Former Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte is officially a single man, as his divorce from his ex-wife, Kayla Reid, has been finalized. In a new interview, Reid, a Florida-based realtor, opened up about her split from Lochte, 41, calling their separation one of “the hardest experiences of my life.” Before today, Lochte and Reid exchanged blows in the headlines, with Reid accusing the swimmer of drug use and cheating, and Lochte appearing to call the mother of his children a “gold-digger.”
Lochte and Reid are finally divorced! Speaking with PEOPLE, Reid told the outlet that she was ready to move on with her life after a lengthy court battle. “Divorce has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but it has also revealed a strength I didn’t know I had,” the 34-year-old said. “I’m grateful to be moving forward with clarity, peace, and a lot of faith in what’s ahead.”
Reid announced her plans to divorce the gold medalist in the summer of 2025, according to The Blast. On Instagram, she explained that she faced several “trials” during her marriage. “I’ve come to the understanding that staying isn’t always the most loving decision someone can make. For me, leaving was an act of love, for those around me and for myself,” she said.
Reid Said Her ‘Best Chapters’ Are Ahead Of Her After Divorcing Ryan Lochte Following Nearly 10 Years Of Marriage
Later in her interview, Reid said there were still hurdles she’d need to overcome, but implied she was eager to be free finally. “I genuinely believe the best chapters of my life are still unwritten,” she said.
She went on to say that leaving a situation that was no longer beneficial to her has been “incredibly empowering,” adding that while she doesn’t want to celebrate the end of her marriage, she’s finding strength in the process.
Reid finished, “To my family, friends, community, and everyone who showed up for me when I needed it most: thank you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Ryan Lochte And Reid Exchanged Jabs In The Headlines Over The Last Year
Reid’s divorce from Lochte was anything but smooth sailing. According to The Blast, Reid alleged that the swimmer had cheated on her with his new partner, Molly Gillihan, and used drugs in their family home. She also accused the athlete of being incapable of fully providing for their three minor children, claiming that he’s fallen asleep at the wheel and even passed out while watching the children when he was the only adult present.
Another report from The Blast details an alleged email Lochte sent to Reid earlier this year that read, “Molly is a ten times better mother then [sic] you will ever be and I think if it was bad idea we wouldn’t go.” He allegedly added, “Look at the offer I just sent to your lawyer and move on with your gold digging life.” Months before that, Lochte caught the attention of many when he posted a screenshot of Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” to his Instagram Stories.
Are Things OK Between Lochte And Reid?
While the pair are officially divorced, it’s unclear whether they’re on good terms today. In February 2026, Reid spoke candidly about where she stood with Lochte, admitting that they were “not in a good place.”
She explained that she was praying for Lochte to step up and “become the father our kids deserve” before revealing that they have “minimal interaction” with each other.
Lochte Is Engaged!
It’s great to know Lochte’s divorce has been finalized, considering the new Missouri State swim coach recently proposed to Gillihan at dinner in Florida, per The Blast.
He released his own statement, saying he was on to “bigger and better” things and that he was looking forward to marrying his new fiancée.
Regarding the proposal, Lochte popped the big question while out at dinner in Gainesville, revealing that Gillihan was overcome with emotions.
“She immediately started crying and said, ‘What took you so long?’” Lochte said.
