worked on preperation for several months and finally at the airport did not receive passports and could not leave to the World Championship.

ON THE KNEES U.S.S.R. BODYBUILDING FEDERATION GENERAL SECRETARY.

Just before the meeting of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  and the President of the I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) federation BEN WEIDER a meeting of a number of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding organizers had happened. It was in a hotel of Leningrad (now St. Peterburg). At this meeting participated DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation General Secretary ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS, ALEKSANDRAS NOVIKOVAS, RAMUTIS KAIRAITIS (both Officials of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation) and bodybuilding organizer and today‘s famous Lithuania photo artist ALGIMANTAS ALEKSANDRAVICIUS and the best U.S.S.R. bodybuilder at that time VIKTORAS JUCYS. Learned about the coming meeting of DSc. EDMUDAS DAUBARAS with BEN WEIDER, ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS insisted that he is intending to come with him too. Then DSc.EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS refused to take him as he did not want to have any problems from ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS with the U.S.S.R. secret services. During the meeting at the Leningrad hotel DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS listed  „bad deals“ of the ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS that he did in previous years. Main “bad deals” were as follows: in 1979 ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS ruined International contest ”U.S.S.R. versus Czechoslovakia” and  in 1988 he ruined participation of a number of the best U.S.S.R. bodybuilders at the World Championship in Australia. Also DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS reminded the prohibition of JURIJ GUSEV and ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS to participate at the “Georg Tenno Memorial” competitions in Estonia and some other intrigues of ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. Then in front of all participants of the meeting ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS accepted his fault and started crying and knelt on the knees begging to forget those things.

LEARN WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

WORLD BODYBUILDING HEROES. CESLAV TAMULEVICH.

Today we can not speak about bodybuilding in the Socialist Countries not mentioning CESLAV TAMULEVICH. For twenty years his personal influence to bodybuilding was evident.

CESLAV TAMULEVICH was one of bodybuilding pioneers in the Socialist World. He was a talanted trainer who training other athletes before giving them suggestions  did many experiments on himself.  Also he participated himself at nearly all first U.S.S.R. bodybuilding competitions. CESLAV TAMULEVICH was the founder and the Chairman of the famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ (1965-1995) which was for many years the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding leader. The school gave direct and real way to develop bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R.. In 1974 at the U.S.S.R. Contest „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Georgo Tenno Memorialas“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно») representatives of the „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ took all first places. The contest was organized by the „Soul of Estonia Bodybuilding“ INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо). At tah competition only Estonian OLEV ANNUS won this hight category against Russian VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин). Then the Over All Champion became a student of CESLAV TAMULEVICH PRANAS MURAUSKAS (Пранас Мураускас). CESLAV TAMULEVICH trained many famous U.S.S.R. bodybuilders and most of them participated at the historical „Amber Prix International“ (1968-2020) „Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз») bodybuilding contest.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD REACHED IT‘S HEROE.

On September 28, 2020 at the Headquarters of the Parliament Republic Lithuania for the social work done CESLAV TAMULEVICH was announced about the Great International Award. Right after it the delegates of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Federation (World Fitness federation, World Body Building Federation) left the Parliament to present CESLAV TAMULEVICH the International Honour Silver Medal. For many years on CESLAV TAMULEVICH  lives and is under the doctor‘s care in a small city hospital.

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. North America, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. South America, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Asia, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Europe, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Africa, W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Asia Continental Federation, International Sport University (I.S.U., www.isuniversity.lt), W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Pro Division, W.P.S.F. World Power Sports Federation.

2020. LEARN REAL HISTORY OF WORLD BODYBUILDING.

BRONE DUBAR

BRONE DUBAR (Broné “Brownie” Dubar, Daubaraite, 1906-1986) together with her parents and four brothers emigrated from Lithuania to the US in 1912. Coming from a family of athletes and thinkers, she believed in the importance of an educated mind and a healthy body. Her brothers were all accomplished athletes, playing in amateur as well as in  professional areas of sport: Boxing, Hockey, Skating and Baseball.  Chess and books were always a steady diet in the DUBAR  household. BRONE DUBAR found swimming and diving to be a natural fit for her and participated in events during high school. Though there were no fitness sport and fitness contests at that time today sport specialists say that BRONE DUBAR was the first fitness athlete in the history. At a time when sport of fitness for women was not common and the first women's Olympics had only been sanctioned in 1920, she would compete or perform whenever she could. This was the reason that fitness performances of BRONE DUBAR were not accepted as sport at that time. By the 1920's BRONE DUBAR was touring and working as an acrobatic and gymnastic dancer. She also promoted women's health and fitness by traveling and putting on one woman and small athletic demonstrations. As a show woman, she considered the impacts of her demonstrations and how to grab the audience's attention, including adding stunts to her repertoire. Show programs of BRONE DUBAR were original. At one demonstration, hosted at a local YMCA, she jumped from a second story balcony above the crowd and dove headlong into a small lap pool as part of her demonstration. BRONE DUBAR incorporated fitness into her acts of performance and frequently headlined as an acrobatic and gymnastic dancer.  She often incorporated physical movement familiar to modern viewers as yoga and calisthenics along with examples of natural body strength movement.  BRONE’S DUBAR demonstration bookings took her to all corners of the US. From New York to Seattle and from Ohio to California and many places between.  Remember that all World bodybuilding pioneers did the same – they traveled in the countries to perform their power programs in public. Most World’s known bodybuilding pioneers did this. In America that were LOUIS CYR (1863-1912 m.) and CHARLES ATLAS (Angelo Siciliano, 1893-1972 m.). BRONE DUBAR primarily was involved in athletic demonstrations from a few years before the 1920's through the 1930's until the war changed the entertainment industry and doomed traveling shows to history. Today many local newspaper archives in the US from the time contain ads for her acts as well as her demonstrations as evidence of her activities.

