2023. WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

ONLY THREE CONTESTS HAD HISTORIC STRATEGIC VALUE.

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 140 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 56 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”).

Part One of the Encyclopedia covering period since ancient times to 1973 is finished. Now we are working on the Second Book covering period of time since 1973 until 1991.

ONLY THREE CONTESTS HAD HISTORIC STRATEGIC VALUE.

There are many various level competitions around us and the value to the World‘s sport of every one is different. Through the time today working on the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ we can clearly see what really every competition means to our sport. During the eighties of the last Century only three contests played great historic role to the Socialist Bodybuilding and to the World‘s Bodybuilding as well. The World was divided politically and the Bodybuilding Sport was prohibited in the Socialist Countries.  It was a big risk for everybody to be connected with this sport. This means that always we look upon the same things from the different point of view. Today we can underline that only three events were extremely important for the further development of bodybuilding:

- 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (1971 – 1989, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», Tallinn, Estonian SSR, organized Innar Mardo, Иннар Мардо)

1975 I.F.B.B. Europe Championship (Amsterdam, Holland). VOJTECH FIALA from Czechoslovakia had broken the „Iron Wall“ and first time in sport‘s history PETER STACH won the Europe Champion‘s title)

- 1978 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз», Klaipeda, Lithuanian SSR, organized by DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) opened the new page of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding.

We will speak about each of the mentioned events and explain the essence. Only due to these competitions our sport looks as it looks now.

UNIQUE „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.

The „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2022 m. , Klaipeda, Republic Lithuania) was and still is a unique happening. It needs to be studied thoroughly by the specialists of the sport history. There is no other international contest in the World which is so much connected with the World history.

The „Amber Prix International“ is the oldest traditional competition after the N.A.B.B.A.  (National Amateur Body Building Association) „Mr. Universe“ that is held in the UK since 1950.

We will touch the following topics while telling stories about the „Amber Prix International“:

-        During the twenty years lasting prohibition of bodybuilding sport the „Amber Prix International“ together with the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) were the only ones regular International bodybuilding competitions in the U.S.S.R. and all Socialist countries.

-        The possibility to organize open bodybuilding contests in other places came when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS won the fight for bodybuilding against the Highest Communist Institutions of the U.S.S.R.

-        In 1986 during the „Amber Prix International“ in Klaipeda leaders of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding agreed about the future plans to set the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding federation and the ways how to develop bodybuilding

-        There were some records. In 1990 at the „Amber Prix International“ participated 89 teams and there were over 50 participants in each category

-        Together with the „Amber Prix International“  in 1990 and in 1991 official U.S.S.R. junior Championships were held

-        Ending the nineties of the last century the Ministry of Sport of the U.S.S.R. (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) named the „Amber Prix International“  as „unofficial USSR Championship“ («неофициальный Чемпионат С.С.С.Р.) and started presenting names of the „Sport master of the U.S.S.R.“ («Мастер спорта С.С.С.Р.») to the winners of the „Amber Prix International“

-        During the history the Chairmen of our competitions  were Prime Ministers of the Republic Lithuania, Ministers and Members of the Parliament

-        Celebrating 40 years of the  „Amber Prix International“  in 2008 the Parliament of the Republic Lithuania voted for the State financing of the „Amber Prix International“. The money was placed to the Budget of the Lithuanian Republic.

-        In 2011 the Official Meeting of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) Interantional President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  was organized in Vatican.

Listening about “Amber Prix International” during the years of prohibition of sport in the Socialist Countries Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO evaluated efforts of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and named him as „dissident of the Communist regime“. The Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Vatican Pontific Medal (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).

-        In 2015 a number of Members of Parliament Republic and Government Lithuania were present at the „Amber Prix International“. The High Quest Officials called DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS an „Embassador of the Republic Lithuania in the World“ seeing high level of competition and participating many athletes from Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

BACKGROUND OF HISTORICAL 1978 „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.

Until prohibition of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. and all Socialist countries a number of International competitions were held.

There were two U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championships (1971, 1972, Russian Federation, R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.); two „Georg Tenno Memorials“ („Georg Tenno Memorial“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно»,  1971, 1972, Tallinn, Estonian SSR); three „Amber Prix International“ (1968, 1969, 1970, “Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», Klaipeda, Lithuanian SSR) and contests in Lithuanian Vilnius and Kaunas.

In 1973 bodybuilding prohibition started. Estonians led by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо) managed to prove their Government that bodybuilding is „a National Kind of Sport“. Czechoslovakia SSR bodybuilders were led by the President of the National Federation VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала). VOJTECH FIALA used his personal power and had hidden bodybuilding behind the power exercises. This gave possibilities for Estonians and Czechoslovaks to go on organizing contests.

In 1973 and in 1975 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was not organized. In 1971, 1972, 1973 „Amber Prix International“ was not organized too. In 1973 just after bodybuilding was prohibited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) without any publicity organized „underground“ bodybuilding contest in Klaipeda prison. In 1974 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  organized „Amber Prix International“ in a nuclear bomb shelter. Following Czechoslovaks 1975, 1976 „Amber Prix International“ was hidden behind the power exercises too. Similar situation was in other cities of the Lithuanian SSR. Without any publicity and without spectators in 1976 International contest was held in Kaunas. In 1977 International contest was held in a gym of Kedainiai.

In 1976 Russians organized International contest in Kalinin (Калинин, Р.С.Ф.С.Р., now Tver). The contest was prohibited and it was done underground in a small city gym.

The situation was awful and bodybuilders needed to change it anyway. In 1975 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with main U.S.S.R. newspapers, Ministry of Sport of the U.S.S.R. (Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.). It lasted four years. Finally to fight for defending bodybuilding DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote a petition. He personally brought the petition to Moscow and presented to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R. (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the Ministry Council of the U.S.S.R. (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). All bodybuilding organizers were afraid to support DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and he did it alone on his own risk to be later prosecuted.

RESISTANCE AGAINST PROHIBITION OF BODYBUILDING.

Main reason to prohibit bodybuilding sport was that it came from the „Western“ countries. This way it was against the „Communist morality“. In 1975 having no support of any bodybuilding organizers in fighting with the bodybuilding prohibition in the Socialist World DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) went his own way. He was under big impression after return from the Czechoslovakian SSR where he met local bodybuilders. Universities of the Socialist countries used to exchange students for summer time and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS lucky was among them.

The U.S.S.R. press used to publish negative articles on bodybuilding after the 1973 political bodybuilding prohibition. Most often it was the U.S.S.R. main sport newspaper „Sovietskij Sport“ («Советский спорт») and the main writer was a former weightlifter journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV (Дмитрий Иванов). Ten years ago when bodybuilding started in the U.S.S.R. DMITRIJ IVANOV used to write „good“ positive articles about bodybuilding but now he worked according the political situation. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS addressed the Chairman of the Office of „Sovietskij Sport“ and asked contacts of  DMITRIJ IVANOV. Then the mutual correspondence started. Copies of the letters DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS used to send to the U.S.S.R. Scientific Institute of the Research of the Phisycal Culture (V.N.I.I.F.K., В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры). At that time the Institute worked on the theoretical basis of bodybuilding. During a number of years the Institute managed to find only the Socialist name of bodybuilding and it was „Athletic Gymnastics“ (атлетическая гимнастика). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS did everything in a „polite manner“.

The situation of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR and in the Czechoslovakian SSR was a good example to seek and follow. Under the leadership of INNAR MARDO (1946 – 2002) Estonians managed to prove their Government that bodybuilding id a „National Kind of Sport“. Basing on since 1959 traditions of F.I.H.C. in Socialist countries Czechoslovaks for many years had hidden the essence of bodybuilding behind the power exercises.  

As we mentioned above the Universities of the Socialist countries used to Exchange their students. This way DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS came to Czechoslovakian SSR in 1975. Then he had a number of meetings with VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала) who was the President of the National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR. Bodybuilders of Czechoslovakia were on top at the I.F.B.B. at that time and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS learned many things of that.

The Headquarters of the National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR was placed in Prague in the building of the Ministry of Sport (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovi). VOJTECH FIALA introduced DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to the Chairman of the Ministry and to the secretary of the federation PETER TLAPAK (Петер Тлапак) . In 1976 PETER TLAPAK won the I.F.B.B. Europe Championship.

One day VOJTECH FIALA organized a trip of  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to the suburb of Praha to PETER STACH (Петер Стах). PETER STACH won the Over All Champion‘s title of the 1975 I.F.B.B. Europe Championship. He presented to the guest his training methods and posing abilities.

Invited by Czechoslovaks in 1977 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  two times visited Czechoslovakian SSR again. VOJTECH FIALA organized his trip to the mountains where National Olympic Centre (Национальный Олимпийский Центр) was placed. Financed by the Government in this Centre Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Team was preparing to the coming International competitions. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met bodybuilders and their trainers and inspected the Centre.

At the same time bodybuilding organized professor FRANTISEK BULVA (Франтишек Бульва) organized two meetings of the Council of National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR in Brno City. Under the recomendation of VOJTECH FIALA  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took part at these meetings. Then he spoke about the real situation in the U.S.S.R. and learned the „Czechoslovak way“. Also the possiblity to organize contest between U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodybuilders was spoken over.

Time was running. Nothing was better. Situation was the same after the 1973 prohibition of bodybuilding. Basing of the orders of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) local Governments followed them. Bodybuilders were prosecuted as any other criminals. Gyms were closed. Bodybuilders had problems at their working places. Who dared to risk to organize competitions?

Most bodybuilding organizers left sport. First U.S.S.R. International Bodybuilding Organization (Committee) that was organized in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) in 1968 diminished. For example VLADIMIR DUBININ (Leningrad, R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.) left bodybuilding for thirteen years. Nearly everybody was afraid to do anything. Everybody but not all. Few enthuziasts went on organizing contests. Contests were „underground“ and without public and without any publicity. As it was before all bodybuilding competitions were according in 1959 accepted F.I.H.C. rules – posing was done together with power exercises.

The „underground“ bodybuilders got one more strict order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport  (Комитет по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р.) in 1977. It seemed that there is no more way out of this…

BACKGROUND OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS PETITION.

1973 bodybuilding prohibition was the reason that many U.S.S.R. bodybuilding organizers, trainers and athletes left the sport. Among those who still were in activities nobody supported intentions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fight to stop bodybuilding prohibition. All were afraid to go against the regime. So called „Secretary of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ Lithuanian ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS (Романас Калинаускас) said to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS: „all You do is Your own risk and Your own intentions. For this reason I will not risk my Communist Party membership. If something will go bad – I will say that I even did not know about these Your works“.

DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was led by the ideas of the Czechoslovakian bodybuilders and their Leader VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала). „If they can train and make competitions during the bodybuilding prohibition, why we can not? We need to find out the way“.

As we mentioned above, the main author of negative articles about bodybuilding was a former Russian (R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.) weightlifter journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV  (Дмитрий Иванов). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wanted to know who is behind him. DMITRIJ IVANOW always based his articles on the 1973 -01-24 order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) to prohibit bodybuilding.

Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with DMITRIJ IVANOV. Unfortunately the new strict order to prohibit bodybuilding of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport appeared on December 5, 1977. The order No. 1229 was issued by the U.S.S.R. Minister of Sport Mr. PAVLOV (Председатель комитета по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р. С.П.ПАВЛОВ). The order said that nevertheless of the 1973 order to prohibit bodybuilding the sport still was alive. In a number of places bodybuilders trained underground and even organized competitions. The Minister wanted to control them. He ordered to go on prohibiting training in gyms and organizing competitons. The Minister told the U.S.S.R. Scientific Institute of the Research of the Phisycal Culture (V.N.I.I.F.K., В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры) to develop training methodics for bodybuilders. The methodics should be according the requirements of the Ministry. To control how the new order is fulfilled the Minister appointed his assistant Mr. IVANOV (Главное управление физического воспитания населения) pirmininkas L.V.IVANOVAS (Л.В.Иванов).

Just after the order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport the same orders were issued in the Ministries of the Socialist Republics. In 1977 Ministry of Sport of the Lithuanian SSR (Lietuvos TSR sporto komitetas prie Lietuvos TSR Ministrų Tarybos) issued the same order to prohibit bodybuilding and to prosecute the bodybuilders. The order was signed by the Deputy Minister ALGIMANTAS KUKSTA (Альгимантас Кукшта).

Then to stop bodybuilding prohibition DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport direct. To discuss the matter he asked the Ministry to arrange a meeting with bodybuilding organizers. Dsc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received the answer to his letter from the Deputy Minister of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport Mr.IVONIN (Заместитель председателя министерства спорта С.С.С.Р. В.А.ИВОНИН). The answer of the Deputy Minister was negative. For DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was left the only one way – to address the „bosses“ of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport. That were the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party  (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.).

DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS VISITED MINISTER OF SPORT.

After evaluating the risks DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) decided to go to Moscow.

Before going to Moscow DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS found the possibility to visit Minister of Sport of the Lithuanian SSR (Lietuvos TSR Kūno kultūros ir sporto komiteto prie Lietuvos TSR Ministrų Tarybos pirmininkas) Mr. ZIGMAS MOTIEKAITIS (Зигмас Мотекайтис, 1936).

At the meeting DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke about his planned visit to  the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party  (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and to the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). Also both spoke about the petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fight against bodybuilding prohibition. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke to the Minister about the easy situation for bodybuilding in the Czechoslovakia SSR and Estonian SSR (Чехословацкая ССР и Эстонская ССР). The Minister was stable – the order of the U.S.S.R. Minister of Sport to prohibit bodybuilding  is above everything.

The Minister advised DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS not to go to Moscow and not to present his petition to defend bodybuilding sport. Mr. ZIGMAS MOTIEKAITIS was sure that after this DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS will be punished.

DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS PETITION AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.

The situation of bodybuilding sport was very complicated after the 1977 bodybuilding prohibiting Order No. 1229 of the Minister of Sport of the U.S.S.R. S.P.PAVLOV (Председатель комитета по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р. С.П.ПАВЛОВ) and after the same orders of the Ministries of Sport of the Socialist Republics. Most thought that bodybuilding is finished. Then DSc. Edmundas Daubaras risked to fight against bodybuilding prohibition and wrote a thirteen pages petition. Was he afraid? Yes. But the wish to free bodybuilding was bigger than the fear.

It was not possible to send the petition by post. All letters addressed to the high political institutions of the U.S.S.R. were stopped by the local services. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras had to go to Moscow personally of to present his petition himself. So he did. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras went to Moscow and presented the petition to the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party  (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.).

In front of the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council K.G.B. agents stopped DSc. Edmundas Daubaras. They spoke about the aims of the visit and scrutinized the petition. After that they let DSc. Edmundas Daubaras go inside the building.

Short contence of the DSc. Edmundas Daubaras petition:

The petition was politisized. Otherwise nobody even would read it. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras explained the situation of bodybuilding in the World, Socialist countries and the U.S.S.R.. He underlined the positive sides of bodybuilding sport.

Big part of the petiton was discussion over the above mentioned Order No. 1229 of the Minister of Sport of the U.S.S.R. S.P.PAVLOV. also DSc. Edmundas Daubaras discussed the unreal facts presented by journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV (Дмитрий Иванов)  in his „Sovetskij Sport“ («Советский спорт») article „Izlom“ («Излом»).

Covering the topic DSc. Edmundas Daubaras suggested to organize a common meeting of the representatives of the Ministry of Sporto f the U.S.S.R., the V.N.I.I.F.K. (В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры) and bodybuilders. All bodybuilding questions could be discussed and the solution could be found.

RESULTS OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS DEFENDING BODYBUILDING PETITION.

So, in 1978 finally the petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to defend bodybuilding sport was personally by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented to Moscow (Capital of the U.S.S.R.). The addresses were the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). After it DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS returned from Moscow to Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). What was next? Punishment? Prosecution? Loosing job? There was a two week silence. Once the phone at the appartment of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS rang. It was the Chairman of the Propaganda department of the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party who spoke to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. The Chairman was interested in the details of the petition.

After some days DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received another call from Moscow. The same Chairman asked about the details of the petition again.  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was tensious as the high representative of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party said nothing definite to him.

Suddenly the telephone of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was swiched off and through his work he was invited to the Headquarters of the Depertments of the Communist Party of Klaipeda City. The Chairman of the Department of the Communist Party of Klaipeda City JONAS GURECKAS (Секретарь комитета коммунистической партии г. Клайпеда Ионас Гурецкас) met DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS in person. During a long discussion DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS told him about his voyage to Moscow, abouth the bodybuilding in the World, in the the U.S.S.R., in the Lithuanian SSR and in Klaipeda City. Finally the Chairman JONAS GURECKAS told to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  to stop contacting High Officials of the U.S.S.R.. He said DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS that they permit him to organize bodybuilding competitions in Klaipeda City. Bodybuilders had to train in several definite gyms which were controlled by the Municipal Department of Sport of Klaipeda.

Unexpected decission of the U.S.S.R. Highest Officials was really shocking. The petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS rised the question of bodybuilding on such high political and governmental levels. This way the positive decission was got. That was the VICTORY. That was the Victory of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, of the World bodybuilding, of the bodybuilding in Socialist Countries, of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding and bodybuilding in the Lithuanian SSR as well. The prohibition of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. still egzisted, the prosecution of it in the Socialist Countries went on. But the permition to train and to organize official bodybuilding contests in Klaipeda City was received.

In 2011 the Official Meeting of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) Interantional President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  was organized in Vatican. Listening about “Amber Prix International” (“Gintarinis prizas”, “Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023) during the years of prohibition of sport in the Socialist Countries Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO evaluated efforts of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and named him as „dissident of the Communist regime“. The Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Vatican Pontific Medal (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011). But about this we will speak later.

WHEN BODYBUILDING WAS PROHIBITED.

IN 1978 „AMBER PRIX“ BECAME OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL BODYBUILDING CONTEST.

We have mentioned something before but there are some items to underline again.

In 1973 bodybuilding sport was prohibited in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist Countries. The only one Contest was allowed – that was the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно, 1971- 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR, see our previous articles). Due to bodybuilding prohibition the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ also was not regular. In 1973 and in 1975 Estonians could not manage to organize the Competition.

After bodybuilding prohibition started in the eighties of the last century only few underground International Contests were organized. Hiding of prosecution in 1974 in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized the „Amber Prix“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023) in a bomb shelter. The Over All Winner was VYTAUTAS ZENKEVICIUS (Витаутас Зенкявичус). In 1975  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized „Amber Prix“ at one of Klaipeda secondary schools. The Over All Winner was RICARDAS KRINICKIS (Ричардас Криницкис, Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR). Both Contests were illegal and without any public. Just to be on the safe side both Contests were held with power exercises.

In 1976 the International Contest was organized in Kalinin (now Tver, Russian Federation, Тверь, Р.С.Ф.С.Р.). The Over All Winner was RICARDAS KRINICKIS. Competition was done illegaly without public in a local gym. 

In 1976 the International Contest was organized in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). It was done in a factory outside the city. The Over All Winner was OLEV ANNUS (Estonian SSR, Олев Аннус). Also this contest was illegal and without public.

In 1976  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized „Amber Prix“ in a small Lithuanian city of Telsiai. It was held together with power exercises. The same way several „Georg Tenno Momorials“ were held in Estonia by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002). Though the sport was prohibited, DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS managed to press the Telsiai administration and it permitted to do the Competition finals in a city Palace of Culture. The hall was full of spectators. The Over All Winner was RICARDAS KRINICKIS.

In 1977 the International Contest was organized in a small city of Kedainiai. The venue place was a local gym.  The Competition was without public. Category Winners were EUGENE GORELIK (Евгений Горелик), RICARDAS KRINICKIS and OLEV ANNUS. The Over All Winner was OLEV ANNUS.

Paying no attention to bodybuilding prohibition DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized 1977 the „Lithuania Bodybuilding Cup“ («Кубок Литовской ССР»). Also in the same 1977 year he organized the „Amber Prix“. Both competitions were done in public. Both were organized with a crowd of spectators in the Palace of Culture of Klaipeda Port (дворец культуры Клайпедского морского торгового порта). The Category Winners of the „Amber Рrix“ were EUGENE GORELIK, RISARDAS KRINICKIS and STASYS CUKANOVAS (Стасис Цукановас). Then the Over All Winner of „Amber Prix“ was STASYS CUKANOVAS (Vilnius, Lithuanian SSR). At before in 1972, 1974 at the „Goerg Tenno Memorial“ all „Amber Prix“ first places went to the representatives of the famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма»). The School was led by CESLAV TAMULEVICH (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский).

To celebrate 10 years of a local gym in 1978 another illegal Contest was organized in Kaunas. Again it was illegal and without public.

This way we reached the time when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS under his risk wrote the petition and personally brought it to the Capital of the U.S.S.R. Moscow. The petition was to defend the bodybuilding sport (петиция Др. Эдмундаса Даубараса в защиту культуризма). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented the petition to the U.S.S.R. Central Committee of the Communist Party (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической Партии С.С.С.Р.) and to the  U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). As a result of this the Communist Party gave permittion to train for bodybuilders of Klaipeda city. Also DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was permitted to organize „Amber prix“ competition in Klaipeda. 

PETITION OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS BROKE PROHIBITION OF BODYBUILDING.

1978 „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.

It is evident that most bodybuilders do not know the history of bodybuilding. Most take as a surprise what we are presenting in our articles. Somenow it is a historic shock for them. We are presenting here the final results of the 1978 „Amber Prix International“ (‚Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 - 2023) until the authors of the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ („Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija“, «Энциклопедия всемирного культуризма») are working on with the folowing historic materials. We must underline that this contest was held during the severe prosecution of bodybuilding. As the specialists and historians of bodybuilding say the 1978 „Amber Prix International“ was the unofficial „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ („neoficialus T.S.R.S. kultūrizmo čempionatas“, «неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»). And after the 1978 this contest remained the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ until 1988 (in 1988 the first U.S.S.R. Official Cup of Bodybuilding was held, „первый официальный кубок С.С.С.Р. по культуризму“). Later the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) recognized the „Amber Prix International“ as it had been the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“. By the way the stage of the 1978 competition, prizes and medals were decorated as the  „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ - „Amber Prix“.

Final Results of the 1978 „Amber Prix“ International“.

Participated bodybuilders from R.S.F.S.R., Ukrainian SSR, Estonian SSR, Belorussian SSR, Latvian SSR, Lithuanian SSR.

