A former Team GB Olympic swimmer has ‘suddenly’ passed away at the age of 43.
Helen Smart was a world class competitive swimmer and backstroke specialist who won a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and silver medals at the World and European Championships.
After representing Great Britain at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, she decided to retire and become a headteacher at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School on Clifton Street in Wigan.
She has been described as an ‘inspiration to so many in the swimming world’ who was the most ‘amazing person’.
Alison Halliwell, the school’s chairman of the board, posted a statement on Facebook: ‘It is with great sadness and regret that I must announce the sudden passing of our beloved Headteacher, Mrs. Helen Smart.
Former Olympic swimmer Helen Smart has ‘suddenly’ passed away aged 43 after retiring from the sport to become a head teacher
Helen dives on her way to fastest time in the 200m backstroke heats at the XVI Commonwealth Games
“Our sincere condolences go out to Helen’s family at this very difficult time. I know this news will come as a shock and cause great sadness to our community.
“I want to assure you that the Worsley Mesnes School Board is working with the council and the school to ensure that our children, staff and parents receive the necessary support over the coming weeks.
“Further information/updates will be issued as they become available.”
Helen’s husband Craig Smart commented on the post: “She loved the school, staff, children and parents so much.
“She was so proud to have achieved her goal of becoming a head teacher. She always told me she would never see herself in any other school. She was Worsley Mesnes through and through!
‘I remember last week when she said her goal was to make the school excellent and she had the right staff to achieve it! I hope you all continue to learn like champions.
“Please learn from this and live your best life, no regrets, take lots of pictures, make memories and keep smiling like Helen always did!” Love to you all! X’
In addition to winning numerous medals throughout her career, Helen placed 15th in the 200m backstroke at the 2000 Olympics.
She was also a playing member and was an integral part of the Pemberton Old Wigan Band for over 30 years.
Some of Helen’s closest teammates in the pool also shared their memories of their “inspiring, vibrant, cheerful, gracious, funny and kind” friend whom they affectionately called DD.
Helen celebrates her victory in the women’s 200m backstroke, where she broke the British record
Helen (right) laughs with Australia’s Giaan Rooney after setting a new Commonwealth record in the women’s 100m backstroke
Helen pictured outside her school, Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School, where she is a head teacher
She swam at the 2000 Sydney Olympics under her maiden name Helen Don-Duncan
Helen also won a number of medals during her career
Rachael Ashcroft, who swam alongside Helen in the Lancashire England and British teams, said she was lucky enough to call Helen her friend for 32 years.
“Helen was special — the type of person you want your kids to grow up to be,” she said.
“From the moment I met her, aged 11, at the Everton Park Sports Center I immediately liked her. I think we bonded over our somewhat unusual and unique last names and, of course, our love of swimming. I just found her easy going especially when I was so nervous before joining.
“Helen’s steely determination and natural competitive spirit have always inspired me. We’ve often competed against each other, but somehow it always felt like we were competing with each other and helping each other along the way.
Her achievements of countless British records, British titles, European, Commonwealth, World medals and achieving her Olympic dream were the result of her discipline, dedication, dedication and belief in herself.
Despite her success, she was always humble and level-headed, always helping others who had a bad race or not achieving what they wanted, rather than focusing on herself. I know she picked me up in bitter disappointment a few times and made me laugh.
‘I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about Helen and how could that be. She was always kind, attentive and took care of everyone, especially me.
The end of Helen’s swimming career didn’t mean the end of her focus and drive.
Helen and Katy Sexton are interviewed by television after a race
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 competing in the Women’s 200m Backstroke
Several other people posted on Facebook that Helen was “so caring” and “amazing.”
One person wrote: “Devastating news. I am grateful to have been taught by a great teacher and a beautiful soul.”
Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club also paid tribute saying: ‘Sad news over the weekend of Olympian Helen Smart’s sudden passing.
Helen was an inspiration to so many in the swimming world. Our thoughts are with the entire Smart/DonDuncan family at this time.”
A spokesman 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 of playing, Helen was ecstatic as the band won the Second Section North West Area title in 2022, followed by a brilliant second place in the National Final and promotion to the First Section for the first time in band history.
“Helen brought her champion spirit and inspiring teaching methods to every rehearsal and thrived in developing the next generation of players.”
No further details have been disclosed.