Elizabeth Smart won first place at her fourth bodybuilding competition after stunning fans with her ultra-fit physique.
The child safety advocate, 38, competed in the Wasatch Warrior competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, where she took home first place in the Fit Model Novice category.
She performed well in other categories she competed in, including taking second place in the Fit Model category and third place in the Fit Model Masters 35+ category.
Smart posted a picture of herself on stage at the competition on Instagram Tuesday, sporting a blue bikini and clear heels. The mother of three, who wore her long blond hair down, struck a pose that showed off her toned muscles.
Smart, a kidnapping survivor, admitted she was previously too scared to post about competing in bodybuilding competitions.
“[I was] 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 explained in her caption. “Then this past weekend it struck me how eerily familiar these feelings and thoughts are for too many survivors.”
Smart said she was proud of her body and everything it has gone through.
“This was a big change for me, it was hard, it pushed me, challenged me not to give up,” she shared of her fitness journey. “I am so proud of myself for doing this. I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it.”
“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.
Smart shared that she “refused to be embarrassed” about trying something new and embracing her life to the fullest.
“I only hope that we all find the courage to chase new experiences, goals, bettering ourselves, and most importantly happiness,” she concluded.
The support from her followers, including celebrities, has been overwhelmingly positive.
Kristin Chenoweth wrote, “You look strong and beautiful💪❤️.
Debbie Gibson commented, “Congrats!!! What a fantastically empowering new discipline to embarking on ! Rooting for you ! 💪❤️.”
Fellow kidnapping survivor Kara Robinson Chamberlain also showed her support, writing, “I always stand by the sentiment that there is something so amazingly healing about seeing what a body that has been abused is capable of when you make the choice. You have so much to be proud of this is just one thing to add to the list. 🫶.”
Smart made headlines in 2002 after being taken from her bedroom in Salt Lake City when she was 14 years old. She was rescued by police nine months later, and became an advocate for survivors of sexual violence and a child safety activist.
She created the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011, which seeks to bring hope, empowerment and change in the fight against sexual violence.