Juniors

First Hight Category

1. CHLEBORODOV VIACESLAV (Хлебородов Вячеслав, Lithuanian SSR)

2. BOGDANOVIC VALERIJ (Богданович Валерий, Belorussian SSR)

3. JANCIAUSKAS POVILAS (Lithuanian SSR)

Second Hight Category

1. UCKUS BENAS (Lithuanian SSR)

2. DOLGOV BORIS (Долгов Борис, Lithuanian SSR)

3. APULSKIS RIMAS (Lithuanian SSR)

Third Hight Category

1. PETRAUSKAS RICARDAS (Lithuanian SSR)

2. REMEIKA ALBERTAS (Lithuanian SSR)

3. IVANAUSKAS ALGIS (Lithuanian SSR)

Main Categories

First Hight Category

1. GORELIK JEVGENIJ (Горелик Евгений, Lithuanian SSR)

2. KAPCEVICIUS VLADAS (Lithuanian SSR)

3. ZITINSKIJ BORIS (Житинский Борис, Estonian SSR)

Second Hight Category

1. CUKANOVAS STASYS (Цукановас Стасис, Lithuanian SSR)

2. JELUFIMOV VLADIMIR (Елуфимов Владимир, Estonian SSR)

3. REIM RAIVO (Рейм Райво, Estonian SSR)

Third Hight Category

1. ANNUS OLEV (Estonian SSR)

2. ZURCEV EUGENE (Журцев Евгений, Lithuanian SSR)

3. BESAKIRSKAS ALBERTAS (Lithuanian SSR).

Over All Winners

VIACESLAV CHLEBORODOV – juniors, OLEV ANNUS – Main Categories.

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.

U.N.E.S.C.O. AWARD TO VALERIJ KORESKOV.

CONGRATULATIONS OF LEE HANEY.

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 140 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.

In 2020 for social work done U.N.E.S.C.O. awarded one of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Pioneers VALERIJ KORESKOV (Валерий Корешков). VALERIJ KORESKOV was one of five Chairmen of historically first „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерации культуризма С.С.С.Р.»). This first International Organization of the Socialist World was established in 1968 in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). It worked until in 1973 bodybuilding was prohibited. Remember, I.F.B.B. federation was set in Belgrade (Yugoslavia) only in 1970!

CONGRATULATIONS OF LEE HANEY.

It is a pleasure that the works of VALERIJ KORESKOV were noticed even in the USA. Eight times Pro “Mr. Olympia” LEE HANEY congratulates VALERIJ KORESKOV:

„Congratulations Sir for being a Pioneer to Fitness around the World“.

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.

U.N.E.S.C.O. AWARD TO VALERIJ KORESKOV.

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

BOOK TWO (covering time 1973-1991).

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 140 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.

In 2020 for social work done U.N.E.S.C.O. awarded one of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Pioneers VALERIJ KORESKOV (Валерий Корешков). VALERIJ KORESKOV was one of five Chairmen of historically first „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерации культуризма С.С.С.Р.»). This first International Organization of the Socialist World was established in 1968 in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). It worked until in 1973 bodybuilding was prohibited.

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.

«GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS».

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

BOOK TWO (covering time 1973-1991).

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 140 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 56 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”).

Part One of the Encyclopedia covering period since ancient times to 1973 is finished. Now we are working on the Second Book covering period of time since 1973 until 1991.

“GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS”.

Working on the second book of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” it came to our mind to underline the “Georg Tenno Memorial” («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) contest. There are many reasons and among them these:

-        When bodybuilding sport in 1973 was prohibited in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist Countries – the “Georg Tenno Memorial” and the “Amber Prix International” (“Gintarinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2002, Klaipeda, Republic Lithuania, Organizer DSc. Edmundas Daubaras) were the only ones regular International competitions in the Socialist World. That was and still is a part of the World bodybuilding history.

-        The “Georg Tenno Memorial” was organized by the “Heart of Estonia Bodybuilding” INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002). Since 1998 until his death he was the president of the National W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. federation.

-        In 1987 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for several months was working in Tallinn. INNAR MARDO was ill. Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) and Estonian INDREK OTSUS (Индрек Отсус) organized the 1987 “Georg Tenno Memorial”.

-        Since the first “Georg Tenno Memorial” and „Amber Prix International“ best bodybuilders of the U.S.S.R. participated at these competitions. For them that was the only one chance to “go to another country regularly” at that time.

Step by step we will write the stories about each of the “Georg Tenno Memorial”. Also we will touch International happenings that were connected with the “Georg Tenno Memorial”.

BEGINNING. F.I.H.C. AND SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING.

The topic has been already covered in the first part of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” (“Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija”, «Энциклопедия мирового культуризма»). Nevertheless we will touch several important points again.

The A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union) started it’s work in the nineteenth century and for long time it was as a “Sport Ministry” of the USA. American BOB HOFFMAN always was very much connected with the A.A.U. and it’s Chairmen. A department of A.A.U. weightlifting was a member of  F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Federation Internationale Halterophile; after 1972 I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation”). At the same time the F.I.H.C. was a member of the I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee). Since 1947 until 1969 F.I.H.C. ruled official World bodybuilding sport. No one other International bodybuilding organization could even try to lead the World bodybuilding. We mean structures like N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) association and at that time private I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) company. Though the owners of the I.F.B.B. WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN everywhere copied BOB HOFFMAN’s work they had no chances to win. Behind BOB HOFFMAN was the A.A.U. and the F.I.H.C.. Today I.F.B.B. sport historians diminish the work of BOB HOFFMAN in the World’s bodybuilding development because of envy.

In 1959 the F.I.H.C. World weightlifting championship was held in Warszawa (capital of the People’s Republic of Poland). Traditionally since 1947 during every  World weightlifting championship F.I.H.C. organized the World Bodybuilding Championship (“Universe”). It was BOB HOFFMAN who first brought bodybuilding to the Socialist World. First time in the sport history in Warszawa socialist people saw bodybuilders and got really acquainted to bodybuilding. In 1959 the Over All F.I.H.C. “Mr. Universe” was French bodybuilder GUY MIERCZUK.

As F.I.H.C. was the I.O.C. member bodybuilding was understood of two parts – body presentation and physical exercises. We know from sport history that power exercises were used at the competitions in Socialist countries until ninetees of the last century. Czechoslovakia bodybuilders did it even longer.

Nobody had idea why bodybuilding competitions had power exercises. Most thought that during the prohibition of bodybuilding Socialist bodybuilders did power exercises to make negativeness of political Governments not so strong. Nobody thought that all National Weightlifting Federations were members of F.I.H.C. and I.O.C.. All respected the official status of the F.I.H.C. organization and along the weightlifting recognized bodybuilding too. This was how power exercises came and remained in bodybuilding contests so long.

Since that time bodybuilding was growing fastly in the Socialist World. But in 1973 due to political reasions Communist Governments prohibited bodybuilding. Always at the bodybuilding contests power exercises had equal value with the demonstration of the body. It was the reason that after the 1959 F.I.H.C. „Mr. Universe“ weightlifters often participated at the bodybuilding competitions.

FIRST SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING CONTESTS.

First International contest among all Socialist countries was organized in 1966 in Vilnius (Lithuanian SSR). Then the winners were Lithuanians RYTIS MACIJAUSKAS (Ритис Мацияускас), KLEMENSAS ALSAUSKAS (Клеменсас Альшаускас) and Russian IGOR PETRUCHIN (Игорь Петрухин, (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.).

In 1968 during the International contest in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) was established first Socialist International Bodybuilding Federation (Visuomeninis T.S.R.S. atletinės gimnastikos (kultūrizmo) komitetas“, «Общественный комитет по атлетической гимнастике С.С.С.Р.»). The Chairmen of the organization were five persons: Lithuanians  VALERIJ KORESKOV (Валерий Корешков), VYTAUTAS ZUMERIS (Витаутас Зумерис); Russians ROMAN MOROZ (Роман Мороз), GENADIJ BALDIN (Геннадий Балдин) and VLADIMIR PETROV (Владимир Петров).

In 1968 two International contests were organized in the Lithuanian SSR – one in Kaunas and another one was the historic „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023, Klaipeda, Republic Lithuania). Category winners were Lithuanians KLEMENSAS ALSAUSKAS, LIONGINAS DANILEVICIUS (Лёнгинас Данилявичус) and LEONAS PIVORIUNAS (Ляонас Пиворюнас). The Over All Champion was LEONAS PIVORIUNAS.

In 1971 and in 1972 two U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championships («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р.) were organized in the Russian Federation (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.). In 1971 category winners were Russians:  ALEKSANDR LEMECHOV (Александр Лемехов) – the first place; VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин) the second place; VLADIMIR CHOMULIOV (Владимир Хомулёв) – the third place.

In 1972 the U.S.S.R. champions were:

-        Low Hight Category

VLADIMIR LIPJAINEN (Владимир Липьянен)BORIS ZITKOV (Борис Житков)DMITRIJ CIANEV (Дмитрий Чанев), all from Russian Federation (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.).

-        Middle Hight Category

VALDAS ALIUBAVICIUS (Валдас Алюбавичус, Lithuanian SSR)SERGEJ KIZIN (Сергей Кизин, Russian Federation)ALEKSANDR NIKIFOROV (Александр Никифоров, Russian Federation).

-        Highest Category

VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин)ALEKSANDR LEMECHOV (Александр Лемехов)VLADIMIR CHOMULIOV (Владимир Хомулёв), all from Russian Federation (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.).

Before the first „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) in 1970 the first International contest was organized in Tallinn. Also before the 1973 prohibition of bodybuilding some International competitions were held in the Czechoslovakian SR and in the Peoples Republic of Poland.

1970. INTERNATIONAL CONTEST IN ESTONIA.

At the end of sixties of the last century among all Socialist countries International contests were held in Lithuanian SSR only. First Socialist International contest was held in 1966 in Vilnius. In 1968 International contests were organized Peoples Republic of Poland (first time) and in the Lithuanian Kaunas and Klaipeda. In Klaipeda it was the historic „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023). Both in Kaunas and in Klaipeda the Over All Champion was LEONAS PIVORIUNAS (Ляонас Пиворюнас). LEONAS PIVORIUNAS was representing the famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма») that was led by talanted CELSLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич).

Bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR followed Lithuanians. In 1970 they organized International contest in Tallinn just before the first „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989). Twenty six athletes from Russian Federation (R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.), Lithuanian SSR and Estonian SSR took part at the event.

In Junior categories winners were Lithuanians HENRIKAS BIKINAS (Генрикас Бикинас) and ALBINAS MAGELINSKAS (Альбинас Магелинскас). Main categories were won by Russians VLADIMIR LIPJAINEN (Владимир Липьяйнен), IVAN FREGATOV (Иван Фрегатов) and Estonian ARVO MERE (Арво Мере). At that time a famous heavyweight Russian bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин) lost to ARVO MERE, who was the over All Champion of the contest too.  

1971. FIRST “GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL”.

This article is based on the documents that were given to the International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002). INNAR MARDO used to be called “the Soul of Estonia Bodybuilding”). He was the organizer of the “Georg Tenno Memorial” («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) contests, President of the National Federation of Bodybuilding of the Estonian SSR, President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Estonian Republic, one of the organizers of the 2001 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Europe Championship in Tallinn.

