Ryan Lochte publicly addressed the fallout from his estranged wife Kayla Lochte’s recent social media post, which included their wedding vows. This statement comes as the couple navigates a contentious divorce, with Ryan defending his earlier comments about their marriage and explaining his decision to sell his Olympic medals.
In an Instagram post dated December 18, 2023, Ryan Lochte, 41, responded to criticism following Kayla’s sharing of their wedding vows. He reiterated his belief that they “barely knew” each other at the time of their marriage. Ryan expressed gratitude for the chance to clarify his earlier remarks, stating, “Navigating personal challenges in public can be incredibly tough,” acknowledging the backlash he faced. He emphasized that his intent was not to hurt anyone but to convey his honest feelings.
The couple, who share three children—son Caiden Zane, 8, and daughters Liv Rae, 6, and Georgia June, 2—announced their divorce in June after Kayla filed in March. Ryan reflected on his past behavior during their marriage, admitting, “I would be lying if I said I was a good husband. I wasn’t.” He attributed much of his personal growth to therapy, which he described as “a transformative journey” that helped him gain valuable insights.
Olympic Medals and Financial Pressures
Ryan also addressed the decision to sell his Olympic medals, a move that has drawn attention amid ongoing financial difficulties for the former couple. “I never swam for the gold medals,” he clarified, highlighting that his passion lay in being among the world’s best swimmers. He noted that with 90 international medals—including those from the Olympics, world championships, Pan Pacs, and Pan Am Games—he has achieved significant success, but the medals themselves are secondary to the memories and connections made along the way.
“These medals? They were just the cherry on top of an incredible journey,” Ryan stated. He expressed a desire to inspire future generations, mentioning how he has given away medals to fans and young aspiring athletes. “It’s never been just about me. It’s about inspiring the next generation and helping them chase their dreams,” he added.
Kayla Lochte, 34, had previously posted a video of their wedding vows on December 11, 2023, shortly after news broke that Ryan plans to release a tell-all memoir. In her post, she shared an emotional moment from their 2018 ceremony, captioning it with a simple, “Just going to leave this here 🙂.” She has also discussed the challenges of their divorce, stating in an October 24 Instagram post that it feels like “being frozen in time,” and described her journey of rebuilding and rediscovery during this period.
The ongoing public discourse surrounding Ryan and Kayla Lochte illustrates the complexities of personal relationships, especially when they are played out in the public eye. As both parties navigate their individual paths forward, their reflections reveal not only personal challenges but also the impact of their decisions on their family and public perception.
