Survivor advocate Elizabeth Smart secured multiple top placements at the Wasatch Warrior bodybuilding competition in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The 38-year-old mother of three earned first place in the novice category while participating in her fourth career athletic event.
Smart also achieved a third-place finish in the Masters 35+ category and took second place in Class D. She competed within the Fit Model division, an entry-level category introduced last year for female athletes, according to official competition results reported by KTTV.
| Category | Placement |
|---|---|
| Novice Category | First Place |
| Class D | Second Place |
| Masters 35+ | Third Place |
The advocate shared her journey on social media, acknowledging that her transition into the sport might be unexpected for the public. Smart noted that she would have previously dismissed the idea of competing in such an event.
“When I posted the pictures in my story of me standing on stage in a bikini it probably shocked many of you, and I understand the shock 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!'” explained Smart, Athlete.
Smart admitted to feeling initial anxiety about sharing her athletic pursuits due to concerns regarding how others would view her professional work. She noted that these fears of judgment are common among individuals who have survived traumatic experiences.
“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,” stated Smart, Athlete.
The activist emphasized that her physical training serves as a way to honor her resilience and personal history. She credited her body for sustaining her through past hardships and the challenges of motherhood.
“I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it,” wrote Smart, Athlete.
She further detailed her commitment to pursuing new life experiences without shame or embarrassment. Her statement encouraged others to seek personal happiness and self-improvement through diverse goals.
“My body has carried me through every worst day, every hellish grueling experience, it’s created and nurtured three beautiful children, my body has risen to every single challenge life has presented it with and carried me through so I refuse to be ashamed of it,” wrote Smart, Athlete.
Smart concluded her reflections by expressing a desire to embrace life fully and find the courage to chase new milestones. She highlighted the importance of bettering oneself through new experiences.
“I refuse to feel embarrassed about trying something new and am embracing my chance at life to the absolute fullest I can. I only hope that we all find the courage to chase new experiences, goals, bettering ourselves, and most importantly happiness,” wrote Smart, Athlete.
The weekend event marked a return to the competition where Smart made her bodybuilding debut in 2025. Following recent appearances at the NPC Heart of Texas and the NPC Masters USA in Las Vegas, Smart remains qualified to return to the national stage in pursuit of an IFBB Pro card.
