A former Olympic swimmer for Team GB has died ‘suddenly’ at the age of 43.
Helen Smart was a world level competitive swimmer winning a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and silver medals at the World and European Championships.
After representing Great Britain at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, she decided to retire and become the headteacher of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School on Clifton Street in Wigan.
Posting a statement on Facebook Alison Halliwell, the school’s chair of governors, said: ‘It is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce the sudden death of our beloved headteacher, Mrs Helen Smart.
‘Our heart-felt condolences are sent to Helen’s family at this very difficult time. I know this news will be a shock and cause great sadness to our community.
Former Olympic swimmer Helen Smart has died ‘suddenly’ aged 43 after retiring from the sport to become a headteacher
Helen dives on her way to the fastest time in the heats of the 200m backstroke at the XVI Commonwealth Games
‘I want to reassure you that the governors of Worsley Mesnes School are working with the local authority and school to ensure that our children, staff and parents will receive the necessary support in the coming weeks.
‘Further information/updates will be issued as and when they are available.’
Responding to the post, Helen’s husband Craig Smart said: ‘She loved the school, staff, children and parents so much.
‘She was so proud to reach her goal of being headteacher. She used to say to me all the time she could never see herself at another school. She was Worsley Mesnes through and through!
‘I remember only last week she said her goal was to get the school to outstanding and that she had the right staff to achieve this! I hope you all keep learning like champions.
‘Please learn from this and live your best life, no regrets, take lots of photos, make memories and keep smiling just like Helen always did! Love to you all! X’
Alongside winning numerous medals throughout her career, Helen came 15th in the 200m backstroke event at the 2000 Olympics.
She was also a playing member and integral part of the Pemberton Old Wigan Band for more than 30 years.
Helen celebrates her win in the Women’s 200 Metres Backstroke, where she broke the British record
Helen (right) smiles alongside Australia’s Giaan Rooney after she set a new Commonwealth record for the women’s 100m backstroke
Helen pictured outside of her school Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School where she is headteacher
She swam at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 under her maiden name Helen Don-Duncan
Helen also went on to win a number of medals throughout her career
Several other people posted on to Facebook saying Helen was ‘so caring’ and ‘wonderful.
One person wrote: ‘Devastating news. I am grateful to have been taught by a wonderful teacher and a beautiful soul.’
Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club also paid tribute by saying: ‘Sad news over the weekend about the sudden passing of Olympian Helen Smart.
‘Helen was an inspiration to so many in the swimming world. Our thoughts are with all the Smart/DonDuncan family at this time.’
A spokesperson for Pemberton Old Wigan Band said: ‘We are all heartbroken and our love and thoughts are with Craig and the children.
‘With her enthusiasm and joy for playing, Helen was ecstatic when the band won the Second Section North West Area title in 2022, followed by a brilliant runner-up finish at the National Final and promotion to the First Section for the first time in the band’s history.
‘Helen brought her champion mindset and inspirational teaching methods to each and every rehearsal and thrived on developing the next generation of players.’
No further details have been revealed.
Helen and Katy Sexton are interviewed after a race by television
Helen (far right) arrives with other members of the British swim team on the Gold Coast, Australia, for a pre Olympic training camp
From left to right Sarah Price, Katy Sexton, Helen and Joanna Fargus before they competed in the Women’s 200m Backstroke
