Helen Smart, a former Olympic swimmer for Great Britain, has died. She was 43. Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, England, confirmed the loss in a Facebook statement on Aug. 13. “It is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce the sudden death of our beloved Headteacher, Mrs. Helen Smart. Our heartfelt 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 post read. Helen’s husband, Craig Smart, commented, “Thank you for your kind words…She was so proud to reach her goal of being Head Teacher…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.” A cause of death was not immediately made public. Helen swam for Great Britain in the late ’90s. She came in 15th place during the 200m backstroke at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