A very classy woman, BRONE DUBAR learned to be a seamstress when she was young and always dressed immaculately as a result and would sew the latest fashions for herself. Even in advanced age, she looked like she just stepped off the pages of Vogue Magazine.

BRONE DUBAR was not only a woman before her time, but if her history is known and shared, should inspire young woman to seek and excel at athletics and fitness. She has inspired more than one generation in her own family to follow into the World of athletics on both sides of the Atlantic.

IMPRISONED WITH NOBEL PRIZE OWNER ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN.

GEORG TENNO – ESTONIA HEROE OF SOVIET TIMES.

SOCIALIST WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

In the sixties of the last century the greatest bodybuilding propaganda in the USSR was made by the Estonian weightlifter GEORG TENNO (Георгий Тэнно). GEORG TENNO was a former navy officer and participant of the Second World War. In 1948 due to a false accusement of spying against the USSR GEORG TENNO was arrested and sentenced to eight years imprisonment. It happened that GEORG TENNO was placed in the same prison cell together with the USSR disident ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN  (Александр Солженицын). During the imprisonment GEORG TENNO made five unsuccessfull attempts to run away. There is a story about GEORG TENNO in the famous book of ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN „Arkhipelag Gulag“ named „The Runaway“ “ («Убежденный беглец»). About GEORG TENNO ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN wrote: „He was the most stronger and the most brave of us...“. In 1970 Nobel Committee awarded ALEKSANDR SOLZHENITSYN with the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Ending the fifties of the last century GEORGIJ TENNO was released from the prison. He started working at the USSR Institute of Scientific Studies of the Physical Culture (ВНИИФК, Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры).

In 1968 GEORG TENNO published his book „The Athletism“ («Атлетизм»). At once it became very popular. The book was full of information: training methods, recupperation after workouts and various diets. At that time this was a unique information. Though GEORG TENNO did not speak about the sources of his knowlidge but it was evident he used various foreign literature. The work at the institute gave him such opportunities. After imprisonment GEORG TENNO knew very well all political moments and he was carefull. Due to this in his book he wrote that „bodybuilding is not to stay in fron of a mirror. Bodybuilding is to strenthen the muscles that will serve to the country“.

Suddenly when the prosecution of bodybuilding started GEORG TENNO  died in an accident. Who knows - maybe it was an accidental death.

To remember GEORG TENNO Estonians started organizing the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно») contest in 1971. Fourteen Memorials were organized until 1989. For long years of the bodybuilding prohibition and prosecution in the Socialist Countries  „Georg Tenno Memorial“ and the historic „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis Prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968-2019) were the only one regular bodybuilding competitons in the Socialist Countries.

Remark: the documents of the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ collected by the President WFF-WBBF Estonia INNAR MARDO are kept in the archieves of the WFF-WBBF International Federation.

80 YEARS OLD VALERIJ KORESKOV SEEKS OLYMPIC MEDAL.

„LIFE BEGINS ONLY OVER 70 YEARS AGE.

ALL LIFE WITH SPORT.

A famous Lithuania journalist, writer and poet, the well known art photographer  and „ bodybuilder of all times“ VALERIJ KORESKOV from Vilnius City spent all his life with sport.

AWARDED WITH INTERNATIONAL JOHN GRIMEK PREMIUM.

First time being 70 years old VALERIJ KORESKOV particiapted among senior athletes at the Olympic Games and at the Senior Europe Championship.  Then in Italy VALERIJ KORESKOV was awarded with the International „John Grimek Award“. In 2005 the International „John Grimek Award“ was presented to the International WFF-WBBF Federation President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS as well.

STUDENT OF FAMOUS VILNIUS „VICTORIA“ GYM.

Fifty years ago the International WFF-WBBF President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  met VALERIJ KORESKOV at the famous Vilnius „Victoria“ gym. VALERIJ KORESKOV was attending this gym regularly, had all the time great shape but never took part at the competitions. At that time „Victoria“gym  was run by the genious trainers CESLAV TAMULEVIC  and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ. Both trainers prepared a number of the unique and extremelly high level champions of the historic „Amber Prix International“ contest. At taht time many famous people attended „Victoria“ gym, among them the former Prime Minister Republic Lithuania GEDIMINAS KIRKILAS, the Head of the State Control Committee RISARDAS KRINICKIS. The specialists know very well that after the prohibition and prosecution of bodybuilding in the Socialist Countries the „Amber Prix International“ was recognized by the USSR Sport Ministry (Goskomsport USSR) as official USSR bodybuilding Championaship. The Sport Ministry started presenting the high official  „Sport Master“ names to the champions of the „Amber Prix International“. After the evaluating historic events of those years the specialists decided that the „Amber Prix International“ was the real World Championship of the Socialist Countries in fact. The political and social value, the level of the organizers, the level of participating athletes was exactly the same as it was at those years in the „Western“ World or even much better.

In 2011 during the Official Visit of the WFF-WBBF International delegatyion to the Vatican our activities during the socialist times were named as „disidentic“ towards the Communist Regime. For the work done in those years the President WFF-WBBF International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was awarded with the medal of the Roman Pope (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI, any interested may find articles and historic documents on Global Site www.wff.lt at the main page and in forum topics).

VALERIJ KORESKOV WILL SEEK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MEDALS.

Not long ago VALERIJ KORESKOV spoke with the Heads of the WFF-WBBF International. He is intending to seek the medals at the nearest World Amateur Championship.

