Ex-Olympic Swimmer Dies Suddenly at 42
British Olympian Helen Smart Passes Away at 42
The swimming community in Britain is mourning the loss of Olympian Helen Smart, who tragically passed away at the age of 42. According to Sky News, the cause of her death has not been disclosed, but it was sudden.
Smart, who competed under her maiden name Don-Duncan, represented her country at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and won a bronze medal at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games in 1998.
Not only was Smart a successful athlete, but she was also the 200-meter British backstroke champion in the late 1990s, as reported by Sky News.
After her Olympic journey, Smart retired from swimming and pursued a career as a school teacher, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of her students.
Although there are conflicting reports about her age, a biography on a sports reference website states that she was born on June 9, 1981, making her 42 at the time of her passing.
Tributes Pour In for Helen Smart
Following the news of her untimely death, British swimmers took to social media to honor Smart and express their condolences.
Sad news… Helen had an infectious smile and laugh. Always lit up a room and was a joy to be around. Thoughts go out to her family and friends. https://t.co/qFixkkGMnN
— Mark Foster (@MarkFosterSwim) August 16, 2023
Olympian Mark Foster fondly remembered Smart, describing her as someone who always brought light and joy wherever she went.
This is very sad news. Always a pleasure to interview & always a huge smile on her face. A Fierce competitor. Tributes paid to ‘inspirational’ Commonwealth medallist Helen Smart https://t.co/63Q3omEWkB
— Sharron Davies MBE (@sharrond62) August 15, 2023
Olympic medalist Sharron Davies also paid tribute to Smart, highlighting her infectious smile and fierce competitive spirit.
Smart’s former teammate Rachael Ashcroft, in a statement obtained by LBC News, described her as a special person and a role model for others.
Remembering Helen Smart
The Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School, where Smart taught, expressed their deep sadness over her unexpected passing in a Facebook post.
Alison Halliwell, the school’s chair of governors, said, “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 go out to Helen’s family during this difficult time. We know this news will deeply affect our community.”
Craig Smart, Helen’s husband, expressed his pride in her achievement of becoming a headteacher and urged everyone to cherish life and live without regrets.
Let us remember the remarkable life and legacy of Helen Smart, a true inspiration to many.
The post Former Olympic Swimmer Dies Unexpectedly at Age 42 appeared first on The Western Journal.
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