Elizabeth Smart has vulnerably shared her bodybuilding journey on social media, posting jaw-dropping photos of her physical transformation along with a lengthy explanation as to what the hobby means to her.
“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!’” Smart wrote on Instagram on Tuesday, April 21.
Bodybuilding is a way for Smart to reclaim her identity. By: KWKC/MEGA
“This is actually the fourth competition I’ve done, but I was too afraid to post it before. 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. Then this past weekend it struck me how eerily familiar these feelings and thoughts are for too many survivors. I think it’s easy to be labeled as one thing, and honestly, that’s not me nor do I think it’s any of us we are more than just one topic, one idea, one label.”
She continued, “I am interested in many things, and as I get older I realize more and more how important it is to make the most of today, we don’t know what tomorrow brings. And I don’t want to reach the end of my life and look back and feel regret for only living a half-life, not going after all the things I want to do and try.”
Smart was abducted in 2002 and held captive for nine months. By: MEGA
Smart was abducted in 2002 and held captive for nine months as a teenager, during which she “endured daily sexual assault, starvation, and abuse,” as shared on her foundation’s website.
Following her abduction, Smart used her traumatic experience to help other victims of sexual violence through her advocacy, writing and television appearances.
Bodybuilding, she said, is just one more way she’s reclaiming her bodily autonomy after surviving extreme abuse.
“This was a big change for me, it was hard, it pushed me, challenged me not to give up,” her caption continued. “I am so proud of myself for doing this. I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it. 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. 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.”
Earlier this year, Netflix released a documentary about the activist’s abduction, titled Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart.
While promoting the film on Instagram, Smart wrote, “There will be victims and survivors who watch this, and I hope they realize they’re not alone, and that they don’t have to be ashamed of what happened to them. And I hope that people who watch this can gain compassion and understanding for other families who are going through this. I also hope it brings comfort that there are happy endings — and that even after terrible things happen, you can still have a wonderful life.”