Bodybuilders of four countries participated at the first “Georg Tenno Memorial” – the R.S.F.S.R. (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.), the Estonian SSR, the Lithuanian SSR and the Latvian SSR. The competition was of two parts – posing and power exercises. This system was in all Socialist countries since 1959 F.I.H.C. World Championship (“Mr. Universe”) that was held in Waszawa (People’s Republic of Poland).

Results of the 1971 “Georg Tenno Memorial”:

Junior categories

First hight category

Daugela Kazys, Lithuanian SSRVandys Valentinas, Lithuanian SSRZvjagin Viktor, (Виктор Звягин), Estonian SSR

Second hight category

Aliubavicius Valdas, Lithuanian SSRValge Aare, Estonian SSRCivilis Paulius, Lithuanian SSR

Main age categories

First hight category

Zitkov Vladimir, (Житков Владимир), R.S.F.S.R.Kurgpold Ulo, Estonian SSRSajkovskij Feliks, (Феликс Сайковский), Latvian SSR

Second hight category

Charkevic Viktor, (Виктор Харкевич), Lithuanian SSRSmotsujev Valentin, (Валентин Смоцуев), R.S.F.S.R.Kuzmenko Andrej, (Андрей Кузьменко), R.S.F.S.R.

Third hight category

Dubinin Vladimir, (Владимир Дубинин), R.S.F.S.R.Lemechov Aleksandr, (Александр Лемехов), R.S.F.S.R.Chomuliov Vladimir, (Владимир Хомулёв), R.S.F.S.R..

The Over All Winners were:

Juniors – VALDAS ALIUBAVICIUS, main categories – VLADIMIR DUBININ.

1972 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“.

34 bodybuilders from Latvian SSR, Estonian SSR, R.S.F.S.R., Lithuanian SSR and Ukrainian SSR participated in 1972 at the second „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно»).

Final Results

Juniors

First Hight Category

GORELIK EUGENE (Евгений Горелик, Jevgenijus Gorelikas), Lithuanian SSRGALKAUSKAS SIGITAS, Lithuanian SSRKIRSIPUU PEEP, Estonian SSR

Second Hight Category

ALIUBAVICIUS VALDAS, Lithuanian SSRBRAZDZIUNAS GEDIMINAS, Lithuanian SSRCHARIN ALEKSANDR (Александр Харин), Lithuanian SSR.

At the fifth place was Estonian OLEV ANNUS.

Main Categories

First hight Category

GRIEZE JULIUS, Lithuanian SSRKURGPOLD ULO, Estonian SSRMURAUSKAS ALGIS, Lithuanian SSR

Second Hight Category

KRINICKIS RICARDAS (Ричард Криницкий), Lithuanian SSRSUSLENKOV VLADIMIR (Владимир Сусленков), R.S.F.S.R.NIKIFOROV ALEKSANDR (Александр Никифоров), R.S.F.S.R.

Third Hight Category

DUBININ VLADIMIR (Владимир Дубинин), R.S.F.S.R.LEMECHOV ALEKSANDR (Александр Лемехов), R.S.F.S.R.ZURCEV EUGENE (Zurcevas Jevgenijus, Евгений Журцев), Lithuanian SSR.

All first places in the categories were taken by the representatives of the famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма»). Only VLADIMIR DUBININ from Russia was an exception. The same result was also in 1974 at the third „Georg Tenno Memorial“. Chairmen of the „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ were CESLAV TAMULEVICH (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский).

The 1972 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ Over All Champions were:

Juniors – VALDAS ALIUBAVICIUS

Main Categories – VLADIMIR DUBININ.

1974. “GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL”. BEGINNING.

Due to political reasons after 1971 bodybuilding in Socialist Countries was in problems. Finally in 1973 bodybuilding sport was prohibited in the U.S.S.R. and all Socialist Countries. Bodybuilding activities were prosecuted. The press was full of negative articles about bodybuilding. Competitions were not organized at that time. But there were some exceptions.

Organizing the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (1971 – 1989, «Мемориал Георга Тенно») a representative of the Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002) was the first in all Socialist Countries to break the prohibition of bodybuilding. In 1975 the same did bodybuilding leader of the Czechoslovakian SSR VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала). Then in 1974 INNAR MARDO and his friends started pressing the polititians of the Estonian SSR.  They presented bodybuilding as a national kind of sport in Estonian SSR. They spoke about old Estonian traditions in power sports, strongmen and wrestling. All remembered such known Estonian sport persons as GEORG LURICH (Георг Лурих, 1876 - 1920), GEORG HACKENSCHMIDT  (Георг Гаккеншмидт, 1878 – 1968), Olympic Champion KRISTIAN PALUSALU  (Kristian Trossmann, Кристиан Палусалу, 1908 – 1987).  Estonian GEORG TENNO(Георг Тенно, 1911 - 1967)  for long years on was working at the high sport offices of the U.S.S.R.. This was in 1971 when Estonians started organizing in Tallinn the International „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989) competition. The contest was nearly on regular basis and local governments somehow supported it.

Similar to Estonians did the bodybuilders of Czechslovakia. To hide the real bodybuilding basis they added a number of power exercises in their contests.

In Lithuania competitions were held underground and without public. In 1974 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized the fourth historic „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2022, Klaipeda, Lithuanian Republic). It was held in a city bomb shelter. After this the „Amber Prix“ was organized regularly. In 1976 the International Competition was held in Kalinin (Tver, Russian Federation). The Contest was done in a small city gym. In 1977 an International Contest was organized in a small Lithuanian SSR city Kedainiai and it was held in a small gym too. Lithuanians as well as bodybuilders of other Socialist Countries were hiding the bodybuilding with the power exercises.

In 1974 in Estonian SSR the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was the only one bodybuilding contest in the U.S.S.R. which was more or less supported by the Government. Though the U.S.S.R. polititians were prohibiting to do this.

1974 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“.

REVOLUTION IN SPORT. INNAR MARDO BRAKED BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION FIRST.

Due to political reasons in 1973 bodybuilding was prohibited in the Socialist World. Gyms were closed, competitions not allowed. Many bodybuilders stopped training and organizers left the sport. Due to this in 1973 the „Georg Tenno Momorial“ (1971 – 1989, «Мемориал Георга Тенно») was not organized. The 1974 contest in Estonian SSR was something like a trial – what will happen? The contest was held in public, not underground. Many frightened bodybuilders did not dare to come to Estonian SSR. The organizer of the competition INNAR MARDO (1946 – 2002, Иннар Мардо) was risking as well as the competive bodybuilders. Organizing the 1974 „Georg Tenno Momorial“ INNAR MARDO was the first one in the Socialist World who dared to go against the political bodybuilding prohibition. In 1975 VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала) did the same in Czechoslovakian SSR. The 1974 „Georg Tenno Momorial“  braked the prohibition of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R.. If all would  be well, then the Estonians could try it again. Anyway, until DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) organized 1978 „Amber Prix International“ (1968 – 2023, „Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз») in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) -  the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was the only one public bodybuilding contest in the U.S.S.R.. For all U.S.S.R. bodybuilders this contest was the World Championship, the Europe Championship and the „Mr. Universe“ at the same time.

We do not know what bad happened after the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial‘ in Estonian SSR, but the Estonians could not organize this competition in 1975.

RESULTS

27 bodybuilders from R.S.F.S.R., Lithuanian SSR, Estonian SSR and Latvian SSR.

Juniors

First Hight Category

MISIURA ARVYDAS, Lithuanian SSRKIRSIPUU PEEP, Estonian SSROTSUS INDREK, Estonian SSR

Second Hight Category

BEREZOVSKIJ SEMION, Lithuanian SSRSHALAVEJUS GINTAUTAS, Lithuanian SSRARRO ARNE, Estonian SSR

Main Categories

First Hight Category

GORELIK JEVGENIJ (Евгений Горелик), Lithuanian SSRKURGPOLD ULO, Estonian SSRTOLSTYCH SERGEJ (Сергей Толстых), R.S.F.S.R.

Second Hight Category

MURAUSKAS PRANAS, Lithuanian SSRLOBACHOV JURIJ (Юрий Лобачёв), R.S.F.S.R.ZURENKO JURI (Юрий Журенко), Lithuanian SSR

Third Hight Category

ANNUS OLEV, Estonian SSRDUBININ VLADIMIR (Владимир Дубинин), R.S.F.S.R.DUDIN SERGEJ (Сергей Дудин), R.S.F.S.R..

Over All Champions: Juniors SEMION BEREZOVSKIJ, Main Categories PRANAS MURAUSKAS.

1976 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“.

ESTONIAN SURPRISE OF OLEV ANNUS.

Prohibition of bodybuilding sport still was very hard. Due to the prosecution of bodybuilders the Estonians could not organize traditional „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989) in 1976. Fare away of public due to the work of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the 1976 „Amber Prix“ («Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023) was organized in a small city of Telshiai (Lithuanian SSR). In 1976 Russians tried to organize the International contest in Kalinin (now Tver, R.S.F.S.R.), but finally ended illegaly at a local gym withour public and without spectators.

The 1976 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was organized by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 - 2002). There was an intrique at the 1976 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ between OLEV ANNUS (Олев Аннус, Estonian SSR) and STASYS CUKANOVAS (Стасис Цукановас, Lithuanian SSR). In 1976 the illegal International contest in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) was held. The contest was organized outside the city in a subburb facory. Again no public, no spectators. OLEV ANNUS was very huge at this competition but out of definition. CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) – the trainer of STASYS CUKANOVAS was preparing his bodybuilder to win at the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ against the Estonian. STASYS CUKANOVAS did his best. When OLEV ANNUS came on the stage all of the present there were in shock. OLEV ANNUS was unbelievably cut. It was the first time in the bodybuilding history of the U.S.S.R. when a bodybuilder used diet. Bodybuilders were in shape only basing o their nature or basing on a tremendous work done at their gyms. For example at the Vilnius „Victoria“ (вильнюсский клуб «Виктория») gym bodybuilders used to do 100 sets in high repetitions that were performed without any rest. Due to OLEV ANNUS a new tomes of the Soviet bodybuilding appeared. Bodybuilders started using diets. The sport was changed basically.

 1976 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“ RESULTS.

At the contest participated 47 bodybuilders from R.S.F.S.R., Latvian SSR, Lithuanian SSR, Estonian SSR and Ukraine SSR.

Final results

Juniors

First Hight Category

1. OTSUS INDREK (Estonian SSR)

2. UCKUS BENAS (Lithuanian SSR)

3. KISELIOV ALEKSANDR (Александр Киселёв, Lithuanian SSR)

Second Hight Category

1. DOLGOV BORIS (Борис Долгов, Lithuanian SSR)

2. VOLKOVAS VITALIJUS (Lithuanian SSR)

3. STASIULIS VYTAUTAS (Lithuanian SSR)

Main categories

First Hight Category

GORELIK EUGENE (Евгений Горелик, Lithuanian SSR)POLIAKOV STANISLAV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR)KAPCEVICIUS VLADAS (Lithuanian SSR)

Second Hight Category

KRINICKIJ RICHARD (Ричард Криницкий, Lithuanian SSR)ZASTER KONSTANTIN (Estonian SSR)ALEKSENKO ALEKSANDR (Александр Алексенко, Ukraine SSR)

Third Hight Category

ANNUS OLEV (Estonian SSR)CUKANOVAS STASYS (Lithuanian SSR)LEMECHOV ALEKSANDR (Александр Лемехов, R.S.F.S.R.)

