elizabeth smart surprised followers on April 21 by revealing a new personal chapter: bodybuilding. In a post shared from Salt Lake City, the 38-year-old showed a competition photo and explained why she is only now speaking publicly about the sport. The image was from the April 18 Wasatch Warrior show, and it marked her fourth competition.
Elizabeth Smart Says She Was Afraid To Post The Photo
elizabeth smart said she understood why the reveal might surprise people, writing that if she had been asked a few years ago whether she would ever compete in a bodybuilding show, the answer would have been “absolutely not! Never in 100 years!” She added that she had been “too afraid to post it before, ” worrying about being judged, not taken seriously, or seen as less than or unworthy to continue her work advocating for survivors.
That hesitation, she said, felt familiar. The advocate explained that the fear around being seen and understood connects to emotions many survivors know well, which is part of why she felt ready to speak now. She said the moment also reminded her how important it is to make the most of today because tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Competition, Confidence, And A New Goal
In the post, Smart said the experience was a major change that pushed her and challenged her not to give up. She wrote that she is proud of herself, proud of her body, and wants to celebrate it. Her message centered on courage, saying she hopes others find the strength to chase new experiences, goals, better themselves, and pursue happiness.
Her coach, Robyn Maher, said Elizabeth Smart “killed it” on stage. Maher also said in an Instagram Story on April 20 that Smart “isn’t stopping” anytime soon and that new goals have already been set with a plan in place for more competitions. That signals this is not a one-time appearance, but the beginning of a deeper commitment to the sport.
Why The Reveal Matters Now
The timing of the post matters because Smart has long spoken publicly about how carefully she has chosen when and how to share parts of her story. In January, after the release of her documentary, she said she once did not want to talk about what happened after her rescue, but later decided to tell her story with purpose and ownership. That same sense of ownership now appears to be shaping how she presents this new chapter.
elizabeth smart is now using a bodybuilding stage to show a different side of herself, and the message attached to it is as important as the photo. She made clear that the move was difficult, but that she did not want to look back and feel regret for living a half-life. What comes next is already being planned, and more competitions may follow.
What Comes Next For Elizabeth Smart
For now, the focus is on the momentum from the Wasatch Warrior show and the response to her public reveal. Smart’s comments suggest she intends to keep building on this new goal while continuing her advocacy work. If the plan her coach described holds, elizabeth smart may not be done stepping onto the stage any time soon.
