FORMER Olympic Swimmer Helen Smart has died aged 43.
Prior to her tragic passing, Helen had retired from the sport and had reached ''her goal'' of becoming a headteacher.
What prizes did Helen Smart win in swimming?
Helen Smart was a swimmer and a backstroke specialist, who swam for Team GB at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, under her maiden name Helen Don-Duncan.
She also won a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and silver at both the World and European Championships.
After achieving swimming success, Helen retired from the sport and went on to become head of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan.
When did Helen Smart die?
On August 15, 2023, the news of Helen Smart's tragic passing was announced.
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The decorated athlete died ''suddenly'' aged 43.
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.
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"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."
Was Helen Smart married and did she have children?
Helen was married to husband Craig Smart.
Following the news of his wife's death, Craig 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!"
According to reports, Helen tragically leaves behind two children.
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