Over All Winners:

Juniors – INDREK OTSUS, Main Categories – OLEV ANNUS.

1977 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“.

In 1977 the prohibition and the prosecution of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. was more strict. In December, 1977 the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) issued a new order prohibiting bodybuilding. It seemed unbelievable to organize competitions then. Anyway there were four bodybuilding contests that were done in the U.S.S.R. in 1977. First of all it was the traditional „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», Tallinn, Estonian SSR, 1971 – 1989) which was organized by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002). Making this contest INNAR MARDO  was also in a big risk. If Estonians had a hidden support of their Government, no other Countries could dream of it. So, in 1977 three more contests were organized in the U.S.S.R.. First of them was a hidden competition in a small city of Kedainiai (Lithuanian SSR). The contest was done to memorize ten years of a local gym. The competition was held in a gym – no public present. To be on the safe side the constst included power exercises. The other two contests were organized by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS dared to risk and to make the „Lithuania National Cup“ and the traditional „Amber Prix“ («Янтарный приз», „Gintarinis prizas“, 1968 – 2023). Both contests were held in the Klaipeda Sea Port Palace of Culture full of spectators. The public was collected by the bodybuilders and their friends.

In sutuation like this the 1977 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was extremelly important for the U.S.S.R. bodybuilders. But nobody knew what the reaction of the political powers will be next.

44 bodybuilders of the R.S.F.S.R., Ukrainian SSR, Belorussian SSR, Estonian SSR, Latvian SSR and Lithuanian SSR participated at the 1977 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ in Tallinn.

RESULTS

Juniors

First Hight Category

1. OTSUS INDREK (Estonian SSR)

2. BOGDANOVIC VALERIJ (Богданович Валерий, Belorussian SSR)

3. CLEBORODOV VIACESLAV (Хлебородов Вячеслав, Lithuanian SSR)

Second Hight Category

1. DOLGOV BORIS (Долгов Борис, Lithuanian SSR)

2. VOLKOVAS VITALIJUS (Lithuanian SSR)

3. STANIUS PETRAS (Lithuanian SSR)

Main Categories

First Hight Category

1. KAPCEVICIUS VLADAS (Lithuanian SSR)

2. ZITINSKIJ BORIS (Житинский Борис, Estonian SSR)

3. GORELIK EUGENE (Горелик Евгений, Lithuanian SSR)

Second Hight Category

1. ZASTER KONSTANTIN (Estonian SSR)

2. ALEKSENKO ALEKSANDR (Алексенко Александр, Ukrainian SSR)

3. JELUFIMOV VLADIMIR (Елуфимов Владимир, Estonian SSR)

Third Hight Category

1. ANNUS OLEV (Estonian SSR)

2. CUKANOVAS STASYS (Цукановас Стасис, Lithuanian SSR)

3. BESAKIRSKAS ALBERTAS (Lithuanian SSR).

Over All Winners

Juniors – INDREK OTSUS, Main Categories – OLEV ANNUS.

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.

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

(Since 1968; 140 Country-Members)
MODEL FITNESS
World Championship Over All Winners
(2004-2022)
Year, Competitor's Name, Country.
2022 Petrova Sabina, Latvia

2021 Ivanova Jelena, Latvia

2020 Kolesova Olga, Lithuania

2019 Leman Monika, Poland

2018 Lisickaja Elena, Uzbekistan

2017 Zykiene Jana, Lithuania
2016 Maskova Ksenia, Russia
2015 Usikova Zina, Belarus
2014 Sukaityte Agne, Lithuania
2013 Narbutaityte Kristina, Lithuania
2012 Martinkova Eva Slovakia
2011 Martinkova Eva, Slovakia
2010 Sidoruk Oksana, Russia
2009 Martinkova Eva, Slovakia
2008 Martinkova Eva, Slovakia
2007 Suchova Julija, Lithuania
2006 Sarka Hola, Czech
2005 Elksninia Rita, Latvia
2004 Ceciotkina Marina, Russia

Chairman W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Judges Council Edita Sendriene

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.

WORLD‘S BEST AMATEUR & PRO ATHLETES REPRESENTING ALL CONTINENTS.

WE DO THE SAME WORK AS OTHER FEDERATIONS, BUT OUR WAYS AND GOALS ARE DIFERENT.

W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. INTERNATIONAL SERIA MEGA EVENTS:

56-th „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“

34-th WORLD AM & PRO CHAMPIONSHIP

25-th WORLD „FIT-KID“ CHAMPIONSHIP

25-th WORLD DISABLED CHAMPIONSHIP

49-th LITHUANIA CUP OPEN

2023 INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS.

(September 30, 2023, Klaipeda, Lithuania).

INTERNATIONAL DISCUSSION PARTY IN NATURE.

After the International Events Team Leaders, Trainers,

Athletes spent time together friendly

relaxing and discussing the happenings.

(September 30, 2023, Klaipeda, Lithuania).

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.

2023. WORLD BODYBUILDING HISTORY.

ONLY THREE CONTESTS HAD HISTORIC STRATEGIC VALUE.

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 140 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 56 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”).

Part One of the Encyclopedia covering period since ancient times to 1973 is finished. Now we are working on the Second Book covering period of time since 1973 until 1991.

ONLY THREE CONTESTS HAD HISTORIC STRATEGIC VALUE.

There are many various level competitions around us and the value to the World‘s sport of every one is different. Through the time today working on the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ we can clearly see what really every competition means to our sport. During the eighties of the last Century only three contests played great historic role to the Socialist Bodybuilding and to the World‘s Bodybuilding as well. The World was divided politically and the Bodybuilding Sport was prohibited in the Socialist Countries.  It was a big risk for everybody to be connected with this sport. This means that always we look upon the same things from the different point of view. Today we can underline that only three events were extremely important for the further development of bodybuilding:

- 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (1971 – 1989, «Мемориал Георга Тенно», Tallinn, Estonian SSR, organized Innar Mardo, Иннар Мардо)

1975 I.F.B.B. Europe Championship (Amsterdam, Holland). VOJTECH FIALA from Czechoslovakia had broken the „Iron Wall“ and first time in sport‘s history PETER STACH won the Europe Champion‘s title)

- 1978 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз», Klaipeda, Lithuanian SSR, organized by DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) opened the new page of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding.

We will speak about each of the mentioned events and explain the essence. Only due to these competitions our sport looks as it looks now.

UNIQUE „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.

The „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2022 m. , Klaipeda, Republic Lithuania) was and still is a unique happening. It needs to be studied thoroughly by the specialists of the sport history. There is no other international contest in the World which is so much connected with the World history.

The „Amber Prix International“ is the oldest traditional competition after the N.A.B.B.A.  (National Amateur Body Building Association) „Mr. Universe“ that is held in the UK since 1950.

We will touch the following topics while telling stories about the „Amber Prix International“:

-        During the twenty years lasting prohibition of bodybuilding sport the „Amber Prix International“ together with the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ („Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) were the only ones regular International bodybuilding competitions in the U.S.S.R. and all Socialist countries.

-        The possibility to organize open bodybuilding contests in other places came when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS won the fight for bodybuilding against the Highest Communist Institutions of the U.S.S.R.

-        In 1986 during the „Amber Prix International“ in Klaipeda leaders of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding agreed about the future plans to set the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding federation and the ways how to develop bodybuilding

-        There were some records. In 1990 at the „Amber Prix International“ participated 89 teams and there were over 50 participants in each category

-        Together with the „Amber Prix International“  in 1990 and in 1991 official U.S.S.R. junior Championships were held

-        Ending the nineties of the last century the Ministry of Sport of the U.S.S.R. (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) named the „Amber Prix International“  as „unofficial USSR Championship“ («неофициальный Чемпионат С.С.С.Р.) and started presenting names of the „Sport master of the U.S.S.R.“ («Мастер спорта С.С.С.Р.») to the winners of the „Amber Prix International“

-        During the history the Chairmen of our competitions  were Prime Ministers of the Republic Lithuania, Ministers and Members of the Parliament

-        Celebrating 40 years of the  „Amber Prix International“  in 2008 the Parliament of the Republic Lithuania voted for the State financing of the „Amber Prix International“. The money was placed to the Budget of the Lithuanian Republic.

-        In 2011 the Official Meeting of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) Interantional President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  was organized in Vatican.

Listening about “Amber Prix International” during the years of prohibition of sport in the Socialist Countries Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO evaluated efforts of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and named him as „dissident of the Communist regime“. The Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Vatican Pontific Medal (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011).

-        In 2015 a number of Members of Parliament Republic and Government Lithuania were present at the „Amber Prix International“. The High Quest Officials called DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS an „Embassador of the Republic Lithuania in the World“ seeing high level of competition and participating many athletes from Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

BACKGROUND OF HISTORICAL 1978 „AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL“.

Until prohibition of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. and all Socialist countries a number of International competitions were held.

There were two U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championships (1971, 1972, Russian Federation, R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.); two „Georg Tenno Memorials“ („Georg Tenno Memorial“, «Мемориал Георга Тенно»,  1971, 1972, Tallinn, Estonian SSR); three „Amber Prix International“ (1968, 1969, 1970, “Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», Klaipeda, Lithuanian SSR) and contests in Lithuanian Vilnius and Kaunas.

In 1973 bodybuilding prohibition started. Estonians led by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо) managed to prove their Government that bodybuilding is „a National Kind of Sport“. Czechoslovakia SSR bodybuilders were led by the President of the National Federation VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала). VOJTECH FIALA used his personal power and had hidden bodybuilding behind the power exercises. This gave possibilities for Estonians and Czechoslovaks to go on organizing contests.

In 1973 and in 1975 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was not organized. In 1971, 1972, 1973 „Amber Prix International“ was not organized too. In 1973 just after bodybuilding was prohibited DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) without any publicity organized „underground“ bodybuilding contest in Klaipeda prison. In 1974 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  organized „Amber Prix International“ in a nuclear bomb shelter. Following Czechoslovaks 1975, 1976 „Amber Prix International“ was hidden behind the power exercises too. Similar situation was in other cities of the Lithuanian SSR. Without any publicity and without spectators in 1976 International contest was held in Kaunas. In 1977 International contest was held in a gym of Kedainiai.

In 1976 Russians organized International contest in Kalinin (Калинин, Р.С.Ф.С.Р., now Tver). The contest was prohibited and it was done underground in a small city gym.

The situation was awful and bodybuilders needed to change it anyway. In 1975 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with main U.S.S.R. newspapers, Ministry of Sport of the U.S.S.R. (Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.). It lasted four years. Finally to fight for defending bodybuilding DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote a petition. He personally brought the petition to Moscow and presented to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R. (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the Ministry Council of the U.S.S.R. (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). All bodybuilding organizers were afraid to support DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and he did it alone on his own risk to be later prosecuted.

RESISTANCE AGAINST PROHIBITION OF BODYBUILDING.

Main reason to prohibit bodybuilding sport was that it came from the „Western“ countries. This way it was against the „Communist morality“. In 1975 having no support of any bodybuilding organizers in fighting with the bodybuilding prohibition in the Socialist World DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) went his own way. He was under big impression after return from the Czechoslovakian SSR where he met local bodybuilders. Universities of the Socialist countries used to exchange students for summer time and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS lucky was among them.

