Former Olympic swimmer Helen Smart has died unexpectedly at age 43. Her father said he “can’t comprehend how she could just simply go to sleep and not wake up.”
Known as a young and athlete former Olympic athlete, Smart’s family described the death as “sudden.” No cause of death is known at this time of this report.
Smart represented the U.K. at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games at age 19. She won bronze at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games in 1998. (Poll: Is America Better Off Under Biden? VOTE)
Olympic swimmer Helen Smart dies suddenly at age 43: ‘Can’t comprehend’ https://t.co/XDOqUguKFi pic.twitter.com/GxeEcfIxlH
— New York Post (@nypost) August 16, 2023
After retiring from swimming, Smart became a principal at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, England. She was working as a principal at the time of her death.
Smart became the British backstroke champion in the late 1990s.
She competed in the women’s 50-meter backstroke and 200-meter backstroke at the Summer Games in 2000.
Her husband, Craig Smart, said, “She loved the school, staff, children and parents so much. She was so proud to reach her goal of being Head Teacher.” (Trending: Hawaii Democrats Outraged With Biden)
“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!” he added.
“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!” he said.
Helen’s father, John Don-Duncan, said, “Helen was our pride and joy… we are so proud of her… she lit up a room as soon as she arrived.. Linda and I can’t comprehend how she could just simply go to sleep and not wake up?! xx”
Olympic medalist Sharron Davies said, “This is very sad news. Always a pleasure to interview & always a huge smile on her face. A Fierce competitor.”
The school’s chair of governors, Alison Halliwell, announced, “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,” the statement read.
“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,” Halliwell concluded.
