OLYMPIC swimmer Helen Smart has died "suddenly" aged 43 after retiring from her medal-winning career to be a head teacher in Wigan.
Smart swam for Team GB at the 2000 Sydney Olympics under her maiden name Helen Don-Duncan.
Helen also won a number of other medals as a swimmer.
She went on to become head of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan.
The school's chair of governors Alison Halliwell 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.
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"I know this news will be a shock and cause great sadness to our community.
"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."
Helen's husband Craig Smart said: "She loved the school, staff, children and parents so much.
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"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!"
Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club said: "Sad news over the weekend about the sudden passing of Olympian Helen Smart (nee Don Duncan).
"Helen was an inspiration to so many in the swimming world. Our thoughts are with all the Smart/DonDuncan family at this time."
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