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, WFF-WBBF Pro Division, International Sport University (ISU, www.isuniversity.lt),WPSF World Power Sports Federation.

2019. MEET CONTEMPORARY ACTIVE WORLD BODYBUILDING LEADERS.

ARTICLE IS TO PRESENT THE PERSON TO THE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC SOCIETY.

LALIT KUMAR SONI.

Lalit Kumar Soni was born in India Punjab state Ludhiana city in 1980. Lalit Soni studied commerce (2002) and physical education (2005) at the Punjab University.

Started with the position of the Vice President National WFF-WBBF federation India (since 2010) and the President National WFF-WBBF federation India (since 2015) and Vice President WFF-WBBF Asia (since 2016) today Lalit Soni is at the position of the Vice President World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation (since 2017).

Historically no profit seeking organization of the WFF-WBBF International works from 1968. Today the federation unites members of 134 countries that represent all continents. The federation is the only one in the world to work for official sport of bodybuilding and fitness. Seeking the popularization of sport during this period of time WFF-WBBF communicated with a number of the National Olympic Committees and National Sport Ministries. For the work done it was accepted at the Parliaments and Governments of a number of countries and received recognition of the Roman Pope during the official meeting at the Headquarters of the State Vatican (2011). In 2017 the WFF-WBBF International work was televised on the Global television CNN.

Every year WFF-WBBF organizes over 60 International events in various countries, among them competitions for fit-kids from six year’s age and disabled athletes. In the latest years Lalit Soni is the organizer of a number traditional contests in Asia region.

Lalit Soni is the Director of the teaching programmes at the I.S.U. International Sports University (since 2015). To spread qualified knowledge for many students of sport the university was registered in the European Union by the initiative of the WFF-WBBF International. Today it is associated member of the UNESCO at the UN (since 2017).

Running a number of commercial companies Lalit Soni is a successful businessman. Based in Ludhiana the companies of Lalit Soni are busy in various fields of business, among them in metal products, textile, food, supplements, fitness gyms, modelling business  and some other.

Lalit Soni is the President of the “Regina Welfare Cancer Association International” (since 2018). The association is busy to give psychological treatment for the persons with cancer illness and the family members of those persons.

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, WFF-WBBF Pro Division, International Sport University (ISU, www.isuniversity.lt), WPSF World Power Sports Federation.

50 YEARS WFF-WBBF INTERNATIONAL.

SERVING TO THE PEOPLE

For long years serving to the people WFF-WBBF International VIP Person JERZY JUREK GOTOWSKI received the highest Award Republic of Poland  Order Świętego Stanisława (since 1765).

INFORMATION.

More detailed information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, WFF-WBBF Pro Division, International Sport University (ISU, www.isuniversity.lt ), WPSF World Power Sports Federation.

2018. REMEMBER WORLD BODYBUILDING LEGENDS. GET TO KNOW WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

WORLD BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARY.

In 2017 the World‘s Oldest Traditional Bodybuilding Contest  „Amber Prix International“ (международный турнир „Янтарный приз», “Gintarinis prizas”, 1968-2017) celebrated it‘s 50-th anniversary. 

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MODERN BODYBUILDING.

Crowning it‘s 50 years of  International Bodybuilding activities, the WFF-WBBF (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  works on the unique Global Bodybuilding Project -  the „World  Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“  («Энциклопедия мирового культуризма»).

20 YEARS OF HISTORIC VICTORY!

Participating at more than 20 various level competitions in 1997 in Essen (Germany) in front of millions of the „Eurosport“ television  fans the Lithuanian Athlete EDITA SENDRIENE  won the title historic of the Over All World Fitness Champion.  This was the first so high sport title in the history of our sport for a Post Socialist World Country athlete.

Lithuania Journalists ellected EDITA SENDRIENE  as the „MOST  LOVELY SPORTSMAN OF THE 1996“ (see „Vakaru Ekspresas“ Newspaper‘s information).

At the moment EDITA SENDRIENE  is the Chairman of the WFF-WBBF International Judges Council.

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, WFF-WBBF Pro Division, International Sport University (ISU, www.isuniversity.lt).

PHOTO: 1997 Over All World Champion EDITA SENDRIENE (Lithuania).

REMEMBER BODYBUILDING LEGENDS.  GET TO KNOW WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

The 2017 is an extraordinary year for the World  Bodybuilding. In 2017 the International Sport Society is celebrating the World‘s Oldest  Historic Traditional Bodybuilding Contest  „Amber Prix International“ (международный турнир „Янтарный приз», tarptautinis “Gintarinio prizo” turnyras) 50-th anniversary (1968-2017).

In 2017 the International Sport Society is celebrating the 120-th anniversary of the first bodybuilding contest ever (held in 1898 in England and Russia). Also in 1898 in England the first Bodybuilding „Health and Strenght“  Magazine has been started to issue and it is issued until now by ROY EDWARDS (UK).

In 2017 the International Sport Society is celebrating the 90-th anniversary of female  fitness sport. It is connected with the famous BRONE‘s DUBAR  regular trainings and participation in the New York City in 1927 - 1930. We are glad to state that the Americans started collecting additional historic  information about BRONE DUBAR for the coming „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“. Historically BRONE DUBAR with her family emigrated from Lithuania to the US right before the First World War.

