Trauma survivor advocate Elizabeth Smart addressed her recent transition into competitive bodybuilding on April 21, 2026, after participating in the Wasatch Warrior show in Salt Lake City on April 18. The 38-year-old mother of three revealed the move was a personal challenge to celebrate her body and overcome the fear of public perception.
Smart shared that her involvement in the sport was unexpected even to herself, noting that she would have dismissed the idea of competing just a few years prior. She officially competed in the Fit Model division, an entry-level category for female athletes.
“I understand the shock,” wrote Smart on Instagram. “because had you asked me if I would ever compete in a bodybuilding show a couple of years ago I would have said, ‘absolutely not! Never in 100 years!’”
While the Salt Lake City event marked her fourth competition, the author of My Story admitted to withholding her progress from the public until now. She noted that she shares children Chloe, 11, James, 9, and Olivia, 7, with her husband Matthew Gilmour.
“Worried that I would be judged, not taken seriously, somehow perceived as less than or now unworthy to continue work as an advocate for all survivors,” explained Smart. “Then this past weekend it struck me how eerily familiar these feelings and thoughts are for too many survivors.”
Smart emphasized the importance of living fully and finding the courage to pursue new goals regardless of age or past difficulties. She expressed a desire to avoid living a restricted life due to fear.
“This was a big change for me, it was hard, it pushed me, challenged me not to give up,” continued Smart. “I am so proud of myself for doing this. I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it.”
The advocate also extended a message of encouragement to others seeking personal growth and happiness through new experiences.
“I only hope that we all find the courage to chase new experiences, goals, bettering ourselves, and most importantly happiness,” added Smart.
Smart’s coach, Robyn Maher, confirmed that the athlete performed exceptionally well during the competition. Maher indicated that Smart intends to continue her athletic pursuits in the future.
“isn’t stopping,” said Maher via Instagram. “new goals have been set and a plan is in place”
Regarding her broader public life, Smart previously discussed the necessity of reclaiming her narrative following her 2002 abduction. She detailed this transition during an interview with Netflix’s Tudum following the release of her documentary.
“After I was rescued, when I first got home, I did not want to talk about what happened with anyone,” told Smart. “And when the trial finally happened, I remember sitting up on the stand, giving these answers, and feeling like there was no context around them.”
Smart concluded that sharing her experiences was a deliberate act to give her story a sense of purpose and ownership.
“I remember thinking that if all of this was going to be out there anyway, I wanted it to have some meaning, and for it to serve a purpose,” explained Smart. “I wanted to have some ownership over my story. That helped me decide to share it.”
