Gabby Douglas defends Miss America's swimsuit competition

America’s biggest pageants have focused on breaking boundaries in 2016, with Miss America featuring its first openly gay contestant, an Army Reservist claiming the title of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA eliminating its swimsuit competition in favor of an athleticwear portion.

But on the Miss America red carpet Sunday night, one of the night’s celebrity judges, Olympic gymnastics star Gabby Douglas, shared why she sees Miss America’s swimsuit portion as a positive aspect of the competition.

Her opinion was shaped by an interview she heard with one of the Miss America contestants, who shed light on why some pageant competitors take pride in their bikinis.

“I was watching an interview and I loved what one of the girls said — they don’t think it’s outdated, because it shows their hard work," she said. "It shows, ‘You know what, I’m confident in my skin.’ And I really loved that answer.”

Douglas may be all about fitness and athleticism, but she's also all for supporting what makes the contestants feel beautiful and confident.