Elizabeth Smart, the Utah teenager who was abducted nearly three years ago, has won a more upbeat recognition, being named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People."
"It's a nice thing to have happen to her at this time," said Ed Smart, Elizabeth's father. "She was, of course, surprised. It was great for her self-image."
The annual "Beautiful People" issue, which hit newsstands Friday, is usually filled exclusively with entertainment stars, but this year they are joined by the 17-year-old blonde.
Elizabeth was abducted from her bedroom in June 2002. Nine months later, she was found on a suburban street with a transient couple who were charged with kidnapping her. The legal case against Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee is still pending.
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