Klete Keller, an Olympic gold medalist, shares his thoughts on Trump's Jan. 6 pardon: "Something has been restored to me."

On Monday, President Donald Trump pardoned Klete Keller, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, among the 1,500 defendants charged in connection to the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the U.S. Capital.

Since his arrest, Keller has stated in his first interview with The Washington Post that it didn't seem real.

"This morning, as I awoke, I felt relieved that my probation period had ended and I no longer needed to report to my officer."

In September 2021, Keller pleaded guilty to a felony charge and was sentenced to six months house arrest and three years of probation, after being one of approximately 1,500 defendants pardoned by Trump following an executive order granting clemency to those who participated in the Capitol riot.

"In the interview published Tuesday, Keller expressed regret for the actions he took that day, but also expressed his love for the country. He stated, "I’m just so grateful that I have the opportunity now to move forward.""

In court records, Keller admitted to attempting to hinder Congress' certification of Biden's Electoral College victory, dismissing officers who tried to remove him from the Capitol Rotunda, and shouting derogatory remarks about Pelosi and Schumer.

Keller, a three-time Olympic swimmer, confessed to discarding his U.S. Olympic team jacket and destroying his phone.

Keller, who struggled under "the weight of the justice system," expressed his appreciation for Trump's intervention, even though he never expected a pardon.

"He stated that he was still trying to understand it, but felt like something had been restored to him. He emphasized that he was not angry or a victim, but rather blessed to have the opportunity of life again. He had learned many lessons and intended to apply them moving forward."

In the 2008 Beijing Games, Keller, 42, won his second gold in the men’s 4x200 meter freestyle relay with Michael Phelps. He also competed in three Games and won five medals.

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