Helen Smart, a former Olympic swimmer, has received tributes after passing away “suddenly” at the age of 43.
Before retiring and taking a position as “brilliant” headteacher at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, the Team GB swimmer competed in the backstroke at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Under her maiden name Helen Don-Duncan, Mrs. Smart had a successful swimming career that included a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and other national records and titles.
Craig Smart, Helen’s bereaved husband, said: “She loved the school, the staff, the students, and the parents so dearly.
She was ecstatic to have accomplished her aim of becoming headteacher. She frequently confided in me that she could never imagine attending a different school. She had always been Worsley Mesnes.
“I recall her saying only last week that she wanted the school to be excellent and that she had the proper team to make this happen.
“I wish you everyone continued success as you learn. Please take this as a lesson and live a regret-free life.
“Make a lot of memories, smile like Helen always did, and take lots of pictures! I love you all.
Alison Halliwell, the chair of the governing board at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School, said: “It is with great grief and regret that I must announce the sudden loss of our beloved headteacher, Mrs. Helen Smart.
“We are sending Helen’s family our deepest sympathies during this really trying time.
“I am aware that this news will shock and deeply sadden our community.
“I want to reassure you that the Worsley Mesnes School governors are collaborating with the school, the local government, and the local authority to make sure that our students, teachers, and parents will have the support they need in the upcoming weeks.
The statement “Further information/updates will be issued as and when they are available.”
Rachael Ashcroft, who competed with Helen in the Lancashire, English, and British teams, expressed her gratitude for having known Helen for 32 years.
“Helen was special, the kind of person you want your kids to be when they grow up,” she added.
Helen’s fierce tenacity and inherent competitiveness have always motivated me. Although we frequently competed against one another, it strangely always felt as though we were supporting one another.
“Her discipline, passion, determination, and belief in herself led to her accomplishments of multiple British records, British titles, European, Commonwealth, and World medals, as well as the realization of her Olympic dream.
“Despite her success, she was always modest and down to earth. Rather than concentrating on herself, she constantly assisted others who had a bad race or didn’t achieve what they had hoped to. Nobody ever said a terrible thing about Helen, so how could they?, in my opinion. She constantly showed kindness, care, and concern for everyone, especially for me.
“Helen’s swimming career came to an end, but her determination and focus did not,” she continued. Helen always put her all into anything she was passionate about, whether it was teaching and coaching swimming, her unwavering dedication to the Pemberton Band, her work as a great teacher and head teacher, or her many other pursuits.
But her primary attention was on her lovely family, whom she loved more than anything. They all accomplished a lot together and are quite close. She was the best mother and wife, and her two young children and husband, Craig, were her pride and delight.
“I’ll do all in my power to make sure you understand exactly why your mother was so beloved by everyone. I appreciate you always being there, Helen; I love you.
Katy Sexton, a backstroke world and Commonwealth champion, debuted for the Olympics in Sydney alongside Helen.
“Helen was such a vibrant character, always happy, and a great friend and roommate,” she remarked.
She had an incredible work ethic that she applied to her life outside of sports and was such a dedicated player.
“She will be sorely missed, and my thoughts are with her family,” I said.
