Hold onto your swim caps, folks—Olympic star Ryan Lochte is navigating some choppy waters far from the pool.
According to the Daily Mail, the celebrated swimmer and his wife, Kayla Reid, have called it quits, with Kayla filing for divorce earlier this year and the couple publicly confirming the split on June 4, 2025.
Let’s rewind to 2016, when Lochte and Reid first crossed paths and quickly got engaged that fall. Their whirlwind romance seemed like a gold-medal match, but not all that glitters lasts. Now, nearly a decade later, they’re parting ways with three young children in tow—son Caiden, 7, daughter Liv, 5, and little Georgia, nearly 2.
Back in 2016, Lochte made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the Rio Games, claiming he and teammates were held up at gunpoint. Turns out, the “armed men” were security guards, and much of his tale didn’t hold water. He faced charges for a false report, though they were later dropped after a public apology.
Fast forward to March 26, 2025, when Kayla quietly filed for divorce, per court records cited by People magazine. The public didn’t catch wind until June 4, when both broke their silence. It’s a stark reminder that even champions can’t outswim personal storms.
Lochte took to Instagram, calling the announcement day “rough” and leaning on support from his so-called second family, who sent candy and a card. “I just want to say thank you to everyone that wrote a message, reached out to me—just open arms,” he shared. Well, Ryan, it’s nice to see gratitude in an age where folks often drown in self-pity.
“Yesterday was a rough day for me, but, like always in life, you’ve got to put one foot in front of the other,” Lochte added. That’s a solid motto, though one wonders if progressive ideals of “self-care” over responsibility played a role in this marital dive. Still, the man’s trying to keep his head above water, and that deserves respect.
“Thank you guys, I love you guys,” he concluded. A simple sentiment, but in a culture obsessed with oversharing every feeling, it’s refreshingly restrained.
Kayla, for her part, spoke of the split as a deeply personal trial. “I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life,” she said. Marriage as sacred? That’s a view conservatives can cheer, even if the outcome stings.
“I hesitated to share until I could speak from a place of healing, not from fresh, open wounds,” Kayla explained. It’s a mature approach—unlike the social media circus we often see today, where people weaponize personal drama for clout.
“Sometimes we face trials we don’t choose or see coming,” she continued. “And in those moments, we have to make the hardest decisions to protect our peace, our children, and our future.” Tough calls indeed—though one hopes “peace” isn’t just code for dodging accountability in a throwaway culture.
“For me, I saw leaving as an act of love—for those around me and for myself,” Kayla concluded. That’s a bold reframe, but let’s be real: walking away isn’t always the heroic leap today’s narrative-driven world paints it to be.
Lochte echoed her sentiments with grace, saying, “I want to take a moment to acknowledge what Kayla shared.” He noted the major changes this past year brought as they reached this tough decision. It’s a nod to mutual respect, a rarity in an era of bitter public breakups.
“I’m deeply grateful for the life we’ve built together and especially for the love we share for our three children,” he added. That focus on family is a breath of fresh air when so many prioritize personal “truths” over parental duty.
Finally, Lochte affirmed, “Although this decision hasn’t been easy, I believe it’s the right step toward peace and well-being for us both.” He’s committed to healing and co-parenting with care, a stance that shows character even if the marriage couldn’t endure. Here’s hoping both can swim through this storm with dignity, proving that even in defeat, there’s a way to win respect.
