I was recently paging through the issue of “What You Need to Know,” when I came across a picture of myself and a teammate of mine. Not only was there a picture of us, but it was also a photo of us running on the indoor track in our spandex and sports bras. While the fact that this particular picture was in the paper is not entirely the issue, the problem was the picture’s use.

We are both members or the ISU cross-country and track team and on the day that picture was taken, we happened to be doing a workout on the indoor track. The picture of us was used to demonstrate students on “what NOT to do.” The caption discussed that working out in proper attire will make your workout easier, and that while working out at any of the recreation places, we should “keep it classy.” Sports bras are not allowed at any of the recreation buildings, apparently.

While I completely agree with this, on days we are doing continuous reps on the indoor track during our practice time, I believe sports bras can be proper attire. Your use of the picture was insulting to me and my teammates. Not once was it mentioned we were athletes doing a hard workout during our practice time. You used this photo of us in a condescending tone and made us look bad.

The ISU track and cross-country team considers themselves to be a high-class team, and we try our best to set a good example for others inside the classroom and on the track/course. Your issue of “What You Need to Know” was a good issue and very informative I believe, but I was so disappointed to see a finger pointed at me, when I feel I had done nothing wrong. Further more, do you really need a picture of girls in sports bras as visual evidence of what you shouldn’t do at the rec?

I think we all know what inappropriate attire is and calling more attention to it seems a bit over the top. When we are done with our workouts, we put shirts back on. I don’t walk around the rec in little to nothing hoping to make a scene. 

If I am going to be noticed, I sure as heck don’t want to be noticed for the revealing clothing I am wearing.