The cross country program at BYU is one of the most dominant of all-time and even more so in recent history. However, members of the LDS community question whether its uniforms (or lack thereof) are appropriate for training.
Two recent posts on Instagram have created something of a religious debate.
Athletes in track and field often choose to wear clothing that is the least restrictive to allow freedom of movement, to improve comfort and to prevent overheating. That also applies to cross country. Most people do not think twice about the runners’ choice of garments. Those of Mormon faith might question whether it meets the standard set by the Church.
BYU is dominant at cross country.
Very few teams in BYU history can match what the men’s and women’s cross country programs have produced for more than two decades. They win, a lot.
The women’s program has built dynasty since the early 2000s. It has recorded 12 top-four finishes at the NCAA championships since 1995 with four national titles between 1997 and 2002, a fifth national title in 2020 and a sixth national title in 2024. It also won the Big 12 title and finished as the national runner-up in 2025. Standout freshman Jane Hedengren was one of BroBible’s most inspiring athletes of the year.
The men’s team has been just as strong in recent years. After decades of top-10 finishes at the NCAA championships, the Cougars finally claimed their first national title in 2019. They won again in 2024.
BYU became the first team in more than 20 years to capture both Division I national cross country team titles in the same year. The men and the women are both ranked in the top-10 for 2026.
You get the idea. The Cougars are an elite program that does not show any signs of a potential decline. They are here to stay!
What does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints say about clothing?
With the 2026 cross country season underway, BYU has been training in unusually warm weather for this time of year. Its athletes have dressed accordingly.
The Cougars recently shared these images of the women’s team on Instagram:
Their choice of dress drew criticism from a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on social media. @lds_spence raised the following question in a post that has been viewed more than 500,000 times on X:
“I know that it’s not cool to bring up modesty. but is this really necessary for BYU students to wear this for running?”
He also addressed these photos of the men’s team:
@lds_spence is not keeping a double standard between the two genders.
“Now to be fair I found a picture of the men practicing and I also don’t think this is modest. It’s one thing to run without a shirt on, its another to post pictures of it to social media.”
Although his post about the men has not received the same viewership as his initial post about the women, he is trying to be consistent. Is the BYU cross country team adhering to the teachings of the Church?
The Book of Mormon does not give a detailed dress code. Rather, its teachings about clothing are primarily connected to pride, wealth, vanity and humility. Take Jacob 2:13, Alma 1:6, Alma 5:53 and Mormon 8:36-39 as examples. It also says that faithful people are “neat and comely.”
That does not apply to @lds_spence’s question.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is more specific. It tells its members: to dress “modestly” to honor our bodies as God’s sacred creation and to avoid styles that emphasize or draw inappropriate attention to our physical body.
The Church also speaks to sports clothing specifically. It recognizes that athletic activities sometimes require clothing that would not be considered appropriate in ordinary settings. However, it encourages its members to consider whether particular clothing is necessary for movement and/or safety (or the requirements of the sport), to consider whether there might be another option that would be suitable, and to “cover up when they can.”
The Church’s guidance on sports clothing leaves room for judgement. It does not establish a universal rule that says certain pieces of athletic clothing are forbidden. It might instead ask if a less-revealing option could still work for the activity. Or if the clothing serves as functional athletic wear rather than clothing intended to draw attention to the body.
Reactions to @lds_spence’s initial question are mixed. Some members of the LDS Church agree that BYU’s cross country teams should either cover-up or post less images on social media that are not considered modest. Others point to the (lack of) clothing as standard for the sport and question why it must be made sexual. A third group of non-members also chimed in but they don’t get it.