A sudden tragedy
Helen Smart, a former British Olympic swimmer who competed in the Sydney Games in 2000, passed away unexpectedly on a family holiday to the Lake District. She was 42 years old.
Helen, who was also a headteacher at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, went to bed on the night of August 11 and never woke up. Her four-year-old daughter Heidi found her unresponsive at 4am and told her husband Craig: “Mummy won’t wake up”.
The family was gathered near Lake Coniston in Cumbria to celebrate Helen’s brother Rob’s 40th birthday. They had enjoyed paddleboarding on the lake on the evening of their arrival and were looking forward to ghyll scrambling the next day.
Helen’s death has left her loved ones in shock and grief. They described her as an “adored” and “much-loved” sister, mother, wife and daughter who was “always smiling” and “lit up every room”.
A brilliant career
Helen, whose maiden name was Don-Duncan, was a backstroke specialist who represented Great Britain at the international level. She won a bronze medal in the 200m backstroke at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and silver medals at the World Short Course Championships in 1999 and the European Short Course Championships in 1998.
She also set a British record time for the 200m backstroke to qualify for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, where she finished 15th at the age of 19. She retired from swimming after the Olympics to pursue a career in education.
Helen’s former teammates and friends paid tribute to her on social media, praising her as a “fierce competitor”, a “gracious athlete” and a “vibrant character”. They also remembered her sense of humour, laughter and smile that made any lane or room happier.
A special place
The Lake District had a special place in Helen’s heart as she had many fond memories there. She got married at Low Wood Bay, celebrated her 40th birthday there and even had her hen party there.
Her husband Craig said that she loved the school, staff, children and parents so much and that she was proud to be a headteacher. He added that she had a goal to get the school to outstanding and that she had the right staff to achieve it.
Alison Halliwell, chair of governors at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School, said: “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 funeral details have been released by the family. It will take place on Friday, September 1 at St Wilfrid’s Church in Standish at 11am, followed by a private cremation. The family has requested donations to Derian House Children’s Hospice instead of flowers.