The U.S.S.R. press used to publish negative articles on bodybuilding after the 1973 political bodybuilding prohibition. Most often it was the U.S.S.R. main sport newspaper „Sovietskij Sport“ («Советский спорт») and the main writer was a former weightlifter journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV (Дмитрий Иванов). Ten years ago when bodybuilding started in the U.S.S.R. DMITRIJ IVANOV used to write „good“ positive articles about bodybuilding but now he worked according the political situation. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS addressed the Chairman of the Office of „Sovietskij Sport“ and asked contacts of  DMITRIJ IVANOV. Then the mutual correspondence started. Copies of the letters DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS used to send to the U.S.S.R. Scientific Institute of the Research of the Phisycal Culture (V.N.I.I.F.K., В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры). At that time the Institute worked on the theoretical basis of bodybuilding. During a number of years the Institute managed to find only the Socialist name of bodybuilding and it was „Athletic Gymnastics“ (атлетическая гимнастика). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS did everything in a „polite manner“.

The situation of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR and in the Czechoslovakian SSR was a good example to seek and follow. Under the leadership of INNAR MARDO (1946 – 2002) Estonians managed to prove their Government that bodybuilding id a „National Kind of Sport“. Basing on since 1959 traditions of F.I.H.C. in Socialist countries Czechoslovaks for many years had hidden the essence of bodybuilding behind the power exercises. 

As we mentioned above the Universities of the Socialist countries used to Exchange their students. This way DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS came to Czechoslovakian SSR in 1975. Then he had a number of meetings with VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала) who was the President of the National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR. Bodybuilders of Czechoslovakia were on top at the I.F.B.B. at that time and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS learned many things of that.

The Headquarters of the National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR was placed in Prague in the building of the Ministry of Sport (Č.S.T.V., Československy Svaz Telesne Vychovi). VOJTECH FIALA introduced DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to the Chairman of the Ministry and to the secretary of the federation PETER TLAPAK (Петер Тлапак) . In 1976 PETER TLAPAK won the I.F.B.B. Europe Championship.

One day VOJTECH FIALA organized a trip of  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to the suburb of Praha to PETER STACH (Петер Стах). PETER STACH won the Over All Champion‘s title of the 1975 I.F.B.B. Europe Championship. He presented to the guest his training methods and posing abilities.

Invited by Czechoslovaks in 1977 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  two times visited Czechoslovakian SSR again. VOJTECH FIALA organized his trip to the mountains where National Olympic Centre (Национальный Олимпийский Центр) was placed. Financed by the Government in this Centre Czechoslovakia National Bodybuilding Team was preparing to the coming International competitions. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS met bodybuilders and their trainers and inspected the Centre.

At the same time bodybuilding organized professor FRANTISEK BULVA (Франтишек Бульва) organized two meetings of the Council of National Bodybuilding Federation of Czechoslovakian SSR in Brno City. Under the recomendation of VOJTECH FIALA  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS took part at these meetings. Then he spoke about the real situation in the U.S.S.R. and learned the „Czechoslovak way“. Also the possiblity to organize contest between U.S.S.R. and Czechoslovakian SSR bodybuilders was spoken over.

Time was running. Nothing was better. Situation was the same after the 1973 prohibition of bodybuilding. Basing of the orders of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) local Governments followed them. Bodybuilders were prosecuted as any other criminals. Gyms were closed. Bodybuilders had problems at their working places. Who dared to risk to organize competitions?

Most bodybuilding organizers left sport. First U.S.S.R. International Bodybuilding Organization (Committee) that was organized in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) in 1968 diminished. For example VLADIMIR DUBININ (Leningrad, R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.) left bodybuilding for thirteen years. Nearly everybody was afraid to do anything. Everybody but not all. Few enthuziasts went on organizing contests. Contests were „underground“ and without public and without any publicity. As it was before all bodybuilding competitions were according in 1959 accepted F.I.H.C. rules – posing was done together with power exercises.

The „underground“ bodybuilders got one more strict order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport  (Комитет по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р.) in 1977. It seemed that there is no more way out of this…

BACKGROUND OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS PETITION.

1973 bodybuilding prohibition was the reason that many U.S.S.R. bodybuilding organizers, trainers and athletes left the sport. Among those who still were in activities nobody supported intentions of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fight to stop bodybuilding prohibition. All were afraid to go against the regime. So called „Secretary of the U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ Lithuanian ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS (Романас Калинаускас) said to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS: „all You do is Your own risk and Your own intentions. For this reason I will not risk my Communist Party membership. If something will go bad – I will say that I even did not know about these Your works“.

DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was led by the ideas of the Czechoslovakian bodybuilders and their Leader VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала). „If they can train and make competitions during the bodybuilding prohibition, why we can not? We need to find out the way“.

As we mentioned above, the main author of negative articles about bodybuilding was a former Russian (R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.) weightlifter journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV  (Дмитрий Иванов). DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wanted to know who is behind him. DMITRIJ IVANOW always based his articles on the 1973 -01-24 order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport (U.S.S.R. Goskomsport, Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.) to prohibit bodybuilding.

Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with DMITRIJ IVANOV. Unfortunately the new strict order to prohibit bodybuilding of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport appeared on December 5, 1977. The order No. 1229 was issued by the U.S.S.R. Minister of Sport Mr. PAVLOV (Председатель комитета по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р. С.П.ПАВЛОВ). The order said that nevertheless of the 1973 order to prohibit bodybuilding the sport still was alive. In a number of places bodybuilders trained underground and even organized competitions. The Minister wanted to control them. He ordered to go on prohibiting training in gyms and organizing competitons. The Minister told the U.S.S.R. Scientific Institute of the Research of the Phisycal Culture (V.N.I.I.F.K., В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры) to develop training methodics for bodybuilders. The methodics should be according the requirements of the Ministry. To control how the new order is fulfilled the Minister appointed his assistant Mr. IVANOV (Главное управление физического воспитания населения) pirmininkas L.V.IVANOVAS (Л.В.Иванов).

Just after the order of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport the same orders were issued in the Ministries of the Socialist Republics. In 1977 Ministry of Sport of the Lithuanian SSR (Lietuvos TSR sporto komitetas prie Lietuvos TSR Ministrų Tarybos) issued the same order to prohibit bodybuilding and to prosecute the bodybuilders. The order was signed by the Deputy Minister ALGIMANTAS KUKSTA (Альгимантас Кукшта).

Then to stop bodybuilding prohibition DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS started correspondence with the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport direct. To discuss the matter he asked the Ministry to arrange a meeting with bodybuilding organizers. Dsc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received the answer to his letter from the Deputy Minister of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport Mr.IVONIN (Заместитель председателя министерства спорта С.С.С.Р. В.А.ИВОНИН). The answer of the Deputy Minister was negative. For DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was left the only one way – to address the „bosses“ of the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport. That were the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party  (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.).

DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS VISITED MINISTER OF SPORT.

After evaluating the risks DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) decided to go to Moscow.

Before going to Moscow DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS found the possibility to visit Minister of Sport of the Lithuanian SSR (Lietuvos TSR Kūno kultūros ir sporto komiteto prie Lietuvos TSR Ministrų Tarybos pirmininkas) Mr. ZIGMAS MOTIEKAITIS (Зигмас Мотекайтис, 1936).

At the meeting DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke about his planned visit to  the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party  (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and to the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). Also both spoke about the petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fight against bodybuilding prohibition. DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS spoke to the Minister about the easy situation for bodybuilding in the Czechoslovakia SSR and Estonian SSR (Чехословацкая ССР и Эстонская ССР). The Minister was stable – the order of the U.S.S.R. Minister of Sport to prohibit bodybuilding  is above everything.

The Minister advised DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS not to go to Moscow and not to present his petition to defend bodybuilding sport. Mr. ZIGMAS MOTIEKAITIS was sure that after this DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS will be punished.

DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS PETITION AGAINST BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION.

The situation of bodybuilding sport was very complicated after the 1977 bodybuilding prohibiting Order No. 1229 of the Minister of Sport of the U.S.S.R. S.P.PAVLOV (Председатель комитета по физической культуре и спорту при Совете Министров С.С.С.Р. С.П.ПАВЛОВ) and after the same orders of the Ministries of Sport of the Socialist Republics. Most thought that bodybuilding is finished. Then DSc. Edmundas Daubaras risked to fight against bodybuilding prohibition and wrote a thirteen pages petition. Was he afraid? Yes. But the wish to free bodybuilding was bigger than the fear.

It was not possible to send the petition by post. All letters addressed to the high political institutions of the U.S.S.R. were stopped by the local services. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras had to go to Moscow personally of to present his petition himself. So he did. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras went to Moscow and presented the petition to the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party  (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.).

In front of the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council K.G.B. agents stopped DSc. Edmundas Daubaras. They spoke about the aims of the visit and scrutinized the petition. After that they let DSc. Edmundas Daubaras go inside the building.

Short contence of the DSc. Edmundas Daubaras petition:

The petition was politisized. Otherwise nobody even would read it. DSc. Edmundas Daubaras explained the situation of bodybuilding in the World, Socialist countries and the U.S.S.R.. He underlined the positive sides of bodybuilding sport.

Big part of the petiton was discussion over the above mentioned Order No. 1229 of the Minister of Sport of the U.S.S.R. S.P.PAVLOV. also DSc. Edmundas Daubaras discussed the unreal facts presented by journalist DMITRIJ IVANOV (Дмитрий Иванов)  in his „Sovetskij Sport“ («Советский спорт») article „Izlom“ («Излом»).

Covering the topic DSc. Edmundas Daubaras suggested to organize a common meeting of the representatives of the Ministry of Sporto f the U.S.S.R., the V.N.I.I.F.K. (В.Н.И.И.Ф.К., Всесоюзный научно исследовательский институт физической культуры) and bodybuilders. All bodybuilding questions could be discussed and the solution could be found.

RESULTS OF DSC. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS DEFENDING BODYBUILDING PETITION.

So, in 1978 finally the petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to defend bodybuilding sport was personally by DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS presented to Moscow (Capital of the U.S.S.R.). The addresses were the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party (Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.) and the U.S.S.R. Ministry Council (Совет Министров С.С.С.Р.). After it DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS returned from Moscow to Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR). What was next? Punishment? Prosecution? Loosing job? There was a two week silence. Once the phone at the appartment of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS rang. It was the Chairman of the Propaganda department of the Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party who spoke to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS. The Chairman was interested in the details of the petition.

After some days DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS received another call from Moscow. The same Chairman asked about the details of the petition again.  DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was tensious as the high representative of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party said nothing definite to him.

Suddenly the telephone of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was swiched off and through his work he was invited to the Headquarters of the Depertments of the Communist Party of Klaipeda City. The Chairman of the Department of the Communist Party of Klaipeda City JONAS GURECKAS (Секретарь комитета коммунистической партии г. Клайпеда Ионас Гурецкас) met DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS in person. During a long discussion DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS told him about his voyage to Moscow, abouth the bodybuilding in the World, in the the U.S.S.R., in the Lithuanian SSR and in Klaipeda City. Finally the Chairman JONAS GURECKAS told to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  to stop contacting High Officials of the U.S.S.R.. He said DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS that they permit him to organize bodybuilding competitions in Klaipeda City. Bodybuilders had to train in several definite gyms which were controlled by the Municipal Department of Sport of Klaipeda.

