Former Team GB Olympic swimmer Helen Smart dies aged 43

Tributes have been paid to former British Olympic swimmer Helen Smart after she died “suddenly” aged 43.

Ms Smart, then known by her maiden name Don-Duncan, represented Great Britain at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and won bronze at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games in 1998.

She was the 200m British backstroke champion in the late 1990s before retiring to become a headteacher at a primary school in the North West.

Her husband Craig said she was “so proud to reach her goal of being a headteacher”.

Paying tribute to her commitment to Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, he added: “I remember only last week she said her goal was to get the school to outstanding.”

The cause of her death has not been revealed, but her husband urged her students: “Please learn from this and live your best life, no regrets.”

Several of her fellow Team GB swimmers shared their condolences on Twitter.

Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies said it was “very sad news”. She described her as a “fierce competitor” and “always a pleasure to interview”, saying she always had a “huge smile on her face”.

Ex-world champion British swimmer Mark Foster said she had an “infectious smile and laugh”. “Always lit up a room and was a joy to be around,” he wrote.

British Swimming said in a statement that members of the community were “deeply saddened” to learn of her death.

“All our thoughts and condolences are with Helen’s family and friends, as well as those in the swimming community who trained, competed and worked with Helen during her time in the sport,” they wrote.

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Her colleagues also paid tribute to her. Alison Halliwell, the chair of governors at her school, 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.

“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.”

Chris Dyson, who worked with her, posted online: “Lots of hearts were broken yesterday with the tragic news of the passing of the inspirational HT Helen Smart.

“She meant so much to lots of us. Our love and prayers go to all her family and friends. I only saw her 4 weeks ago.”