Klete Keller, a former Olympic swimmer, was among the prominent individuals charged for his involvement in the insurrection on January 6.

On Monday, he received a pardon from incoming president Donald Trump, becoming one of nearly 1,600 individuals granted clemency — a moment Keller shared with The Washington Post as “such an amazing feeling of relief.”

“Realizing this morning, I was like, ‘Wow, it’s finally over. I don’t have to report to my probation officer anymore,’” Keller recounted to the newspaper on Tuesday.

Keller’s pardon arrived just over a year after a Washington D.C. judge sentenced him to six months of home confinement along with 36 months of probation for his involvement in the notorious January 6, 2021 riot, where he was notably filmed unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol wearing a Team USA jacket. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding, leading to the dismissal of six other non-violent charges he originally faced.

During Keller’s sentencing in December 2023, prosecutors acknowledged his cooperation following the plea deal but still sought a 10-month jail term. However, U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon opted to spare him from jail time and suggested that Keller, a three-time Olympian, should focus on sharing his experiences and expressing remorse in the community, especially with the youth.

“I believe that is a more constructive use of your time,” Leon stated, “(than) having you sit in a cell.”

Keller represented Team USA from 2000 to 2008, winning five Olympic medals, including two as part of relay teams. He was the anchor swimmer for the men’s 4×200-meter freestyle team that secured a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics alongside teammates Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte.

Now at 42, Keller expressed deep remorse for his actions during the January 6 events during his sentencing and reiterated those sentiments to The Washington Post on Tuesday.

“I truly regret the actions I took that day. I cherish this country,” Keller told the newspaper. “I’m immensely thankful that I now have the chance to move forward.”

The Justice Department reports indicate that around 1,600 individuals were charged in the January 6 riot, resulting in injuries to 140 police officers and postponing Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. After winning the 2024 election, Trump had his own federal charges related to the riot dismissed due to a longstanding policy that prevents the Justice Department from prosecuting a sitting president.

Reach out to Tom Schad on social media @tomschad.bsky.social.