'Helen was our pride and joy...we are so proud of her'
Helen Smart was a former Olympic swimmer and headteacher and her death has left her parents asking how she 'could just simply go to sleep and not wake up'. Since hearing of her death, tributes have come flooding in for the 42-year-old.
British Swimming detailed Mrs Smart's record in the pool and said its 'thoughts and condolences are with Helen's family and friends, as well as those in the swimming community who trained, competed and worked with Helen during her time in the sport'. World and Commonwealth champion in backstroke, Katy Sexton, said: "I've been trying to find the words to say about this but am so shocked by the news, I don't know what to say.
"I am so grateful for all the memories we had together travelling the world, where we spent so much time training and racing. I had the utmost respect and admiration for DD as a swimmer and friend. Whether we were racing, training or just hanging out, she was so gracious in all she did and was extremely funny and kind. She was a tough competitor in the pool as well as the most caring friend out of it.
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