Former Great Britain swimmer Helen Smart has died suddenly at the age of 43.

Smart, who was a backstroke specialist and competed under her maiden name Don-Duncan, represented Team GB at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and also won medals at the World and European Championships as well as the Commonwealth Games.

She retired from competitive swimming following the Olympic Games 23 years ago and pursued a career in teaching, becoming the headteacher of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan.

Craig Smart, Helen’s husband, said that his wife had “loved the school, staff, children and parents so much” and was “so proud to reach her goal” of becoming a headteacher.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Tributes have since been pouring in from the world of swimming, where she was a hugely popular and respected competitor.

“This is very sad news,” said Sharron Davies, a BBC presenter and medallist at the Moscow Olympics in 1980. She added: “Always a pleasure to interview and always a huge smile on her face. A fierce competitor.”

Rachael Ashcroft, who swam alongside Smart in county and national teams, said: “Helen was special – the type of person you want your children to grow up to be like. Helen’s steely determination and natural competitive spirit always inspired me. We competed against each other many times but somehow it always felt like we were competing with each other, helping each other along the way.

“Her achievements of numerous British records, British titles, European, Commonwealth, World medals and achieving her Olympic dream came as a result of her discipline, commitment, dedication and belief in herself.

“She was always humble and down to earth and she always helped others who’d had a bad race or didn’t achieve what they wanted to rather than focus on herself. I never heard a bad word uttered by anyone about Helen and how could they. She was always kind, thoughtful and looked after everyone.

“Her two little children, Heidi and Stanley, and her husband, Craig, were her pride and joy and she was the best mummy and wife.”

Katy Sexton, a world and Commonwealth champion, who made her Olympic debut alongside Helen in Sydney, said: “Helen was such a vibrant character, always happy and a great friend and roommate. She was such a dedicated athlete and had an amazing work ethic which she carried into her life outside of sport.”

‘Any room was happier when Helen was in it’

Karen Pickering, who won eight golds at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games during a hugely successful career, said that she would most remember her friend’s sense of humour. “Helen was a fierce competitor, gritty in training but humble in her victories and medal successes,” she said.

‘I will remember her most for her sense of humour, laughter and the smile that rarely left her face. Any lane or room was happier when she was in it.”

Alison Halliwell, the chair of governors at Worsley Mesnes, had earlier announced her death. “It is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce the sudden death of our beloved headteacher, Mrs Helen Smart,” she said.

“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.”

In a statement, British Swimming said that their “thoughts and condolences are with Helen’s family, friends, as well as those in the swimming community who trained, competed and worked with her.”