BYU Cross Country Team's Attire Sparks Religious Debate

The national powerhouse cross country program at Brigham Young University (BYU) has ignited a religious debate after posting training photos of its athletes wearing sports bras and spandex. The images, shared on the team's social media accounts, were taken during recent workouts amidst warm weather in Provo, Utah.

While the attire is standard for collegiate track and field to prevent overheating, it has drawn criticism from some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who question whether it aligns with the faith's standards of modesty. The controversy gained significant attention on social media platform X after a user highlighted the women's team's attire, with the post garnering over one million views. The user also shared images of the men's team practicing shirtless, stating that neither practice was modest and that posting such pictures on social media was particularly concerning.

The ensuing discussion on social media has been polarizing. Some traditional members of the faith have echoed concerns about modesty, suggesting that student-athletes representing a Church-owned university should adhere to more conservative dress. Others, however, have defended the athletes, arguing that the clothing is functional for athletic performance and should not be inappropriately sexualized. One commenter noted the necessity of specialized gear for running to allow for cooling and minimize drag, deeming the outfits acceptable.

Official teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourage members to dress modestly as a way to honor their bodies and avoid drawing undue attention. However, the guidance also acknowledges that athletic activities may require specialized clothing that differs from everyday wear, allowing for individual discretion while still encouraging modesty where feasible.

BYU's cross country program has achieved significant success, notably becoming the first program in over two decades to win both the men's and women's NCAA Division I national cross country team titles in the same season in 2024. Both squads are currently ranked within the national top 10 for the 2026 season.