Kayla Reid, the ex-wife of Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, has opened up about the challenges of motherhood following their recent divorce. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Reid, a former model and now a real estate agent, shared her experiences of parenting their three children – Caiden, Georgia, and Liv – emphasising the need for a redefined perspective on single motherhood.
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The 35-year-old Reid expressed her discontent with the label “single mum,” advocating instead for the term “head parent in charge.” She asserted, “It’s not ‘co-parenting’ because co-parenting requires two people to parent with consideration and respect. That’s why I call it ‘parallel parenting,’ because it’s kind of like — you do your thing, I do my thing.” This comment highlights her perspective on the relationship, or lack thereof, with Lochte, indicating that their parenting arrangements are far from cooperative.
Reid filed for divorce from Lochte early in 2025 after nearly a decade of marriage. Their separation was finalised in July 2025 but not before several disputes concerning finances stretched the process. Reid candidly discussed one of the chief concerns during their divorce: financial support for their children. “Truthfully, I was fighting for support,” she admitted. Reid remarked that discussions about monetary support might be seen as taboo, but she felt it was necessary to address the reality of her situation.
Despite her efforts, Reid only receives $1,000 in monthly support from Lochte, a figure that she describes as insufficient given her responsibilities. “I’ve almost felt guilty asking for help when I shouldn’t,” she stated, emphasising the shared nature of their parental responsibilities. During the divorce proceedings, Reid indicates that she was left to cover significant expenses relating to their children’s well-being, including housing, utilities, and extracurricular activities.
In her comments, Reid noted that she had incurred over £40,000 in unpaid expenses directly related to caring for their children. While the court documents show that Lochte has agreed to share daycare costs, this does little to alleviate the substantial financial burden she continues to carry as the primary caregiver. She recounted Lochte’s proposal during the divorce where he suggested a hefty sum for custody, which she declined, emphasising her unwillingness to compromise her children’s welfare for financial gain.
Reid confirmed that she retains primary custody and that their children will primarily live with her, while Lochte will see them for four days each month. The arrangement allows for a division of time between summer holidays and significant family celebrations, albeit with the challenge of Lochte’s relocation to Missouri, where he currently teaches swimming at the collegiate level.
Describing single parenthood as “a lot of work” and “daunting,” Reid spoke about the pressure that accompanies raising children alone. However, she remains optimistic, asserting her belief in her ability to thrive as a parent. “There’s nothing I can’t do. It’s okay, I’ll figure it out,” she added, reflecting a resilient mindset that she has maintained for some time now.
In response to Reid’s comments, Lochte expressed his reflection on past mistakes and acknowledged his growth. “I wasn’t ready to be a husband or the man my family deserved at that point in my life. That’s on me,” he stated. He has chosen to remain focused on his role as a father and building a future with his fiancée, Molly Gillihan, while choosing not to engage in public disputes regarding their divorce.
Lochte addressed the topic of a non-disclosure agreement that Reid had mentioned, clarifying that discussions were rooted in his desire to safeguard their children’s privacy, rather than a means of concealing information. He concluded by stating his commitment to fatherhood and to making positive strides in his personal life.
As Kayla Reid navigates this new chapter of her life, her story resonates with many single parents facing similar challenges. Her advocacy for financial transparency and dignity in parenting reflects a broader discussion about the complexities of divorce and the responsibilities that accompany raising children in a split family.