Elizabeth Smart, known for her childhood kidnapping and advocacy, secretly became a competitive bodybuilder, winning first place. She initially hid her passion due to fears of judgment but ultimately shared her journey, connecting her experience to victims' struggles with coming forward.
Elizabeth Smart, 38, a prominent figure known for surviving her 2002 kidnapping and her subsequent work as a sexual violence advocate, recently achieved first place in her category at the Wasatch Warrior bodybuilding competition in Salt Lake City. For a year, Smart competed discreetly under her married name, Elizabeth Gilmour, keeping her bodybuilding pursuits private from the public. Her initial reluctance to share stemmed from a desire to be taken seriously as an advocate and a fear of judgment or losing credibility, drawing parallels to the scrutiny victims often face when sharing their stories. However, after a friend asked to post about her win, Smart reflected on these fears. She ultimately decided to share her story publicly, asserting that she refuses to be embarrassed by trying new things and embracing life to the fullest. She views her body as incredible, having carried her through the worst days of her life and given her three children, and believes it deserves to be celebrated. Smart, who previously ran marathons, transitioned to bodybuilding for stronger bones and more muscle, finding motivation in the goal of competing. She sees her bodybuilding journey as another level of healing and advocates for not limiting oneself to a single label, embracing her roles as a mother, advocate, and now, a bodybuilder. She advises aspiring lifters to get a good coach, lift heavy, and eat plenty of protein.
