2006 European Men’s, Mixed-Pairs and
Classic Bodybuilding Championships

By Rob Wilkins
Special Assistant to the IFBB

OFFICIAL CONTEST RESULTS (PDF)

Under the superb leadership of Mr. Michal Capla and the Slovak Bodybuilding & Powerlifting Federation, the 2006 European Men's, Mixed-Pairs & Classic Bodybuilding Championships were held May 5-8, in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Since 1977, these championships have consistently attracted high caliber competitors and this year was no exception as a record number of 123 athletes from 27 countries participated in this hotly contested competition. For the second time, Men’s Classic Bodybuilding was featured during the European Championships. Men’s Classic Bodybuilding is an alternative for men who prefer to develop a less muscular, yet athletic and aesthetically pleasing physique. This was a popular addition to the contest as 40 competitors took part in this new IFBB-recognized sport discipline.

“The European Championships in Bratislava were impressive and successful,” said Dr. Rafael Santonja, President of the European Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (EBFF). “Michal Capla and his staff did an outstanding job organizing the event. Nearly 3,000 passionate fans filled the Sibamac Arena to witness these Championships. In addition, European Broadcasting TV transmitted the event via satellite and Slovakian National TV televised a 90 minute live program.”

Dariusz Karpinski from Poland won the Heavyweight and Overall titles. Karpinski joins an impressive list of former European Men’s Heavyweight title winners, which includes Berry DeMay (’82), Gunter Schlierkamp (’92) and Alexander Fedorov (’03).

Photographs courtesy of Tony Blinn
Loaded with potential, Dariusz Karpinski from Poland won the Heavyweight and Overall title

Slovakia fielded a fantastic team of 13 competitors winning first place honors in eight categories. For their efforts, the Best National Team Award was presented to the Slovakian delegation while Poland and the Czech Republic rounded out the top three placements respectively.

Albert Busek, EBFF Honorary President (left) and Dr. Rafael Santonja, EBFF President (right) pose with Michal Capla (center) as the Slovakian team was awarded the Best National Team Award.

Mr. Viliam Veteska, Vice-Chairman of the Slovak Parliament, took part in the award presentation ceremony.

The EBFF unites 46 European National Affiliates of the IFBB under one Continental Federation whose primary goal is to advance the growth and development of bodybuilding and fitness throughout Europe . For more information on the EBFF, please visit their official website at www.ebff.org.

Rob Wilkins is a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force stationed at the Pentagon Washington, DC, Wilkins is also a Special Assistant to the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) and a recipient of the IFBB Gold Medal. To contact Wilkins e-mail him at robifbb@yahoo.com