Elizabeth Smart is continuing her newfound bodybuilding pursuits with great strength — literally.
“Another show for the books! Had such a blast,” Smart, 38, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, September 5, sharing footage from the North American Championships competition this week. “I’ve always said ‘just stepping on stage is a win for me!’ And I completely stand by that.”
Smart sported a blue micro bikini as she competed in the Masters 35+ and Open Class D categories based on age and height, respectively.
“I placed at the bottom of both classes. Regardless of where I placed, I loved the whole experience, had an amazing coach (@slcrobynmaher), got to step onstage with my best friend (@mpholsombake), and had the best support squad in the audience I could ask for,” she noted. “I brought a better physique and stage presence than at my previous shows, and I’m so proud of myself for the hard work, discipline and bravery it takes me to compete. So here’s to pursuing goals and not giving up!”
Sharing more images from the competition to her Instagram Stories, Smart revealed her husband, Matthew Gilmour, dutifully cheered her own despite the loss. (Smart and Gilmour, who have been married since 2012, share three children.)
“So grateful for all of Matthew’s support,” she gushed.
Smart debuted her passion for bodybuilding in April, noting via Instagram that she wanted to demonstrate that survivors are more than just the trauma they endured. (The advocate was kidnapped in 2002 when she was 14 years old. She claimed she was physically, sexually and psychologically abused during her nine months of captivity.)
“I think it’s easy to be labeled as one thing, and honestly, that’s not me nor do I think it’s any of us. We are more than just one topic, one idea, one label,” Smart said. “I am interested in many things, and as I get older I realize more and more how important it is to make the most of today, we don’t know what tomorrow brings. I don’t want to reach the end of my life and look back and feel regret for only living a half-life, not going after all the things I want to do and try.”
At the time, Smart noted that entering the bodybuilding world “was a big change.”
“It was hard, it pushed me, challenged me not to give up. I am so proud of myself for doing this. I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it,” she stated. “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. I refuse to feel embarrassed about trying something new and am embracing my chance at life to the absolute fullest I can.”
