Elizabeth Smart Shares Photo from Fourth Bodybuilding Competition on Instagram

Elizabeth Smart, the kidnapping survivor and child safety advocate, shared a photo on Instagram on April 22, 2026, showing her competing in a bodybuilding event. The image captured her in the midst of what she described as her fourth such competition. Smart explained that the experience had pushed her and challenged her not to give up.

In her post, Smart expressed deep pride in her accomplishments. 'I am so proud of myself for doing this. I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it,' she stated. She added that her body has carried her through every worst day and every hellish grueling experience.

Smart further noted that her body has created and nurtured three beautiful children. It has risen to every single challenge life has presented it with, she said. The bodybuilding competition was recent as of April 22, 2026, according to @ABC reported.

Before posting, Smart had been too afraid to share the photo. She was worried she would be judged, not taken seriously, perceived as less than, or unworthy to continue her work as an advocate for survivors. These concerns echoed familiar feelings for many survivors, she wrote.

'We are more than just one topic, one idea, one label,' Smart stated in her message. As she has grown older, she has learned how important it is to make the most of today. 'I refuse to feel embarrassed about trying something new and am embracing my chance at life to the absolute fullest I can,' she added.

Smart concluded by expressing hope that others find the courage to chase new experiences, goals, bettering themselves, and most happiness. Today, she is a mother of three children and the co-founder of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. The foundation advocates for sexual assault survivors, providing self-defense training and financial support.

Her advocacy stems from a harrowing past. Smart was kidnapped from her Salt Lake City home in 2002 when she was 14 years old. She was held captive for nine months by Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee.

Smart was rescued in 2003. Brian David Mitchell was convicted of interstate kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor. He is serving life in prison. Wanda Barzee pleaded guilty to kidnapping Elizabeth Smart.

She served six years of a 15-year sentence in federal prison. Barzee was released in 2018. Years later, Smart spoke onstage as narrator and producer of 'I Am Elizabeth Smart' on July 28, 2017, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

The event was part of a television critics' press tour. Her story has continued to inspire her work in supporting survivors.