WORLD  BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

Crowning it‘s 50 years of  International Bodybuilding activities, the WFF-WBBF (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  works on the unique Global Bodybuilding Project -  the  „World Bodybuilding  Encyclopedia“ («Энциклопедия мирового культуризма», “Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija”).  The Encyclopedia Project works are led by the President WFF-WBBF International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

Until now nobody even tried to work on such a huge International Project. To be frank, only few people can do it. There were attempts to name some works „Encyclopedia“ too, but that were not Encyclopedias of Bodybuilding Sport in real (for example, as Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s „Encyclopedia“ which he has written about himself  in person mostly). Every Encyclopedia covers much wider basic things.

Our  „World Bodybuilding  Encyclopedia“  is based on the fivety years collected Archives of the WFF-WBBF International, the Archivic Documents were presented to us by the Owner and the President of WABBA (World Amateur Body Building Association)   SERGE NUBRET (France),  the Heads of the UK Public Club NABBA (National Amateur Body Building Association) OSCAR HEIDENSTAM (England) and IVAN DUNBAR (Ireland), the Owners and Heads of the IFBB (International Federation of Body Builders)  Commercial Company  BEN WEIDER (Canada), PAUL CHUA (Singapore), ALEX BAUER (Austria) and  JOSE PARDO HIDALGO (Spain).

Starting with EUGENE SANDOW our  „World Bodybuilding  Encyclopedia“  covers the period of over 120 years time. It presents over 9000 known International Bodybuilding  Sport personalities who were very important for the World Bodybuilding Sport during the last Century. Important - all these 9000 Bodybuilding Persons are representing all historically known traditional International Bodybuilding Federations.

Our „World Bodybuilding  Encyclopedia“  will be published in various popular languages.

WORLD BODYBUILDING LEGEND – PROFESSOR VASILIJ BESPALENKO.

Ukraine Bodybuilding Legend Professor VASILIJ BESPALENKO  (профессор Василий Беспаленко, Lvov) takes a  high  place in the prestigeous World Ranking List among over eight  thousand bodybuilders covering the period of time over one hundred twenty years.

Professor VASILIJ BESPALENKO  is the World‘s Oldest Historic Bodybuilding Traditional „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз», 1968-2017) Contest Champion, World and  Europe Champion, multiple National Champion Ukraine.

We should underline the unique bodybuilding sport record. Professor VASILIJ BESPALENKO  started particiapting at the 1970 „Amber Prix International“ in Klaipeda (Lithuania) and participates until now.

HONOUR PROFESSOR OF UNIVERSITY.

On March 30, 2017 the oldest University of the Republic Ukraine – the Stavropigion University - represented by it’s Rector Professor DSc. JAROSLAV KMIT (Ярослав Кмiт), presented the “Honour Professor” degree for the lecturer of four universities VASILIJ BESPALENKO. VASILIJ BESPALENKO  is the pioneer of bodybuilding in Ukraine, a famous athlete and organizer. At the moment VASILIJ BESPALENKO works as the National President WFF-WBBF Ukraine.

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, WFF-WBBF Pro Division, International Sport University (ISU, www.isuniversity.lt).

WFF-WBBF WORLD CHAMPION LILIYA OSIYA SPEAKS OFF.

We would like to remind, that some years ago in Vienna (Austria)  ANASTASIJA BELKOVSKAJA  (Анастасия Белковская)  became WFF-WBBF  (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  World Amateur Champion among the Disabled Athletes. It was  her famous International Trainer, a former WFF-WBBF Amateur Champion LILIYA OSIYA  (Лилия Осия) who led her to reach such a high goal.

WFF-WBBF WORLD CHAMPION LILIYA OSIYA SPEAKS OFF.

«Что такое для вас следование своему пути предназначения?
Для меня – это когда внутри так греет душу, когда что-то делаешь, что не замечаешь боль и перестаешь страдать. Ты начинаешь чувствовать восторг от бытия, от каждого момента жизни.
Я знаю это состояние, так как пережила огромные испытания потери близких людей в детстве, оставшись одна в раннем возрасте. И именно поэтому, когда я пришла к Насте Белковской, после того, как она пережила автокатастрофу, и потеряла ноги, я понимала, что в этой ситуации спасет только истинный путь предназначения.
По другому не возможно.
И именно поэтому мы решились на подготовку к чемпионату России и мира (ВФФ-ВББФ). Настя стала чемпионкой мира по парафитнесу. И это было только начало пути. Настя вернулась к своему творчеству, и стала модельером. И недавно получила статуэтку Премия «Women’s Success Awards 2016»  Организатор: Women’s Time (элитный женский журнал).
Именно свой истинный путь предназначения дает внутреннее тепло, которое горит огнем и обогревает душу. Истинная самореализация дает ощущение успеха и счастья!»

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, WFF-WBBF Pro Division, International Sport University (I.S.U., www.isuniversity.lt ).

RISARDAS KRINICKIS – GREAT WORLD AND LITHUANIA PERSONALITY.

A famous Lithuania Bodybuilder, a real World Bodybuilding Legend and also a former Chairman State Controll Committee Republic Lithuania, successfull businessman  and mecenat, RISARDAS KRINICKIS (Rišardas Krinickis) was a Great Lithuania Person.

RISARDAS KRINICKIS always highly evaluated positive WFF-WBBF (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International activities.

ONLY ONCE IN A LONG SPORT LIFE HE LOST THE WINNERS TITLE.

Before becoming a bodybuilder RISARDAS KRINICKIS  was a successfull and famous Lithuania Classical Wresler, Track And Field Athlete, Weight Lifting  Champion.

Through his  all long lasting sport life RISARDAS KRINICKIS  had won lots of various competitions. Among them the World‘s Oldest Traditional Bodybuilding Contest „Amber Prix International“ (1968-2017) too.

Only once in a contest in Russia RISARDAS KRINICKIS  lost the title and took the Second Place in the Contest  Category.

