Elizabeth Smart Reveals She’s Now a Bodybuilder 24 Years After Kidnapping

Elizabeth Smart is embracing a new chapter: bodybuilding.

More than two decades after being rescued by police following her kidnapping, Smart, 38, revealed in an Instagram post on Tuesday, April 21, that she’s competed in multiple bodybuilding competitions.

“When I posted the pictures in my 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!” the mother of three captioned the post, which shows her fit physique in a navy blue bikini while she’s on stage posing.

“This is actually the fourth competition I’ve done, but I was too afraid to post 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 continued.

Smart went on to say she had an epiphany this weekend that changed her doubts. “It struck me how eerily familiar these feelings and thoughts are for too many survivors. 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,” Smart’s caption continued. “We are more than just one topic, one idea, one label. 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.”

Smart said she doesn’t want to get to the end of her life and reflect with any regrets.

“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 was just 14 years old when she was abducted from her family home in Salt Lake City, Utah, in June 2022. She was taken in the middle of the night at knifepoint from Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. Smart was sexually assaulted by her captors for nine months before she was found alive.

She was rescued in March 2003 and has since gone on to become an advocate for sexual abuse victims, working to combat sexual violence thorugh the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which she founded in 2011, according to its website. Netflix released the documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart this past January.

“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’s post continued.

“I only hope that we all find the courage to chase new experiences, goals, bettering ourselves, and most importantly happiness,” Smart concluded.

Mitchell and Barzee were both sentenced for their crimes. However, while Mitchell is currently serving life in prison, Barzee was released in 2018 after serving 15 years in custody. She was arrested last year for violating her sex offender status in Utah after visiting two parks, per NBC News.

Meanwhile, Smart has received an outpouring of support for her candid post, with many friends and fans praising her. “Putting in the work!! I loved reading this thanks for sharing,” one follower wrote.

“What a fantastically empowering new discipline,” another wrote.

Actress Kristin Chenoweth added, “You look strong and beautiful.”

“You inspire me so much!” another said.