The sports world is mourning the loss of an Olympic athlete.

Helen Smart, a former swimmer for Great Britain has died, the school she served as head teacher at confirmed in a statement. She was 43.

"It is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce the sudden death of our beloved Headteacher, Mrs Helen Smart," a note published to the website of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, England, read. "Our heart-felt condolences are sent to Helen's family at this very difficult time."