All ther time RISARD KRINICKIJ  was working with the best USSR Bodybuilding Trainers – legendary CESLAV TAMULEVIC  and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ  from Vilnius „Victoria“ Gym.

World Fitness Federation (WFF-International).

World Body Building Federation (WBBF-International).

WFF-WBBF International is working since 1968; 129 Country-Members representing all Continents; over 60 annual International Events World Wide.

HONORABLE INTERNATIONAL GOLD MEDAL AWARDS.

In 2007 WFF-WBBF for the International Sport  V.I.P.  Persons started presenting exceptional unique INTERNATIONAL HONOR GOLD MEDALS. During the laste period the International Honor Gold Medals were presented to the underlined Persons.

(each International Honor Gold Medal valued over 2000 Euro).

Year; Honorable Name; Personal Position; Country

2008 JERZY GOTOWSKI, Mecenat World Championship, Poland

2009 Proffessor ALFRED GERSTL, President Parliament Austria, Austria

2009 VLADIMIR MECIAR, Prime Minister Republic Slovakia, Slovakia

2010 ROBERT FICO, Prime Minister Republic Slovakia, Slovakia

2011 CHUCK NORRIS, World Sport Legend, USA

2012 ALEKSANDR NEVSKY, World Bodybuilding Legend, Russia

2012 RALF MOLLER, World Sport Legend, USA-Germany

2012 STEFAN HRCKA, Mecenat World Championship, Slovakia

2013 SYLVESTER STALLONE, World Sport Legend, USA

2014 LEONID SLUCKIJ, Committee Chairman Parliament Russia, Russia

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, International Sport University (ISU).

World Fitness Federation (WFF-International).

World Body Building Federation (WBBF-International).

WFF-WBBF International is working since 1968; 126 Country-Members; over 60 annual International Events World Wide.

HONORABLE INTERNATIONAL SILVER MEDAL AWARDS

Year, Person, Position, Country

2008 Proffessor ALFRED GERSTL, President Parliament Austria, Austria

2008 JORGE CEDALE President WFF-WBBF South America, Argentina

2008 KAZIMIERZ DOMBROWICZ President City Bydgoszcz, Poland

2008 JERZY GOTOWSKI Mecenat World Championship, Poland

2008 KAZIMIERZ DROZD Vice President City Bydgoszcz, Poland

2008 ZBIGNIEW PACELT Minister Sport Poland, Poland

2009 VLADIMIR MECIAR Prime Minister Republic Slovakia, Slovakia

2009 MIKE MITCHELL World Bodybuilding Legend, Scotland

2010 ROBERT FICO Prime Minister Republic Slovakia, Slovakia

2010 EDITA SENDRIENE Chairman WFF-WBBF Judges Council, Lithuania

2010 JOLANTA MILERIUTE General Secretary WFF-WBBF International, Lithuania

2010 PRINCE UPPAL President WFF-WBBF Asia, India

2011 STEFAN HRCKA Mecenat World Championship, Slovakia

2011 TOMMY DU RAND President WFF-WBBF Africa, South Africa

2012 ALEKSANDR NEVSKY World Bodybuilding Legend, Russia

2012 Dr. MOHAMMAD REZA KAZEM ASTEYANI Official national Olympic Committee Iran, Iran

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, International Sport University (ISU).

INDIA BODYBUILDING HEROE LIFE STORY.

Anand Arnold, who hasn’t let his disability hold him back, is all set to represent India at Mr World 2017, which will be organised by World Fitness Federation (WFF) and World Body Building Federation (WBBF).
29-year-old Anand will compete for the title under wheelchair bodybuilding category, to be held from October 14 to 17 at Lithuania.
But the journey to Mr World was not a cake walk for him. Anand started bodybuilding at the age of 13 and within few months managed to develop spectacular physique. He started participating in local bodybuilding competitions and won his first title Mr Golden Ludhiana the same year.
He was doing great and by the time he turned 15, his physique became a topic of conversation among top bodybuilders. But one day he experienced extreme pain in his lower body and was later diagnosed with lower spinal chord cancer.

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation, International Sport University (ISU).

BODYBUILDING IN USA. ANALYTICAL REVUE.

WAYNE DE MILIA.

We still work on the article „Bodybuilding in the US“ and our work is nearly finished..

Another prominent Professional bodybuilding person in the US was WAYNE DE MILIA. He always was working with WEDER brothers, mostly with JOE WEIDER.

The Owner of the private commercial „Joe Weider‘s OLYMPIA“ contest JOE WEIDER appоinted WAYNE DE MILIA to be the Director of the Professional League that was a private property of JOE WEIDER too.

Working for many years WAYNE DE MILIA  did a lot to rise the Professional bodybuilding to the level it is today. After JOE WEIDER  sold his private „Joe Weider‘s OLYMPIA“ contest to another businessman WAYNE DE MILIA  was pressed by the new Owner to leave the Director‘s of the Professional League  position. Then WAYNE DE MILIA tried to make his own bodybuilding organization.  He organized Pro Events in the US and UK, but thay were not successfull. Once he tried to work tohether with the WFF-WBBF International, but a hard desease made him to leave the sport business.

First time the President WFF-WBBF International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met WAYNE DE MILIA in the New York City in 1991. Then to the Commercial Contest „Joe Weider‘s OLYMPIA“  for the negotiations of the common work DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was invited as a Personal Guest of the Owner and the President of the IFBB Commercial Company BEN WEIDER. In New York DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  discussed with BEN WEIDER the ways to register with the IFBB Commercial Firm a Joint – Wenture Company and then a definite Protocol was signed.

