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Elizabeth Smart is now a bodybuilder. Really.
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The kidnapping survivor and child safety activist shocked fans on social media with a photo of herself taking part in a bodybuilding competition.
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Smart, 38, who was taken from her Salt Lake City, Utah, home on June 2, 2023 and rescued after nine months of horrific abuse by her captors, also shared an empowering message about celebrating her body after everything she had gone through and overcome.
“When I posted the pictures in my [Instagram] 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!’” she wrote in a caption to Tuesday’s Instagram post.
Smart revealed that the photo came from her fourth competition, but that she only posted now because she was “too afraid” of being “judged, not taken seriously, somehow perceived as less than or now unworthy to continue work as an advocate for all survivors.”
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She went on to explain how bodybuilding has been a positive experience for her.
“This was a big change for me, it was hard, it pushed me, challenged me not to give up. I am so proud of myself for doing this. I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it,” Smart wrote.
The married mom of three now works as an advocate for missing persons and sex abuse victims.
Smart revealed that bodybuilding has helped her appreciate her physical and mental strength and resilience.
“My body has carried me through every worst day, every hellish, gruelling 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,” she continued.
“I refuse to feel embarrassed about trying something new and am embracing my chance at life to the absolute fullest I can,” Smart added. “I only hope that we all find the courage to chase new experiences, goals, bettering ourselves, and most importantly, happiness.”
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She went on to thank her coach, Robyn Maher, and others who helped her prepare for her latest competition.
Maher responded in the comments, calling Smart the “toughest person I know.”
The coach added: “An amazing mother, example to all women, kind-hearted, genuine, humble, charitable, loving, and also a bad ass. Yes, you can be ALL those things at once.”
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