Kayla Reid Lochte posted a video on Instagram Thursday showing her estranged husband Ryan Lochte reciting wedding vows during their 2017 ceremony.
The realtor shared the throwback footage amid the couple’s ongoing divorce proceedings. She captioned it “sharing a special reminder.”
In the video, the Olympic swimmer praised his wife for supporting his career. He credited her with putting her “own dreams on hold” to help him achieve his goals and moving across the country before the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“Standing by my side during Rio was proof that you love me more than I could ever imagined,” Lochte said in the vows.
The comment referenced the media controversy after Lochte falsely claimed he and teammates were robbed at gunpoint during the Rio Games.
“Those were the darkest days of my life, and I thank God every day that I have you to pick me up,” he continued. “You kept me going. You pushed me to set new goals, and you gave me a reason to live.”
The 12-time Olympic medalist promised to “respect” her and “share” his heart “fully” with her. He vowed to “be the best husband and father I can be” and “never stop reminding” her of his love.
“Today, as we continue our story, I am confident that no matter what ups and downs we face, as long as we are together on this journey, and I’m in charge of the directions, we will always make it home,” Lochte concluded.
Divorce Filing and Custody Battle
Kayla quietly filed for divorce in March after seven years of marriage. Court documents stated their relationship was “irretrievably broken.”
The couple shares three children: Caiden Zane, 8, Liv Rae, 6, and Georgia June, 2.
Kayla’s Instagram post came days after Ryan announced he’s writing a tell-all book about their separation.
In that announcement, the swimmer described being “belittled” daily and “reminded of constant failures.” He said he was “eventually kicked out of our family home.”
Lochte revealed he struggled with depression and turned to “alcohol, drugs and sleep.” He entered rehab this year following substance abuse issues that developed after a serious car accident in 2023.
The athlete now says he’s turned his life around and found “the confidence I thought was gone forever.”
Current Legal Proceedings
Ryan is fighting Kayla’s divorce demands in Florida court. She’s requesting sole use of their Gainesville home, plus alimony, child support and attorney fees.
Kayla also wants sole parental responsibility for their three children. Lochte has denied this would be in the children’s best interests.
The swimmer is currently in a relationship with Molly Gillihan.
Kayla previously addressed the split in a public statement, calling it “one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life.”
“I’ve been hesitant to share until I could do so from a place of healing – not from fresh, open wounds,” she said.
The timing of her wedding vow video suggests the divorce proceedings remain contentious as both sides prepare for their upcoming court battle.