See historical documents in different languages on the International Internet Site www.wff.lt forum topic „WFF-WBBF North America“.

After the Second World War another famous and important USA sport organizer and bodybuilder was DAN LURIE. He set his own bodybuilding organization called the WBBG (World Body Building Guild) that was very active in 1967-1979. DAN LURIE  worked organizing amateur and Professional competitions (among them „Olympus“ contest), published bodybuilding magazines.

For many years DAN LURIE  was surrounded by such gerat World‘s Bodybuilding Legends as HAROLD POOLE, RICK WAYNE, BILL GRANT, CHRIS DICKERSON, BOYER COE, TONY EMMOTT, SERGE NUBRET, TONY PEARSON  and SERGIO OLIVA.

It was a great work done by DAN LURIE but unfortunatelly the WBBG  did not play a big noticeble role on the International Bodybuilding Level espacially when we speak about the official and recognized bodybuilding sport. By the way, it was DAN LURIE  who used the IFBB name first and only later BEN WEIDER  named his commercial company the same name too.

LOUIS ZWICK.

In 1988 LOUIS ZWICK started his own commercial sport business. That was a famous Unique International Bodybuilding Project named „USA versus USSR“. LOUIS ZWICK was a very risky person as he financed this Project. On the other hand LOUIS ZWICK could have a good profit id the Project was successfull as he aimed to sell the filmed in the USSR material for the ESPN television.

LOUIS ZWICK hared a filming group and collected a number of known Amateur and Professional bodybuilders and brought them to the USSR.

During the competition LOUIS ZWICK made acquaintance of  the contemporary President WFF-WBBF International DSc.EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. It is not strange as DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was the only one among all USSR bodybuilding leaders to know the English language.

DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS came to the „USA versus USSR“ contest accompanied with his sport pupil alderady the Over All Winner of the first Official and Recognized USSR Bodybuilding Championship VIKTORAS JUCYS  and also the USSR Champion ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS. At that time both bodybuilders were also multiple Over All Champions of the World‘s Oldest Traditional Bodybuilding Contest „Amber Prix International‘ (1968-2013).

As LOUIS ZWICK wanted a professional comment on his filmed materials he asked the assistance of  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. No Secret that all foreign people visiting the USSR were followed and covered by special services at that time. All contacts were under the fierce control. Speaking with LOUIS ZWICK secretly to run away from the following secret services DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took his both bodybuilders together. Unexpectidly to all present all of them jumped in a taxy and run away to a bodybuilding gym in the subburbs of Leningrad City. Also there arrived the filming group of LOUIS ZWICK too. They shot a film about the training routines of VIKTORAS JUCYS  and ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS, took comments of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. Later this film was a big success of LOUIS ZWICK  and it televised several times to the USA by ESPN television.

The sport projects started by LOUIS ZWICK in the USSR still work. LOUIS ZWICK  organizes and films competitions like „Fame“, „America Pageant“, „World Fitness Tour“ etc. And sells the materials to various US Television Companies, among them ESPN television.

Once LOUIS ZWICK  invited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to take part at one of his projects in Europe. That was the 2002 „Fame“ Europe Championship in Stutgart (Germany). To this event LOUIS ZWICK brought six professional fitness athletes from the US. The main goal of the contest was to make a film. No doubt that all these six participants from the US won first six places leaving all other participants behind. LOUIS ZWICK  shot a good film for the US television and left Europe.

While communicating with the Owner of another US Private Commercial International Sport Organization MESHELLE BOYKO DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS learned that long before LOUIS ZWICK had been working at the MESHELLE BOYKO company. As she told LOUIS ZWICK  copied her ideas and went on doing alone on his own the same work as he did working at her Company.

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation.

OVERTURN IN PROFESSIONAL BODYBUILDING.

HOW US „FEDERATIONS“ LOOK LIKE. WBF OF VINCE MC. MAHON.

The World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF) was a private bodybuilding organization founded in 1990 by VINCE MC. MAHON (Vincent Kennedy Mc. Mahon)   in the US. VINCE MC. MAHON  created the WBF as  a commercial competition to the long established IFBB company owned by BEN WEIDER.

MC. MAHON presented a bodybuilding magazine called „Bodybuilding Lifestyles“. He hired famed bodybuilding personality TOM PLAZ to oversee the publication. After 1990 „Joe Weider‘s OLYMPIA“ in Chicago booth handed out press releases announcing the WBF's formation. MC. MAHON stated that the WBF would "revamp professional bodybuilding with dramatic new events and the richest prize money in the history of the sport." TOM PLATZ wsa announced as the Director of Talent Development for the organization.

ATTACKING WEIDER BROTHERS.

In 1991 in the WBF of VINCE MC. MAHON had signed thirteen competitors (all famous IFBB Professionals) to long-term contracts: AARON BAKER, MIKE CHRISTIAN, VINCE COMERFORD, DAVID DEARTH, BERRY DEMEY, JOHNNIE MORANT, DANNY PADILLA, TONY PEARSON, JIM QUINN, MIKE QUINN, EDDIE ROBINSON, GARY STRYDOM AND TROY ZUCCOLOTTO. This made nearly a catastrophy for the WEIDER brother‘s „Joe Weider‘s OLYMPIA“commercial contest that year.

The Winner of the both VINCE‘S MC. MAHON events was GARY STRYDOM (1991, 1992).

BUSINESSMAN STEPPS BACK.

In 1992 MC. MAHON made another try and it was a deal with LOU FERRIGNO, to bring him in as a competitor. After the 1992 VINCE‘S MC. MAHON event received a low buyrate, he called the owners of IFBB and announced that the WBF was disbanding.

