Elizabeth Smart has been working as a child safety activist since she was rescued in 2003 after being held captive for nine months. The 38-year-old has always been seen in that light.

But this April, Smart stepped onto the bodybuilding stage in Salt Lake City, Utah, challenging that stereotype. She revealed how her posting images in a two-piece from the competition has "shocked many."

"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!” Smart shared on her Instagram.

She participated in the Wasatch Warrior bodybuilding and fitness competition on April 17 to 18. And she was worried that sharing the pictures would cause her to be "judged" or "perceived as less than or now unworthy to continue work as an advocate for all survivors."

But fighting those fears, Smart decided to move past them and talk about physical health.

"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 continued.

She further revealed that this was her fourth competition so far, and she refuses to be "embarrassed about trying something new."

The activist was honored in several categories, including:

• Fit model novice - First place
• Fit model Class D - Second place
• Fit model masters 35+ - Third place

Apart from that, Smart thanked everyone who helped her during her journey: her coach, makeup artist, and photographer. And her trainer detailed the routine behind the win.

Elizabeth Smart’s Training Routine

Smart is getting trained by trainer Robyn Maher. According to People Magazine, while speaking to Extra TV, Maher shared Smart's fitness journey.

"I keep calling her fitness Barbie...she's gorgeous," Maher said. “Her legs are super strong. She's run all these marathons. That woman can squat a lot of weight, you know."

According to Maher, to prepare for the competition, Smart trained with weights 6 days a week and followed a highly structured plan throughout the day.

Along with training, she also followed a well-planned healthy diet to fuel her daily training sessions and busy lifestyle.

"It's a journey. She's improved. She's gone through a transformation. And, you know, she didn't get any top award just because she's Elizabeth Smart. Like, it was fair and square," Maher added.

Smart’s perfect mix of weight training, healthy eating, and dedication is the true reason behind her bodybuilding victory.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore