​Statement from USA Swimming Leadership

Statement from USA Swimming Leadership

Our staff has received several inquiries regarding Klete Keller’s participation in the unlawful events at the Capitol last week. Many of those inquiries have included calls to strip Mr. Keller of his medals. USA Swimming does not award Olympic medals, nor has the power to relieve an athlete of what they achieved competing within the rules established by the IOC.

However, since first learning of Mr. Keller’s possible involvement in the events of January 6, and awaiting official confirmation or charges by law enforcement, we made it very clear in responses to the media that, while we respect private individuals’ and groups’ rights to peacefully protest, we strongly condemned the unlawful actions taken by those at the Capitol last week.

It is very simple and very clear. Mr. Keller’s actions in no way represent the values or mission of USA Swimming. And while once a swimmer at the highest levels of our sport – representing the country and democracy he so willfully attacked – Mr. Keller has not been a member of this organization since 2008.

We stand with Team USA and echo their plea to celebrate our diversity of background and beliefs, stand together against hatred and divisiveness, and use our influence to create positive change in our communities.

Sincerely,

Joel Shinofield
Managing Director of Sport Development
jshinofield@usaswimming.org