The WEIDER brothers let all bodybuilders come back and even to participate in their contests, bet they never let them to take high places at the contests again.

SERGE NUBRET.

When we speak about the International Bodybuilding in France, we always mean the personality of SERGE NUBRET. SERGE NUBRET was a talanted International Level Professional Bodybuilder, superious organizer and also a cinema actor.

SERGE NUBRET  was a close friend of the owner and the President of the IFBB Commercial Company  (International Federation of Body Builders) BEN WEIDER who appointed SERGE NUBRET to the position of the first in the IFBB history Vice President ever (1971-1974).  After a number of inner scandals and intrigues SERGE NUBRET  had been  blackmailed and dismissed from the IFBB. Then in 1976 SERGE NUBRET  set his own not registered by Law private International Bodybuilding Structure and named it WABBA (World Amateur Body Building Association).

In 1983 SERGE NUBRET  wrote in his letters to the International  President WFF-WBBF (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS that in 1976 he set the WABBA „in order to fight against the IFBB“.

WEIDERS SMASH WABBA.

For ten years organizing several anual International Events until 1989  WABBA  was working sucessfully. Ending the eighties of the last Century being not registered oficcially as International Sport Organization the International WABBA structure was based on the folowing: SERGE NUBRET  was the Owner of the Name and Logo of WABBA. Also he was the „WABBA International Coordinator“. The formal President of WABBA was RENAUT ROBINET and the General Secretary was AKLI CHABENI.

Today only few know how much important for the WABBA and IFBB was the year of 1989. BEN WEIDER  and SERGE NUBRET  have been fighting in between for nearly twenty years. RENAUT ROBINET with the assistance of sponsors was organizing a very big International Event in Paris. That was the 1989 WABBA Amateur World Championship that never happened.

It was a terrible hit for WABBA when after visiting BEN WEIDER‘S  house in Canada RENAUT ROBINET announced that he stops working with SERGE‘S NUBRET WABBA. As the preparation of the WABBA World Championship was nearly over, RENAUT ROBINET organized in Paris the 1989 IFBB World Amateur Championship instead. BEN WEIDER  got the Super International Event and it terrific hit the WABBA of SERGE NUBRET. After this  falldown WABBA never rised to the same level again. RENAUT ROBINET was not happy also as after this competition he did not receive anything sufficient from BEN WEIDER  and finally he played no role in the International Bodybuilding Sport again. Also we must underline that after the 1989 IFBB World Championship there was no more any Great International Bodybuilding Event in France which was important for the development of the International Bodybuilding on official level as sport.

The 1989 World Amateur Championship was organized an the prestigeous Paris „La Fayette“ International Hotel Congress Palace. All delegates participans also lived in „La Fayette“  hotel. Today the International Sport Specialists state that during all long lasting history of the World‘s Bodybuilding there were only two so well organized International Events ever: the 1989 IFBB World Amateur Championship in Paris and the 2011 WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in Vienna (Austria).

To coordinate mutual work the International WFF-WBBF President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  as a VIP Guest was invited by BEN WEIDER  to the IFBB World Championship in Paris. Both spent the whole day for the discussions then.

Anyone interested in the World‘s Bodybuilding History can find more information and lots of historic documents in the Historic Articles on the International Site www.wff.lt, anso in the historical forum topics. The letters of SERGE NUBRET to EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  are among them. By the way, some years ago many documents of his private archieves SERGE NUBRET  presented to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS.

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation.

PHOTOS: DSc.EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Lithuania), BEN WEIDER (Canada), SERGE NUBRET (France), JOSEFINA CHUA (Singapore), RAFAEL SANTONJA (Spain).

During the long lasting history of Estonia bodybuilding there were no more so High Bodybuilding Personalities, so skilled organizers and trainers as INNAR MARDO.

INNAR MARDO  started his International activities with the prestigeous „Georg Tenno Memorial“ competitions. During his life he became very Professional in this sport. Together with the contemporary President of the WFF-WBBF (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) International Federation DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, INNAR MARDO was for many years in contact with all main World‘s Bodybuilding Leaders such as BEN WEIDER, OSCAR HEIDENSTAM, SERGE NUBRET.

AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL.

Representing Estonia INNAR MARDO was the Head of all National Teams to the World‘s Oldest Tradinional Bodybuilding Contest – the „Amber Prix International“ (1968-2013).

During the twenty years of  prohibition and prosecution of  Bodybuilding Sport in the Socialist Countries and the USSR, the „Amber Prix International“ was the unofficial World Bodybuilding Championship of the Socialist Countries and the Bodybuilding Championship of the USSR (see in various languages more information on the International Internet Site www.wff.lt  main page and forum topics „World Bodybuilding History. How it was in real“ and also in the Official WFF-WBBF International Magazine „Sport of Fitness and Bodybuilding“, Issues No. 28,33,34).

NATIONAL FEDERATION WFF-WBBF ESTONIA.

Ending the nineties of the last Century INNAR MARDO  was very active in the work of the WFF-WBBF International. At that time the National federation WFF-WBBF Estonia was set and registered officially. INNAR MARDO  was the first President of the National Federation WFF-WBBF Estonia.

In 2001 INNAR MARDO  was one of the main organizers of the WFF-WBBF Europe Championship in the capital Estonia City of Tallinn.

After unexpectidly early INNAR MARDO  passed away the Estonians use to organize anual „Innar Mardo Memorial“ Contest.

INFORMATION.

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa, WFF-WBBF Asia Continental Federation.

