The abduction of Elizabeth smart is well-documented, as is her journey to becoming an activist in the prevention of abductions.
Smart’s was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our generation. She was initially abducted on June 5, 2002 and endured daily sexual assault, starvation, and abuse for nine months.
Smart eventually returned back to her family on March 12, 2003 and went on to testify before her captors, which led to their convictions.
She went on to become an advocate for change and has helped promote the international AMBER Alert system, the Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act, and other safety legislation to help prevent abduction while founding the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011.
Elizabeth Smart Shocked Her Followers With Bikini Bodybuilding Photo
Smart recently posted a series of photo to her Instagram story standing on a stage in a bikini. She admitted the photos probably “shocked” many of her followers and she understands the shock because she never pictured herself competing in a bikini bodybuilding competition.
Smart revealed the most recent photo came from her fourth competition, but she was “too afaid” to post about 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,” she said before coming to a realization.
“Then this past weekend it struck me how eerily familiar these feelings and thoughts are for too many survivors,” she added. “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.”
Elizabeth Smart Embraces Change
Smart made it clear she’s not just an activist and is interested in “many things” that she finally realizes she needs to make the most of – today, not tomorrow.
“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,” she said while revealing bikini bodybuilding was a “big change” for her.
“I am so proud of myself for doing this. I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it,” she declared. “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.”
Smart said she refuses to feel embarrassed about trying something knew and is embracing her most recent change.
Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: Investigators Face Major Challenge
This story was originally published by Men’s Journal on Apr 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Fitness section. Add Men’s Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
