OLYMPIC swimmer Helen Smart has died “suddenly” aged 43 after retiring from her medal-winning career to be a head teacher in Wigan.
Smart swam for Team GB at the 2000 Sydney Olympics under her maiden name Helen Don-Duncan.
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Helen also won a number of other medals as a swimmer.
She went on to become head of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan.
Its chair of governors Alison Halliwell 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.
“Further information/updates will be issued as and when they are available.”