PHOTO: President WFF-WBBF International DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, President WFF-WBBF Estonia INNAR MARDO (2001, Tallinn, Estonia).

ALEKSANDR NEVSKY (called by Journalists the „Russia Schwarzenegger“) is a well-known Russia Social Movement Person,  two times WFF-WBBF „Universe“ Champion and  a famous Hollywood Actor and Producer.

RUSSIA FEDERATION PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN

ALEKSANDR NEVSKY was among the Ellection Team of the Russia Federation President VLADIMIR PUTIN and also he was among the first to shake his hand in the President‘s Headquarters after his new President Ellection Winn.

«Хочу поделиться с Вами главной новостью - вечером 4 марта я был приглашен в избирательный штаб В. В. Путина и имел возможность лично поздравить его с победой!
Также, я имел честь пообщаться со Спикером Совета Федерации России В. И. Матвиенко, Председателем Государственной Думы России С. Е. Нарышкиным, Мэром Москвы С. С. Собяниным, Главой Администрации Президента России С. Б. Ивановым и Секретарем Президиума Генсовета "Единой России" С. И. Неверовым». Александр Невский

ALEKSANDR NEVSKY GOES TO POLITICS
Wide Media anounced, that due to the great efforts popularizing Bodybuilding and Fitness  ALEKSANDR NEVSKY  became the Sport Advisor for the Russia State Tula Governor VLADIMIR GRUZDEV.

Должность советника по спорту на общественных началах губернатора Тульской области Владимира Груздева занял известный российский бодибилдер, актер и продюсер Александр Невский.

В. Груздев провел встречу с А.Невским, в ходе которой обсуждались вопросы пропаганды здорового образа жизни в Тульской области, создания необходимых условий для занятия физкультурой и спортом, пишет «Интерфакс».
«Я сейчас рассматриваю Тулу как плацдарм, на котором могу применить весь свой опыт, полученный, в том числе, в Калифорнии и у того же Арнольда Шварценеггера, и я искренне считаю, что все мы вместе можем добиться желаемых результатов», - сказал Невский.

ALEKSANDR NEVSKY PRESENTS PRO EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP

Being one of the main event organizers ALEKSANDR NEVSKY presents the 2012 WFF-WBBF Pro Europe Championship Open (20 000 US dollars Cash Prizes) in Tula.

«Здравствуйте, друзья! Я - Александр Невский, и у меня есть очень хорошая новость для всех любителей фитнеса и бодибилдинга - следующий чемпионат Европы состоится в России! Лучших атлетов будет принимать город Тула, где я являюсь советником губернатора по физической культуре и спорту. В 2011 году в Туле проходил грандиозный турнир по бодибилдингу  «Мистер Вселенная Гран При», собравший спортсменов из России и многих других стран. Этот турнир посетил президент Всемирной Федерации Бодибилдинга и Всемирной Федерации Фитнеса ЭДМУНДАС ДАУБАРАС, который высоко оценил организацию чемпионата и гостеприимство туляков. Поэтому, он с радостью поддержал идею проведения чемпионата Европы в городе оружейников! С российской стороны организацией этого турнира занимается президент ВФФ-ВББФ России, руководитель международного дивизиона спортсменов-профессионалов АНДРЕЙ БАСОВ, ему помогает вице-президент Всемирной Федерации ВФФ-ВББФ МИХАИЛ ДЬЯКОНОВ».

More information on the International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics. Also information available on the Facebook pages: WFF-WBBF International, WFF-WBBF North America, WFF-WBBF South America, WFF-WBBF Asia, WFF-WBBF Europe, WFF-WBBF Africa.

During the 2010 WFF-WBBF (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) World Championship in Brusno Kupele (Slovakia) WBBF „Universe“ Champion DAYO AUDI (UK) spoke us about the WFF-WBBF Secretary EDITA SENDRIENE. She is very popular in the UK. UK Bodybuilders and Bodybuilding Leader like the way EDITA presents new International Sport ideas in the Magazines, Press and TV reports.

We would like to remind that EDITA SENDRIENE  is the first Over All World Fitness Champion from the Socialist World (1997). Only after her win in Manheim (Germany) other Great Sport Personalities appeared.

At the moment  EDITA SENDRIENE is the Chairman WFF-WBBF International Judges Council.

JOLANTA MILERIUTE
• 9 times World Amateur Champion
• 3 times World Pro Champion
• 2 times Over All World Champion
• Award President Republic Lithuania
• Award Prime Minister Republic Lithuania
• 2 times Award Non Olympic Sports Committee
• Award World Fitness Federation

All life devoting to the development of general sport in Austria Professor ALFRED GERSTL was always the World’s VIP Sport Person. Serving at the Position of the President Parliament Austria Professor ALFRED GERSTL  had good opportunities to do his best in many International and National activities including sport. And he did it well. 
ALFRED GERSTL  has been connected with sport from 1963. 

OLEV ANNUS - the first professional bodybuilder in East EuropeSPORT CAREER OF ESTONIAS MOST IMPORTANT EXPORT:Over All Estonian ChampionOver All GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL ChampionOver All "Amber Prix" - International ChampionIFBB European ChampionNABBA World Professional ChampionNABBA Professional "Universe" third placeIFBB Senior "Mr.Olympia" finalist OLEV ANNUS started participating in bodybuilding contests in 1972.

GEORG TENNO MEMORIAAL GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS INTERNATIONAL TALLINN GEORG TENNO was one of the pioneers of bodybuilding in the USSR as well as in Estonia. Afterhis tragic death in a car event Estonians started organizing International GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL Competitions. There was a period of two decades when bodybuilding in the Soviet Union was prohibited as a Western sport.