Elizabeth Smart, known for her advocacy for women and victims of sexual violence, has found unexpected confidence as a competitive bodybuilder. At 14, she was kidnapped, making her story well-known. Her journey into bodybuilding began with trepidation. The first time she stepped on stage, her smile was fixed, her hands shook, and the choreography she had painstakingly practiced was put to the test under bright stage lights. Adding to the pressure was an oversized ring that snagged her hair extension, yet she continued posing despite wanting to flee.
For Smart, bodybuilding isn’t about winning trophies. Four competitions later, it helped her gain a deeper sense of confidence in her physique. “I’m at a point in my life where I want to celebrate my body,” Smart says, shedding the shame she once felt.
A Traumatic Past
In 2002, at the age of 14, Smart was kidnapped at knifepoint from her Salt Lake City home by a man claiming to be a prophet. Her story captivated the world as she was missing for nine months, enduring repeated assaults and psychological manipulation.
Smart’s book, Detours, describes trauma as an unwanted diversion, a path she didn’t choose. She coped by holding onto memories of a life beyond captivity.
Healing After Trauma
Developing a positive relationship with one’s body after trauma, especially sexual trauma, can take years. Robyn Brickel, a therapist specializing in trauma-related disorders, explains that victims often disconnect from their bodies as a survival mechanism. It can take many years, or even decades, to heal this disconnect, and even then, the body may feel foreign to many survivors.
After her rescue, Smart faced unique challenges, having to recover publicly. Raised in a conservative family, she felt significant pressure to embody innocence. She recalls spending much time focused on the harp and avoiding boys, trying to fit into a mold of a ‘perfect victim.’
Finding Empowerment Through Bodybuilding
Now a mother of three, Smart’s relationship with her body and exercise has transformed. She trains frequently and carefully manages her meals. Research supports that strength training can aid trauma survivors by reducing symptoms of PTSD and improving emotional wellbeing. Smart reflects that bodybuilding gave her a sense of control and empowerment.
Not all forms of physical training are beneficial for every trauma survivor. According to Brickel, the success of such endeavors often depends on their intent and emotional awareness behind them. Smart emphasizes presence over perfection and finds joy in both her achievements and future possibilities.
Reflecting on her journey, Smart finds empowerment in her resilience and ability to advocate for others. She often quotes Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, about not being crushed despite setbacks. Though her body has endured much, it never destroyed her spirit.
Smart’s story is one of ongoing growth. She is contemplating another bodybuilding competition in Nashville, hoping to continue redefining her narrative and embracing her multifaceted identity. As she prepares, she indulges in simple pleasures like watching The Great British Bake Off, imagining her post-show treats.
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