Kayla Reid, former model and the ex-wife of Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, has opened up about the tumultuous end of their relationship, revealing that substance abuse, deceit, and infidelity played major roles in her decision to file for divorce. After three children together, Reid finalised her divorce from Lochte in January 2025, concluding a chapter marked by struggles and challenges.
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Reid and Lochte, who became a household name with his 12 Olympic medals, married in 2018 after welcoming their first child, Caiden. However, the excitement of their early years quickly deteriorated as complications emerged in their relationship. Reid reflects on this dark time in a recent interview, stating, “I don’t think it was a love anyone deserved.”
Initially, Reid had been filled with hope about their future together. The couple seemed to be creating a life marked by dreams of a “forever home” and optimistic plans. But behind the façade, Reid was grappling with escalating concerns regarding Lochte’s behaviour. “Our marriage is a ticking time bomb,” she wrote in her journal as worries began to surface. Despite attempts to aid his recovery from a prior scandal and manage his drinking, Reid found herself facing an uncomfortable and uncertain reality.
Reid ultimately reached a breaking point after the couple welcomed their third child, daughter Georgia, in June 2023. Lochte’s battles with substance abuse and recurring infidelity soured their relationship. Reid discovered evidence of his drug use in their home, including claims that he abused cocaine and nitrous oxide. As she recounted, “I felt immense guilt and shame that I wasn’t a good wife,” reflecting on the emotional turmoil that ensued after confronting Lochte about his unfaithfulness.
The strain in their marriage intensified in early 2024 when Lochte had a significant car accident, which resulted in serious injuries that required a lengthy recovery period. Reid assumed the role of both caregiver and provider during this challenging time, which put additional pressure on their already fragile relationship. The final straw came when she discovered the extent of Lochte’s substance abuse and, during a therapy session, presented him with an ultimatum—30 days of inpatient treatment followed by marriage counselling.
Lochte’s refusal to accept help led Reid to take decisive action, as she filed for divorce shortly after. Their divorce proceedings were chaotic, lasting nearly 18 months and involving disputes over custody arrangements and financial matters. While Reid has retained primary custody of their three children, Lochte has since moved to Missouri, where he has begun a new chapter with a new fiancée.
In a statement responding to Reid’s revelations, Lochte acknowledged his past mistakes, saying, “I wasn’t ready to be a husband or the man my family deserved at that point in my life.” He expressed gratitude for his children and aimed to protect their privacy while distancing himself from Reid’s public accusations.
Amidst the fallout, Lochte’s new girlfriend, Molly Gillihan, pushed back against Reid’s claims, asserting they were never friends and had only reconnected after Lochte’s marriage ended. Gillihan claimed that their association blossomed when he was independently navigating life post-divorce.
While Lochte focuses on his new relationship and fatherhood, Reid is embracing her independence. She has shifted her focus towards her career in real estate and is venturing into podcasting with “The Comeback Era,” where she hopes to share her experiences and insights.
Despite the challenges she faces following the divorce, Reid noted, “I get to have a second chance at life and love.” Recently, she was gifted a celebratory cake with the phrase, “And she lived happily ever after,” signifying her optimistic outlook as she moves forward.
The complexities of their relationship illustrated how external pressures, coupled with personal struggles, can strain even the most promising unions. Reid’s ongoing journey resonates as a reminder of the strength required to reclaim one’s life after heartbreak. As she steps into this new chapter, her focus remains on her children and the pursuit of a fulfilling future.