Elizabeth Smart is embracing a new chapter.
On Tuesday, Smart revealed she has been competing in bodybuilding competitions, sharing a photo of herself at the Wasatch Warrior bodybuilding and fitness competition in Salt Lake City over the weekend — her fourth competition.
The child safety activist, who gained national attention after being kidnapped at 14 from her Salt Lake City home, says she anticipated that the photo of her physical transformation may “shock” some people.
She added that she never expected to compete in bodybuilding and didn’t feel ready to share her new hobby publicly until her most recent competition.
“I was too afraid to post it before,” Smart said.
“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 continued. “Then this past weekend it struck me how eerily familiar these feelings and thoughts are for too many survivors.”
In the nearly 24 years since her abduction, Smart has built a life as an advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and families of missing children. She has candidly shared her story through the Netflix documentary “Elizabeth Smart: Kidnapped,” her memoir “My Story” and on her YouTube channel, where she answers frequently asked questions.
She also leads a self-defense program through the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, empowering women and girls through physical training, awareness and setting boundaries.
“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 said.
“I am interested in many things,” she continued. “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.”
In a February interview with Deseret News reporter Lottie Johnson, Smart reflected on the ways she has found healing, including through music, exercise and experiencing new things.
“Initially, when I got home, I found a lot of peace in music. I found a lot of healing in the outdoors and horseback riding with my grandpa. And I think as life has moved on, I have found that same sort of outlet in running and exercising. I still love music and being with my family, in being able to experience more of what life has to offer,” she said.
Smart, now a mother of three, said her experience in bodybuilding has deepened her appreciation for her body’s strength and resilience, adding that she is proud of herself for embracing the challenge.
“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 said.
“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,” she continued.
“I refuse to feel embarrassed about trying something new and am embracing my chance at life to the absolute fullest I can,” she continued. “I only hope that we all find the courage to chase new experiences, goals, bettering ourselves, and most importantly happiness.”