Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her Salt Lake City home in 2002. She was rescued nine months later, and eventually became an advocate for victims’ rights and child safety.
Smart recently chose to share another aspect of her life. On April 21, the 38-year-old Smart posted a photo taken during a bodybuilding competition she competed in.
Elizabeth Smart Is Now a Bodybuilder
In the photo, Smart is wearing a black bikini and high heels and making one hell of a confident pose. While it’s a far cry from the image most people are familiar with, it does match her strong persona.
However, the decision to reveal this side of herself did not come easily.
“This is actually the fourth competition I’ve done, but I was too afraid to post it before,” she wrote in the caption. “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.”
This fear, Smart realized over the weekend, felt all too familiar. Motivated by this realization, she wanted to challenge the idea that survivors are defined by just one thing.
“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,” she explained. “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 Is “Proud of Herself”
Smart also expressed pride in her achievement. She shared that participating in the competition was a way to celebrate both overcoming her fears and embracing her identity.
“My body has carried me through every worst day, every hellish grueling experience,” she wrote. “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.”
Smart once again continues to inspire. You can see her full post below.