Unexpected decission of the U.S.S.R. Highest Officials was really shocking. The petition of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS rised the question of bodybuilding on such high political and governmental levels. This way the positive decission was got. That was the VICTORY. That was the Victory of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, of the World bodybuilding, of the bodybuilding in Socialist Countries, of the U.S.S.R. bodybuilding and bodybuilding in the Lithuanian SSR as well. The prohibition of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R. still egzisted, the prosecution of it in the Socialist Countries went on. But the permition to train and to organize official bodybuilding contests in Klaipeda City was received.

In 2011 the Official Meeting of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) Interantional President DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS  was organized in Vatican. Listening about “Amber Prix International” (“Gintarinis prizas”, “Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023) during the years of prohibition of sport in the Socialist Countries Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO evaluated efforts of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS and named him as „dissident of the Communist regime“. The Vatican Congregat Perfect J. Em. JOZEF KARDINAL TOMKO presented the Vatican Pontific Medal (Medaglia Ufficiale di Pontificato di Sua Santita Benedetto XVI) to DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Headquarters State Vatican, Cita del Vaticano, March 29, 2011). But about this we will speak later.

The full story we will present soon.

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.

WALTER O’MALLEY.

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

BOOK TWO (covering time 1973-1991).

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 140 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 56 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”).

Part One of the Encyclopedia covering period since ancient times to 1973 is finished. Now we are working on the Second Book covering period of time since 1973 until 1991.

WALTER O’MALLEY.

British bodybuilder WALTER O’MALLEY since 1969 until 1991 participated at the twenty nine A.A.U., N.A.B.B.A., W.A.B.B.A. and I.F.B.B. competitions. Best results of WALTER O’MALLEY were the first places at the 1974 A.A.U. “Mr. World” and at the 1975 N.A.B.B.A. European Championship.

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.

DORIT KERNES.

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

BOOK TWO (covering time 1973-1991).

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 140 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 56 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”).

Part One of the Encyclopedia covering period since ancient times to 1973 is finished. Now we are working on the Second Book covering period of time since 1973 until 1991.

DORIT KERNES.

1992 National USA Champion DORIT KERNES since 1988 until 2011 participated at the fourteen N.P.C. and I.F.B.B. competitions. Best result of DORIT KERNES was the first place at the 1994 I.F.B.B.  “Prague Pro Grand Prix”.

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.

«GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS».

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

BOOK TWO (covering time 1973-1991).

Today the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation)  International unites 140 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 56 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”).

Part One of the Encyclopedia covering period since ancient times to 1973 is finished. Now we are working on the Second Book covering period of time since 1973 until 1991.

“GEORG TENNO MEMORIALS”.

Working on the second book of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” it came to our mind to underline the “Georg Tenno Memorial” («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) contest. There are many reasons and among them these:

-        When bodybuilding sport in 1973 was prohibited in the U.S.S.R. and Socialist Countries – the “Georg Tenno Memorial” and the “Amber Prix International” (“Gintarinis prizas”, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2002, Klaipeda, Republic Lithuania, Organizer DSc. Edmundas Daubaras) were the only ones regular International competitions in the Socialist World. That was and still is a part of the World bodybuilding history.

-        The “Georg Tenno Memorial” was organized by the “Heart of Estonia Bodybuilding” INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002). Since 1998 until his death he was the president of the National W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. federation.

-        In 1987 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS for several months was working in Tallinn. INNAR MARDO was ill. Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) and Estonian INDREK OTSUS (Индрек Отсус) organized the 1987 “Georg Tenno Memorial”.

-        Since the first “Georg Tenno Memorial” and „Amber Prix International“ best bodybuilders of the U.S.S.R. participated at these competitions. For them that was the only one chance to “go to another country regularly” at that time.

Step by step we will write the stories about each of the “Georg Tenno Memorial”. Also we will touch International happenings that were connected with the “Georg Tenno Memorial”.

BEGINNING. F.I.H.C. AND SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING.

The topic has been already covered in the first part of the “World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia” (“Pasaulio kultūrizmo enciklopedija”, «Энциклопедия мирового культуризма»). Nevertheless we will touch several important points again.

The A.A.U. (Amateur Athletic Union) started it’s work in the nineteenth century and for long time it was as a “Sport Ministry” of the USA. American BOB HOFFMAN always was very much connected with the A.A.U. and it’s Chairmen. A department of A.A.U. weightlifting was a member of  F.I.H.C. (F.I.H., Federation Internationale Halterophile; after 1972 I.W.F., International Weightlifting Federation”). At the same time the F.I.H.C. was a member of the I.O.C. (International Olympic Committee). Since 1947 until 1969 F.I.H.C. ruled official World bodybuilding sport. No one other International bodybuilding organization could even try to lead the World bodybuilding. We mean structures like N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) association and at that time private I.F.B.B. (International Federation of Body Builders) company. Though the owners of the I.F.B.B. WEIDER brothers JOE and BEN everywhere copied BOB HOFFMAN’s work they had no chances to win. Behind BOB HOFFMAN was the A.A.U. and the F.I.H.C.. Today I.F.B.B. sport historians diminish the work of BOB HOFFMAN in the World’s bodybuilding development because of envy.

In 1959 the F.I.H.C. World weightlifting championship was held in Warszawa (capital of the People’s Republic of Poland). Traditionally since 1947 during every  World weightlifting championship F.I.H.C. organized the World Bodybuilding Championship (“Universe”). It was BOB HOFFMAN who first brought bodybuilding to the Socialist World. First time in the sport history in Warszawa socialist people saw bodybuilders and got really acquainted to bodybuilding. In 1959 the Over All F.I.H.C. “Mr. Universe” was French bodybuilder GUY MIERCZUK.

As F.I.H.C. was the I.O.C. member bodybuilding was understood of two parts – body presentation and physical exercises. We know from sport history that power exercises were used at the competitions in Socialist countries until ninetees of the last century. Czechoslovakia bodybuilders did it even longer.

Nobody had idea why bodybuilding competitions had power exercises. Most thought that during the prohibition of bodybuilding Socialist bodybuilders did power exercises to make negativeness of political Governments not so strong. Nobody thought that all National Weightlifting Federations were members of F.I.H.C. and I.O.C.. All respected the official status of the F.I.H.C. organization and along the weightlifting recognized bodybuilding too. This was how power exercises came and remained in bodybuilding contests so long.

Since that time bodybuilding was growing fastly in the Socialist World. But in 1973 due to political reasions Communist Governments prohibited bodybuilding. Always at the bodybuilding contests power exercises had equal value with the demonstration of the body. It was the reason that after the 1959 F.I.H.C. „Mr. Universe“ weightlifters often participated at the bodybuilding competitions.

FIRST SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING CONTESTS.

First International contest among all Socialist countries was organized in 1966 in Vilnius (Lithuanian SSR). Then the winners were Lithuanians RYTIS MACIJAUSKAS (Ритис Мацияускас), KLEMENSAS ALSAUSKAS (Клеменсас Альшаускас) and Russian IGOR PETRUCHIN (Игорь Петрухин, (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.).

In 1968 during the International contest in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) was established first Socialist International Bodybuilding Federation (Visuomeninis T.S.R.S. atletinės gimnastikos (kultūrizmo) komitetas“, «Общественный комитет по атлетической гимнастике С.С.С.Р.»). The Chairmen of the organization were five persons: Lithuanians  VALERIJ KORESKOV (Валерий Корешков), VYTAUTAS ZUMERIS (Витаутас Зумерис); Russians ROMAN MOROZ (Роман Мороз), GENADIJ BALDIN (Геннадий Балдин) and VLADIMIR PETROV (Владимир Петров).

In 1968 two International contests were organized in the Lithuanian SSR – one in Kaunas and another one was the historic „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023, Klaipeda, Republic Lithuania). Category winners were Lithuanians KLEMENSAS ALSAUSKAS, LIONGINAS DANILEVICIUS (Лёнгинас Данилявичус) and LEONAS PIVORIUNAS (Ляонас Пиворюнас). The Over All Champion was LEONAS PIVORIUNAS.

In 1971 and in 1972 two U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championships («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р.) were organized in the Russian Federation (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.). In 1971 category winners were Russians:  ALEKSANDR LEMECHOV (Александр Лемехов) – the first place; VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин) the second place; VLADIMIR CHOMULIOV (Владимир Хомулёв) – the third place.

In 1972 the U.S.S.R. champions were:

-        Low Hight Category

VLADIMIR LIPJAINEN (Владимир Липьянен)BORIS ZITKOV (Борис Житков)DMITRIJ CIANEV (Дмитрий Чанев), all from Russian Federation (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.).

-        Middle Hight Category

VALDAS ALIUBAVICIUS (Валдас Алюбавичус, Lithuanian SSR)SERGEJ KIZIN (Сергей Кизин, Russian Federation)ALEKSANDR NIKIFOROV (Александр Никифоров, Russian Federation).

-        Highest Category

VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин)ALEKSANDR LEMECHOV (Александр Лемехов)VLADIMIR CHOMULIOV (Владимир Хомулёв), all from Russian Federation (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.).

Before the first „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) in 1970 the first International contest was organized in Tallinn. Also before the 1973 prohibition of bodybuilding some International competitions were held in the Czechoslovakian SR and in the Peoples Republic of Poland.

1970. INTERNATIONAL CONTEST IN ESTONIA.

At the end of sixties of the last century among all Socialist countries International contests were held in Lithuanian SSR only. First Socialist International contest was held in 1966 in Vilnius. In 1968 International contests were organized Peoples Republic of Poland (first time) and in the Lithuanian Kaunas and Klaipeda. In Klaipeda it was the historic „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, „Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023). Both in Kaunas and in Klaipeda the Over All Champion was LEONAS PIVORIUNAS (Ляонас Пиворюнас). LEONAS PIVORIUNAS was representing the famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма») that was led by talanted CELSLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич).

Bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR followed Lithuanians. In 1970 they organized International contest in Tallinn just before the first „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989). Twenty six athletes from Russian Federation (R.S.F.S.R., Р.С.Ф.С.Р.), Lithuanian SSR and Estonian SSR took part at the event.

In Junior categories winners were Lithuanians HENRIKAS BIKINAS (Генрикас Бикинас) and ALBINAS MAGELINSKAS (Альбинас Магелинскас). Main categories were won by Russians VLADIMIR LIPJAINEN (Владимир Липьяйнен), IVAN FREGATOV (Иван Фрегатов) and Estonian ARVO MERE (Арво Мере). At that time a famous heavyweight Russian bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин) lost to ARVO MERE, who was the over All Champion of the contest too.  

1971. FIRST “GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL”.

This article is based on the documents that were given to the International President W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002). INNAR MARDO used to be called “the Soul of Estonia Bodybuilding”). He was the organizer of the “Georg Tenno Memorial” («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989, Tallinn, Estonian SSR) contests, President of the National Federation of Bodybuilding of the Estonian SSR, President of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Estonian Republic, one of the organizers of the 2001 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Europe Championship in Tallinn.

Bodybuilders of four countries participated at the first “Georg Tenno Memorial” – the R.S.F.S.R. (Р.С.Ф.С.Р.), the Estonian SSR, the Lithuanian SSR and the Latvian SSR. The competition was of two parts – posing and power exercises. This system was in all Socialist countries since 1959 F.I.H.C. World Championship (“Mr. Universe”) that was held in Waszawa (People’s Republic of Poland).

