Ryan Lochte: Wife | Ex‑Wife | Kayla | Post | Rio | Drama | Video | Kids — Full Story

Ryan Lochte is one of the most well‑known American Olympic swimmers of the 21st century. A 12‑time Olympic medalist, he’s been in the global spotlight for athletic success — but recently his personal life, marriage, divorce, custody turmoil, and social media videos have dominated headlines just as much as his sporting achievements. 

This comprehensive article dives deep into:

• Who Ryan Lochte’s wife (and ex‑wife) Kayla Reid is

• The timeline of their relationship from Rio to divorce

• The drama unfolding in 2025 — including court filings and viral videos

• Their three children

• Post‑marriage life, new relationship, and public reactions

• FAQs and detailed context

1. Who Is Ryan Lochte’s Wife – Kayla Reid?

Ryan Lochte met Kayla Rae Reid in 2016, the same year he competed in the Rio Olympics. Their relationship progressed quickly, and by the end of that year he had proposed. 

Kayla, a former Playboy Playmate of the Month, became a fixture in Lochte’s life as he navigated post‑Olympic fame, personal struggles, and eventually fatherhood. 

Marriage and Family

• Engaged: 2016 (post‑Rio Olympics)

• Married: 2018

• Children:

  • Caiden Zane (born 2017)

  • Liv Rae (born 2019)

  • Georgia June (born 2023) 

For several years, the pair presented a picture of family life — until things began to unravel publicly in 2025.

2. The Divorce Filing and Ongoing Drama

In March 2025, Kayla officially filed for divorce, citing their marriage as “irretrievably broken.” 

In her emotional Instagram announcement, she explained that leaving was a decision made after deep prayer and reflection — and that it was painful but necessary for her peace and the well‑being of their children. 

Ryan publicly acknowledged the split as difficult but emphasized his intent to focus on co‑parenting, healing, and growth. 

Contentious Court Filings

The divorce has taken a contentious turn with serious allegations on both sides:

Kayla’s Allegations

Kayla’s amended court filings include claims that:

• She found empty baggies of cocaine in multiple parts of the home, including one in their child’s bedroom.

• Ryan allegedly inhaled nitrous oxide in front of one of their children.

• There were instances of Ryan driving with the children while allegedly impaired.

• She requested sole custody, claiming that shared custody could be harmful due to alleged ongoing substance concerns. 

Lochte’s Response

Ryan has publicly denied many of the most serious allegations, stating that:

• He has never used drugs in front of his children.

• Instances of rest or exhaustion in his truck were for mental health reasons, not intoxication.

• He is focused on maintaining a safe and stable environment for the kids.

3. Viral Video: Kayla Posts Wedding Vows

Amid the divorce proceedings, Kayla shared a viral video of Ryan reciting his wedding vows — a sentimental moment from 2016 that now carries a heavier context. 

In the video, Lochte expresses:

• Gratitude for Kayla’s support during tough times

• A promise to be the best husband and father he could be

• An emotional tribute to sticking together through ups and downs 

Kayla captioned the repost with the message that it was “a special reminder,” re‑sharing it during the height of their divorce news. 

Ryan addressed the post as well, expressing regret and acknowledging imperfections in the marriage while noting his commitment to self‑improvement and protecting his children’s privacy. 

4. Kids: The Heart of the Story

Despite the drama, the three Lochte children remain at the center of both public sympathy and legal strategies.

Meet the Children

• Caiden Zane (born 2017)

• Liv Rae (born 2019)

• Georgia June (born 2023) 

Both parents repeatedly emphasized that protecting the children — emotionally and psychologically — is a top priority. However, the conflicting court filings show how custody and parenting arrangements have become a core battleground.

5. Ryan Lochte After Rio: Beyond the Pool

Ryan Lochte’s controversies didn’t start with his divorce. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he was involved in a widely publicized incident where he initially claimed he was robbed at gunpoint — a story that was later discredited and became a global talking point. (That incident remains one of the most infamous Olympic scandals of the decade.)

Post‑Career Challenges

In recent years:

• He revealed struggles with depression and substance issues following a severe car accident.

• He’s hinted in social media statements that personal hardships deeply affected his life and relationships. 

Lochte has also announced plans for a tell‑all book that will explore his career highs and personal lows in more detail — adding another layer of public curiosity to his already complex story. 

6. New Relationship and Public Reaction

While the divorce continues, Lochte has been seen with a new partner, Molly Gillihan — sparking further public discussion and media discourse. 

Photos of Lochte and Molly together (shared on Instagram and reported on widely by media outlets) led to mixed reactions:

• Some fans defended his right to move forward personally.

• Others criticized him for publicly displaying a new relationship during the divorce saga. 

Public discussion intensified when Kayla’s motions claimed that Lochte’s girlfriend acted “inappropriately” around their kids — a claim that both Ryan and the girlfriend denied. 

7. Financial and Personal Struggles

Beyond emotional and legal battles, the couple’s financial life has also attracted attention. Reports have circulated that Lochte and Kayla faced significant debts, unpaid taxes, and liens, further complicating an already tough period. 

While neither party has fully detailed these financial details publicly, they add another layer to the ongoing public interest and media coverage.

8. Lessons and Public Impact

Ryan Lochte’s story underscores several modern themes:

• The costs of celebrity intimacy in the social media age

• How private family struggles can become public stories

• The challenges of co‑parenting after high‑profile relationships

Whether fans or critics agree with him, Lochte’s journey from Olympic gold medalist to public figure navigating personal crisis captures global attention — with implications for discussions around parenting, accountability, and growth.

FAQs About Ryan Lochte, Kayla, and the Divorce Drama

Q1 — Is Ryan Lochte currently divorced?

A: As of late 2025, Ryan Lochte has not finalized his divorce — but his wife, Kayla Reid, filed for divorce in March 2025, calling their marriage irretrievably broken. 

Q2 — Who is Ryan Lochte’s wife Kayla?

A: Kayla Reid is a former Playboy model who married Lochte in 2018. They met in 2016, shortly after the Rio Olympics. 

Q3 — How many children do Ryan and Kayla have?

A: They have three children: son Caiden Zane, and daughters Liv Rae and Georgia June. 

Q4 — Why is their divorce high‑profile?

A: Beyond the celebrity factor, the divorce includes controversial allegations regarding substance use, parenting disputes, and public social media statements and videos. 

Q5 — What video went viral during their divorce?

A: Kayla shared a sentimental video of Ryan reciting his wedding vows from their 2016 ceremony. 

Q6 — Is Ryan Lochte in a new relationship?

A: Yes — reports and photos indicate he’s been publicly linked with Molly Gillihan during the ongoing divorce.