![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/team-gb-olympian-dies-suddenly-aged-43-as-tributes-pour-in-for-medal-winning-swimmer/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1_JS308114625.jpg&description=A number of tributes have been offered up following the tragic death of former Team GB swimmer Helen Smart who has sadly passed away at the age of 43 after she retired to become a head-teacher Former Team GB swimmer Helen Smart has died at the age of 43 after retiring from the sport to become a teacher. The former athlete swam for Team GB at the 2000 Olympics and claimed a bronze medal at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games. After retiring, Smart went on to become head of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School. A statement from the school's chair of governors Alison Halliwell confirming the news read: "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." A touching tribute has also been paid by Helen's husband Craig Smart. He said: "She loved the school, staff, children and parents so much. "She was so proud to reach her goal of being headteacher. 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. 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! Love to you all!" Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club also had some kind words. They said: "Sad news over the weekend about the sudden passing of Olympian Helen Smart (){kind=link}
A number of tributes have been offered up following the tragic death of former Team GB swimmer Helen Smart who has sadly passed away at the age of 43 after she retired to become a head-teacher
Former Team GB swimmer Helen Smart has died at the age of 43 after retiring from the sport to become a teacher.
The former athlete swam for Team GB at the 2000 Olympics and claimed a bronze medal at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games. After retiring, Smart went on to become head of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School.
A statement from the school’s chair of governors Alison Halliwell confirming the news read: “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.”