Smart, nee Don-Duncan, represented Britain at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 in the 200m backstroke.
She also won a bronze medal in the same event at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
“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,” a British Swimming statement said.
Smart won silvers at the World Short Course Championships of 1999 and the European Short Course Championships the year before.
She was crowned European Junior champion in the 200m backstroke in 1996.
Smart set a British record time in qualifying to secure her place at Sydney 2000 and went on to place 15th at her debut Games at just 19.
After the Olympics, she retired to become the headteacher at Worsley Mesnes you Community Primary School in Wigan.
Former Commonwealth champion Karen Pickering said: “Helen was a fierce competitor, gritty in training but humble in her victories and medal successes.
“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.”
Sarah Price, Commonwealth champion in the 200m backstroke at Manchester 2002, added: “Swimming brought us together, a northern lass and a southern girl that shared the same love for swimming backstroke.
“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.”
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