Results of the 1971 “Georg Tenno Memorial”:

Junior categories

First hight category

Daugela Kazys, Lithuanian SSRVandys Valentinas, Lithuanian SSRZvjagin Viktor, (Виктор Звягин), Estonian SSR

Second hight category

Aliubavicius Valdas, Lithuanian SSRValge Aare, Estonian SSRCivilis Paulius, Lithuanian SSR

Main age categories

First hight category

Zitkov Vladimir, (Житков Владимир), R.S.F.S.R.Kurgpold Ulo, Estonian SSRSajkovskij Feliks, (Феликс Сайковский), Latvian SSR

Second hight category

Charkevic Viktor, (Виктор Харкевич), Lithuanian SSRSmotsujev Valentin, (Валентин Смоцуев), R.S.F.S.R.Kuzmenko Andrej, (Андрей Кузьменко), R.S.F.S.R.

Third hight category

Dubinin Vladimir, (Владимир Дубинин), R.S.F.S.R.Lemechov Aleksandr, (Александр Лемехов), R.S.F.S.R.Chomuliov Vladimir, (Владимир Хомулёв), R.S.F.S.R..

The Over All Winners were:

Juniors – VALDAS ALIUBAVICIUS, main categories – VLADIMIR DUBININ.

1972 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“.

34 bodybuilders from Latvian SSR, Estonian SSR, R.S.F.S.R., Lithuanian SSR and Ukrainian SSR participated in 1972 at the second „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно»).

Final Results

Juniors

First Hight Category

GORELIK EUGENE (Евгений Горелик, Jevgenijus Gorelikas), Lithuanian SSRGALKAUSKAS SIGITAS, Lithuanian SSRKIRSIPUU PEEP, Estonian SSR

Second Hight Category

ALIUBAVICIUS VALDAS, Lithuanian SSRBRAZDZIUNAS GEDIMINAS, Lithuanian SSRCHARIN ALEKSANDR (Александр Харин), Lithuanian SSR.

At the fifth place was Estonian OLEV ANNUS.

Main Categories

First hight Category

GRIEZE JULIUS, Lithuanian SSRKURGPOLD ULO, Estonian SSRMURAUSKAS ALGIS, Lithuanian SSR

Second Hight Category

KRINICKIS RICARDAS (Ричард Криницкий), Lithuanian SSRSUSLENKOV VLADIMIR (Владимир Сусленков), R.S.F.S.R.NIKIFOROV ALEKSANDR (Александр Никифоров), R.S.F.S.R.

Third Hight Category

DUBININ VLADIMIR (Владимир Дубинин), R.S.F.S.R.LEMECHOV ALEKSANDR (Александр Лемехов), R.S.F.S.R.ZURCEV EUGENE (Zurcevas Jevgenijus, Евгений Журцев), Lithuanian SSR.

All first places in the categories were taken by the representatives of the famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ («Вильнюсская школа культуризма»). Only VLADIMIR DUBININ from Russia was an exception. The same result was also in 1974 at the third „Georg Tenno Memorial“. Chairmen of the „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ were CESLAV TAMULEVICH (Чеслав Тамулевич) and VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский).

The 1972 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ Over All Champions were:

Juniors – VALDAS ALIUBAVICIUS

Main Categories – VLADIMIR DUBININ.

1974. “GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL”. BEGINNING.

Due to political reasons after 1971 bodybuilding in Socialist Countries was in problems. Finally in 1973 bodybuilding sport was prohibited in the U.S.S.R. and all Socialist Countries. Bodybuilding activities were prosecuted. The press was full of negative articles about bodybuilding. Competitions were not organized at that time. But there were some exceptions.

Organizing the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ (1971 – 1989, «Мемориал Георга Тенно») a representative of the Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 – 2002) was the first in all Socialist Countries to break the prohibition of bodybuilding. In 1975 the same did bodybuilding leader of the Czechoslovakian SSR VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала). Then in 1974 INNAR MARDO and his friends started pressing the polititians of the Estonian SSR.  They presented bodybuilding as a national kind of sport in Estonian SSR. They spoke about old Estonian traditions in power sports, strongmen and wrestling. All remembered such known Estonian sport persons as GEORG LURICH (Георг Лурих, 1876 - 1920), GEORG HACKENSCHMIDT  (Георг Гаккеншмидт, 1878 – 1968), Olympic Champion KRISTIAN PALUSALU  (Kristian Trossmann, Кристиан Палусалу, 1908 – 1987).  Estonian GEORG TENNO(Георг Тенно, 1911 - 1967)  for long years on was working at the high sport offices of the U.S.S.R.. This was in 1971 when Estonians started organizing in Tallinn the International „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989) competition. The contest was nearly on regular basis and local governments somehow supported it.

Similar to Estonians did the bodybuilders of Czechslovakia. To hide the real bodybuilding basis they added a number of power exercises in their contests.

In Lithuania competitions were held underground and without public. In 1974 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized the fourth historic „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2022, Klaipeda, Lithuanian Republic). It was held in a city bomb shelter. After this the „Amber Prix“ was organized regularly. In 1976 the International Competition was held in Kalinin (Tver, Russian Federation). The Contest was done in a small city gym. In 1977 an International Contest was organized in a small Lithuanian SSR city Kedainiai and it was held in a small gym too. Lithuanians as well as bodybuilders of other Socialist Countries were hiding the bodybuilding with the power exercises.

In 1974 in Estonian SSR the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was the only one bodybuilding contest in the U.S.S.R. which was more or less supported by the Government. Though the U.S.S.R. polititians were prohibiting to do this.

1974 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“.

REVOLUTION IN SPORT. INNAR MARDO BRAKED BODYBUILDING PROHIBITION FIRST.

Due to political reasons in 1973 bodybuilding was prohibited in the Socialist World. Gyms were closed, competitions not allowed. Many bodybuilders stopped training and organizers left the sport. Due to this in 1973 the „Georg Tenno Momorial“ (1971 – 1989, «Мемориал Георга Тенно») was not organized. The 1974 contest in Estonian SSR was something like a trial – what will happen? The contest was held in public, not underground. Many frightened bodybuilders did not dare to come to Estonian SSR. The organizer of the competition INNAR MARDO (1946 – 2002, Иннар Мардо) was risking as well as the competive bodybuilders. Organizing the 1974 „Georg Tenno Momorial“ INNAR MARDO was the first one in the Socialist World who dared to go against the political bodybuilding prohibition. In 1975 VOJTECH FIALA (Войтех Фиала) did the same in Czechoslovakian SSR. The 1974 „Georg Tenno Momorial“  braked the prohibition of bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R.. If all would  be well, then the Estonians could try it again. Anyway, until DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS (Др. Эдмундас Даубарас) organized 1978 „Amber Prix International“ (1968 – 2023, „Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз») in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) -  the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was the only one public bodybuilding contest in the U.S.S.R.. For all U.S.S.R. bodybuilders this contest was the World Championship, the Europe Championship and the „Mr. Universe“ at the same time.

We do not know what bad happened after the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial‘ in Estonian SSR, but the Estonians could not organize this competition in 1975.

RESULTS

27 bodybuilders from R.S.F.S.R., Lithuanian SSR, Estonian SSR and Latvian SSR.

Juniors

First Hight Category

MISIURA ARVYDAS, Lithuanian SSRKIRSIPUU PEEP, Estonian SSROTSUS INDREK, Estonian SSR

Second Hight Category

BEREZOVSKIJ SEMION, Lithuanian SSRSHALAVEJUS GINTAUTAS, Lithuanian SSRARRO ARNE, Estonian SSR

Main Categories

First Hight Category

GORELIK JEVGENIJ (Евгений Горелик), Lithuanian SSRKURGPOLD ULO, Estonian SSRTOLSTYCH SERGEJ (Сергей Толстых), R.S.F.S.R.

Second Hight Category

MURAUSKAS PRANAS, Lithuanian SSRLOBACHOV JURIJ (Юрий Лобачёв), R.S.F.S.R.ZURENKO JURI (Юрий Журенко), Lithuanian SSR

Third Hight Category

ANNUS OLEV, Estonian SSRDUBININ VLADIMIR (Владимир Дубинин), R.S.F.S.R.DUDIN SERGEJ (Сергей Дудин), R.S.F.S.R..

Over All Champions: Juniors SEMION BEREZOVSKIJ, Main Categories PRANAS MURAUSKAS.

1976 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“.

ESTONIAN SURPRISE OF OLEV ANNUS.

Prohibition of bodybuilding sport still was very hard. Due to the prosecution of bodybuilders the Estonians could not organize traditional „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 – 1989) in 1976. Fare away of public due to the work of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS the 1976 „Amber Prix“ («Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2023) was organized in a small city of Telshiai (Lithuanian SSR). In 1976 Russians tried to organize the International contest in Kalinin (now Tver, R.S.F.S.R.), but finally ended illegaly at a local gym withour public and without spectators.

The 1976 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ was organized by INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1946 - 2002). There was an intrique at the 1976 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ between OLEV ANNUS (Олев Аннус, Estonian SSR) and STASYS CUKANOVAS (Стасис Цукановас, Lithuanian SSR). In 1976 the illegal International contest in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR) was held. The contest was organized outside the city in a subburb facory. Again no public, no spectators. OLEV ANNUS was very huge at this competition but out of definition. CESLAV TAMULEVIC (Чеслав Тамулевич) – the trainer of STASYS CUKANOVAS was preparing his bodybuilder to win at the „Georg Tenno Memorial“ against the Estonian. STASYS CUKANOVAS did his best. When OLEV ANNUS came on the stage all of the present there were in shock. OLEV ANNUS was unbelievably cut. It was the first time in the bodybuilding history of the U.S.S.R. when a bodybuilder used diet. Bodybuilders were in shape only basing o their nature or basing on a tremendous work done at their gyms. For example at the Vilnius „Victoria“ (вильнюсский клуб «Виктория») gym bodybuilders used to do 100 sets in high repetitions that were performed without any rest. Due to OLEV ANNUS a new tomes of the Soviet bodybuilding appeared. Bodybuilders started using diets. The sport was changed basically.

 1976 „GEORG TENNO MEMORIAL“ RESULTS.

At the contest participated 47 bodybuilders from R.S.F.S.R., Latvian SSR, Lithuanian SSR, Estonian SSR and Ukraine SSR.

Final results

Juniors

First Hight Category

1. OTSUS INDREK (Estonian SSR)

2. UCKUS BENAS (Lithuanian SSR)

3. KISELIOV ALEKSANDR (Александр Киселёв, Lithuanian SSR)

Second Hight Category

1. DOLGOV BORIS (Борис Долгов, Lithuanian SSR)

2. VOLKOVAS VITALIJUS (Lithuanian SSR)

3. STASIULIS VYTAUTAS (Lithuanian SSR)

Main categories

First Hight Category

GORELIK EUGENE (Евгений Горелик, Lithuanian SSR)POLIAKOV STANISLAV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR)KAPCEVICIUS VLADAS (Lithuanian SSR)

Second Hight Category

KRINICKIJ RICHARD (Ричард Криницкий, Lithuanian SSR)ZASTER KONSTANTIN (Estonian SSR)ALEKSENKO ALEKSANDR (Александр Алексенко, Ukraine SSR)

Third Hight Category

ANNUS OLEV (Estonian SSR)CUKANOVAS STASYS (Lithuanian SSR)LEMECHOV ALEKSANDR (Александр Лемехов, R.S.F.S.R.)

Over All Winners:

Juniors – INDREK OTSUS, Main Categories – OLEV ANNUS.

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.