HAVE read many HAS letters that have incensed me to almost write, but the letter from Tony Kelly (HAS, July 21) has finally driven me to put finger to keyboard.

I cannot believe The Northern Echo has the temerity to print such a misogynistic and out-of-date opinion such as his.

His assertion that the only good thing about Wimbledon was Maria Sharapova’s looks and skimpy outfit insult the amazing skill, training, physicality, fitness and determination of every single tennis player at the event, both female and male.

His further comment that Serena Williams, a multi Grand Slam winner and gracious and noble player, “has got nothing going in the looks department” is nothing but crude, sexist and a simple reflection of the ignorance of so many people, even after so many years of women fighting for equality.

I believe that such widely held outdated views such as these are still holding back the portrayal of women’s sport throughout the media.

The recent achievements of the England football team may go a little way to push for equality, but when faced with such entrenched views as these, I sadly doubt it.

I am not a raving feminist, I’m not a sporty person, I am not political, I am simply a mother of two teenage daughters, who believes wholly in equality for all in all fields, not just sport, who wants everyone to be judged on their merits and achievements, not their looks and clothes.

W Thompson, Darlington.