I read Marina Hyde’s article with great interest (so what is it about the talented and victorious sportswoman Mary Earps that a bull can’t stand? December 22 ). I disagree with Mary Earps winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award for 2023, although perhaps for different reasons than Piers Morgan.
I have always believed that the winner should be the one who has truly achieved something in their field, and although Earps is a great goalie and a member of a good soccer team, she has not achieved anything this year either as a team or as an individual. . They didn’t win the Women’s World Cup and although she was praised for saving Jenny Hermoso’s penalty, it wasn’t enough to qualify her. I doubt anyone felt sympathy for her because replicas of her shirt were not originally sold and her shirt was destroyed at the time.
I think it’s a shame that heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson finished third; the gold medal she won at the World Championships is a true reflection of someone at the top of her game.
It’s always difficult to select an individual from a successful team for an individual award, but if the selection panel selecting the shortlist wishes to do so, a more suitable contender might be Katie from the successful women’s pursuit cycling team gold medal Katie Archibald.
Helen Bennett
Asturias, Spain
As a middle-aged white man, I had conflicting emotions when I read Marina Hyde’s article. First there was a feeling of apathy because I didn’t care who won. Then I found out Mary Earps played for Manchester United and was horrified that anyone who played for that club should win anything.
Finally, Ms. Hyde reminded us of Earps’ penalty save and the profanity-laced celebration that followed, at which point I realized the award was well deserved.
David Hyde
Kettering, Northamptonshire
Mary Earps’ award is an inspiration not only to girls and women, but to all goaltenders who are fortunate enough to have a sport that calls upon them. Let’s get enough sticks. Of course, anyone with an ounce of common sense would not begrudge Mary this honor, and she is a great ambassador for goalkeepers around the world.
Jon Shepherd
Cologne, Germany
Marina Hyde treats all men equally. I am a 63 year old male who voted for Mary Earps. She is an inspiration to women and girls.
David Cromarty
Durham
