Halima Aden, A Hijabi Queen On The Sports Illustrated Cover

When you first think of Sports Illustrated, maybe you see a tall, blond and leggy model a la Gisele Bundchen in a bikini, frolicking in the waves with her booty sticking out towards the camera.

While there’s nothing wrong with that version which the magazine has tried time and time again, SI surprised us all with its recent choice of cover girl Halima Aden.

This Somalian American 21 year old is an undeniable stunner – but instead of donning the usual tiny bikini, she’s proudly rocking a hijab and burkini, on the front page of a wildly popular magazine notorious for its provocative covers.

Born in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, Halima moved to the U.S at seven years old. With a hijab that showcases an angelic, goddess-like face, it’s no surprise that she’s skyrocketed to the top of the modeling industry.