Helen Smart, a former Olympic swimmer who represented Great Britain in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, has passed away at the age of 43. Smart, who was also a bronze medalist at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, was serving as a school principal at the time of her unexpected demise. The cause of her death remains unknown.
Smart, formerly known as Don-Duncan, rose to prominence in the late 1990s when she became the British backstroke champion. At the tender age of 19, she competed in the women’s 50-meter and 200-meter backstroke events at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
After retiring from professional swimming in the early 2000s, Smart transitioned into the field of education. She served as the principal of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, England. Her husband, Craig Smart, expressed his grief on the school’s Facebook page, praising his wife’s dedication to her work and her love for the school community.
Craig Smart shared his wife’s aspirations for the school, stating that she was determined to elevate the school’s status to outstanding. He urged the school community to continue learning and living their best lives, a sentiment that Helen Smart embodied.
John Don-Duncan, Helen’s father, also paid tribute to his daughter on social media. He expressed his pride in his daughter’s accomplishments and the joy she brought to their lives. He shared his disbelief at the sudden loss of his daughter.
The news of Smart’s death has sent shockwaves through the sporting community. Olympic medalist Sharron Davies expressed her sadness at the news, remembering Smart as a fierce competitor with a constant smile.
Alison Halliwell, the school’s chair of governors, confirmed the news of Smart’s death on Facebook. She extended her condolences to Smart’s family and assured the school community that they would receive the necessary support during this difficult time.