This Muslim Model Is The First Woman To Appear In Sports Illustrated Wearing A Burkini

Somali-American model Halima Aden has become the first woman to appear in Sports Illustrated wearing a burkini.

Halima is featured in the magazine’s annual Swimsuit Edition in a number of colourful swimsuits that cover the entire body except the face, hands and feet.

The 21-year-old was born in a Kenyan refugee camp before moving to the United States at the age of six – there she became the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, before signing to a major modelling agency.

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Speaking to the BBC, she said it was important that women who wear the hijab are represented in all industries:

Young girls who wear a hijab should have women they look up to in any and every industry. We are now seeing politicians, business women, television reporters, and other successful hijabi women in visible roles and that is the message we need to be sending.

“The response has been incredible and I’m so honoured that Sports Illustrated has taken the step to showcase the beauty that modestly dressed women possess,” she continued.

Halima is the first hijabi woman to walk at fashion weeks around the world, and has appeared on the cover of Vogue Arabia, Elle, and British Vogue.

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The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has previously starred models like Chrissy Teigen and Lily Aldridge, and is typically known for its sexy photoshoots.

There’s been a mixed reaction to Halima’s shoot – one critic said it’s “completely counterintuitive” for a hijabi woman to pose for a magazine known for objectifying women.

However, on Instagram, it’s going down a treat. “Amazed every year by the inclusivity efforts of this issue. This year is a new level.”

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