Child safety advocate Elizabeth Smart reflected on her fitness journey after competing in the National Physique Committee’s North American Championships in Pittsburgh from September 2 through September 5, 2026. The 38-year-old activist shared details of her performance on social media on Saturday, September 5.
Smart entered two separate categories during the event, placing at the bottom of both the height-based Open Class D and the Masters 35+ division. The appearance comes five months after she secured a first-place finish in the Fit Model Novice category at the Wasatch Warrior event in Salt Lake City, Utah, which marked her fourth career competition.
“Another show for the books! Had such a blast,” said Elizabeth Smart, child safety advocate. “I’ve always said ‘just stepping onstage is a win for me!’ And I completely stand by that.”
Smart, who was abducted from her Salt Lake City home at age 14 in June 2002 and held captive for nine months before law enforcement rescued her, emphasized that participating in the sport serves as a milestone in her recovery from trauma.
“I competed in two classes: ‘Masters 35+,’ which requires you to be 35 or older, and ‘Open Class D,’ which is height-based,” said Smart. “I placed at the bottom of both classes.”
The mother of three noted that she entered the stage alongside her best friend Mackenzie Paralee Holsombake while working under the guidance of coach Robyn Maher.
“Regardless of where I placed, I loved the whole experience, had an amazing coach [Robyn Maher], got to step onstage with my best friend [Mackenzie Paralee Holsombake] and had the best support squad in the audience I could ask for,” said Smart.
Smart previously transitioned to weight training after marathon training led to knee discomfort, prompting a former trainer to reintroduce her to strength routines.
“I brought a better physique and stage presence than at my previous shows, and I’m so proud of myself for the hard work, discipline and bravery it takes me to compete. So, here’s to pursuing goals and not giving up!” said Smart.
Looking back at her progress since earlier competitions, Smart recalled the initial mental hurdles of appearing onstage in competitive attire.
“This was a big change for me,” said Smart. “It was hard. It pushed me, challenged me not to give up. I am so proud of myself for doing this.”
During a May interview with host Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Smart detailed the personal shift involved in stepping onto the competition stage.
“It was terrifying,” said Smart. “I don’t think I wore a bikini until I was on my honeymoon, so stepping up onstage [in] a bikini felt like the most vulnerable thing I could possibly do.”
Smart highlighted how strength training has helped reshape her connection to her physical self following past abuse.
“In my line of work, I’ve met so many victims of sexual abuse and violence who feel like their body betrayed them, and we see a lot of self-harm, eating disorders, feelings of self-loathing,” said Smart. “And for me doing this, I feel like it has been a celebration of my body, because it has carried me through every worst day, every bad experience.”
Speaking to E! News, Smart elaborated on the daily regimen and guidance required to maintain her training schedule.
“It’s lifting heavy, it’s prioritizing protein, and then for me, it was really important to have a coach that was there to help me,” said Smart. “Having honest feedback and motivation, but at the same time being like, ‘Hey, I notice that this week’s check-in it kind of looks like maybe you had a hard week or you slid back a little bit. Tell me what’s going on. Let’s see if we can work through this and come back better next week.'”
Smart continues her advocacy work alongside her personal fitness goals.
