?Any Lane or Room Was Happier?: Swimming World Mourns Loss of 43-Year-Old Olympian Helen Smart as She Passes Away

British swimming is mourning the loss of one of their talented former swimmer. Throughout her swimming career that included the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, Helen Smart represented Great Britain. She used to compete under her maiden name, Don-Duncan. The Olympic swimmer made her mark on the international stage at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, where she competed in the 200m backstroke event. During the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Smart swam her way to a bronze medal in the 200m backstroke event.

Over the years, Smart had put in some impressive performances. This included her silver medal at the World Short Course Championships in 1999. A year before in 1998, she had also secured another silver medal at the European Short Course Championships. She was first discovered as a swimmer in 1996 when she won gold in the 200m backstroke event and became the European Junior champion. Now, as the swimmer marks her eternal rest, swimming federations and fellow swimmers have come together as they remember their peer and friend.

British swimming world remembers Helen Smart

Helen Smart appeared at her first Olympics, aged 19, during the 2000 Sydney Olympics. But even before she swam her first Olympic race, Smart had already broken a British record during one of her qualifying heats. According to a BBC report, remembering the swimmer’s feats, British Swimming also released a statement, “Our thoughts and condolences are with Helen’s family, friends, as well as those in the swimming community who trained, competed and worked with her.”?Smart was equally admired and respected by her competitors. Commonwealth champion Karen Pickering highlighted that Smart was a lot competitive and used to train quite rigorously. However, she also emphasized that Smart was humble in her victories.

Another Commonwealth champion, Sarah Price, remembered Smart by expressing her respect and admiration for her. Price claimed that the late swimmer was quite funny and that she is extremely grateful for their memories together that range from traveling the world to training. World champion Katy Sexton also debuted with Smart at the 2000 Olympics. She pointed to Smart’s dedication to her craft and remembered her work ethic while she sympathized with Smart’s family and friends. But Smart’s legacy was not just restricted to the pool, it went far beyond, and into classrooms.

Helen Smart’s Legacy as a Headteacher

Helen Smart moved on from the swimming pool and transitioned from an Olympic athlete to a school headteacher. After she hung her swimming goggles, Smart became a teacher at Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan. She soon moved up the ranks and became the headteacher of the school. Alison Halliwell, who is the 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.”?Through a social media post, Smart’s husband Dan also reflected on how much the school meant to his wife. He claimed that Smart was extremely committed to the school and loved everybody, from the staff to the children and even the children’s parents.

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Dan also mentioned that Smart was very proud of herself when she became the headteacher for Worsley Mesnes and claimed that she wanted to stay there forever. He revealed that his wife wanted to take Worsley Mesnes to an outstanding level and that she was aware that she had the right staff for the job. As Helen Smart embarks on her eternal rest, she is remembered by a number of friends, family, and colleagues who take inspiration from her rich legacy.

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