Elizabeth Smart Reveals Bodybuilding Competition Entry

Elizabeth Smart, the 38-year-old advocate known for her survival of a high-profile kidnapping two decades ago, has revealed her unexpected entry into competitive bodybuilding, sharing photos from her latest event and emphasizing a message of self-empowerment and resilience.

Smart posted the images on Instagram this week, showing herself posing confidently onstage in a navy bikini and heels at the Wasatch Warrior competition in Salt Lake City over the weekend. The event marked her fourth bodybuilding contest, where she placed first in the novice category, third in the Masters 35 division, and second in Class D. In her caption, Smart addressed the surprise her appearance might cause, writing, "When I posted the pictures in my Instagram story of me standing on stage in a bikini, it probably shocked many of you, and I understand the shock because had you asked me if I would ever compete in a bodybuilding show a couple of years ago I would have said, absolutely not! Never in 100 years!"

The mother of three explained that she had kept her involvement private until now, fearing judgment that could undermine her advocacy work. "I was too afraid to post it before. Worried that I would be...