Former Team GB Olympic swimmer Helen Smart dies ‘suddenly’ aged 43 after retiring from sport to become a headteacher
- Helen Smart swam in the 2000 Oympics under maiden name Helen Don-Duncan
A former Olympic swimmer for Team GB has died ‘suddenly’ aged 43 after retiring from the sport to become a headteacher.
Helen Smart swam at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 under her maiden name Helen Don-Duncan and went on to win a number of medals throughout her career.
After retiring from swimming, she became the head teacher of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan. She was also a playing member of Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band.
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’
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.’
Helen and Katy Sexton are interviewed after a race by television
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
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.’
No further details have been revealed.
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