Elizabeth Smart, renowned for her remarkable survival story, is venturing into an entirely new arena: bodybuilding. Recently shared photos reveal Smart embracing this empowering hobby with enthusiasm.

The 38-year-old, who became a household name due to her traumatic abduction, unveiled her latest pursuit on Instagram. Over the weekend, she posted a striking image highlighting her toned physique, capturing the attention of many.

“I know seeing me on stage in a bikini might have been surprising for some of you,” Smart expressed in her Instagram post. “Honestly, if someone had asked me a few years back whether I’d ever participate in a bodybuilding competition, I would have said, ‘No way! Not in a million years!’”

Smart’s past is well-known; she was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home at the age of 14 in 2002. This new chapter in her life marks another incredible journey for the resilient survivor.

She joined a crowd of amateur athletes at the Wasatch Warrior Competition held in Salt Lake City, Utah, last Saturday. Smart competed in the Fit Model Division, an entry-level category for aspiring bodybuilders.

In a testament to her dedication and hard work, Elizabeth Smart clinched first place in the novice category, secured second in Class D, and achieved third place in the Masters 35+ category during the event on April 18, 2026.

She secured first place in the competition’s novice category, second in Class D and third in the Masters 35+ category, according to the tournament’s website. 

Elizabeth Smart showed off her physique at the Wasatch Warrior Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 18, 2026. (Mitchell Gilbert/Gilco Productions)

Elizabeth Smart won first place in the novice category, second in Class D, and third in the Masters 35+ category at the Wasatch Warrior Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 18, 2026. (Mitchell Gilbert/Gilco Productions)

“I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it,” Smart added. “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 was just 14 years old when she was abducted from her family’s Salt Lake City home in 2002. 

Investigators subsequently learned she had been kidnapped at knifepoint and taken from her bedroom by Brian David Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Breeze.

Smart was held captive by the pair for nine months, moving between campsites in the Utah foothills and later to California while being raped daily by Mitchell. 

In March 2003, authorities located Smart in Sandy, Utah after witnesses recognized Mitchell and Barzee from media coverage in the case.

Mitchell was later convicted in federal court and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

Barzee ultimately pleaded guilty to her role in Smart’s abduction and was released from prison in 2018, but was arrested a second time in May 2025 after violating the terms of her sex offender status by visiting a public park, according to FOX 11.

Smart’s competition marked one year since her first time taking the stage at the same tournament. Throughout the past year, she has reportedly competed at the NPC Heart of Texas and moved on to the national stage at the NPC Masters USA in Las Vegas in pursuit of an IFBB Pro card.

“I refuse to feel embarrassed about trying something new and am embracing my chance at life to the absolute fullest I can,” Smart concluded in her post to social media. “I only hope that we all find the courage to chase new experiences, goals, bettering ourselves, and most importantly happiness.”