Additional Coverage:
- 24 Years After Elizabeth Smart’s Terrifying Abduction, She Wows in Blue Bikini at Latest Bodybuilding Competition (parade.com)
Elizabeth Smart Demonstrates Strength and Resilience in Latest Bodybuilding Competition
Elizabeth Smart continues to showcase her remarkable strength and confidence. On Saturday, September 5, the best-selling author shared a video from her most recent bodybuilding contest, earning an outpouring of admiration from her followers.
Smart became widely known in June 2002, when at age 14 she was abducted at knifepoint from her Salt Lake City home. After nine months in captivity, she was rescued in March 2003, an event that captured national attention.
Since then, Smart has emerged as a passionate advocate for survivors of sexual assault through her Elizabeth Smart Foundation. Her 2013 memoir, My Story, reached the top of The New York Times best-seller list, further amplifying her voice.
More recently, Smart collaborated with Netflix on the documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart, released earlier this year. In a surprising new chapter, she has also embraced the sport of bodybuilding, securing her first competition win in April.
Although she did not place highly in her latest event, competing in both the Masters 35+ and Open Class D divisions, Smart described the experience as immensely rewarding. “Regardless where I placed, I loved the whole experience,” she wrote, expressing gratitude for the support of her coach and best friend in the audience.
She added, “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!”
The post resonated deeply with many on social media, where followers praised her courage and celebrated her journey. One commenter shared, “Elizabeth, I am actually crying.
Seeing you now-thriving, helping others, and celebrating your strong, healthy body-is so inspiring. You show that people can overcome trauma and truly thrive.”
Others credited Smart as a source of strength in their own healing processes, while many admired her physical transformation and stage presence. “Out of all bodybuilders I’ve seen, you look the best-beautiful, natural, stunning,” one admirer commented.
In anticipation of her Netflix documentary, Smart had expressed her hope that sharing her story would foster compassion for survivors and their families and reassure audiences that positive outcomes are possible after trauma. “I also hope it brings comfort that there are happy endings-and that even after terrible things happen, you can still have a wonderful life,” she said.
Elizabeth Smart’s ongoing dedication to personal growth and advocacy continues to inspire countless individuals across the nation.