Kayla Reid, the ex-wife of 12-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte, has detailed the "ticking time bomb" that characterized their eight-year marriage in a recent tell-all interview with PEOPLE. The former model stated that despite maintaining a public facade of unity, she privately documented her growing concerns, ultimately leading to the finalization of their divorce.
Reid recounted that their relationship, which began in 2016 and led to marriage in 2018 shortly after the birth of their first child, was marred by infidelity from early on. She claimed to have received photographic evidence of Lochte with another woman while she was pregnant with their son. Despite confronting him, she stated he denied the allegations.
Similar accusations surfaced again in 2023 when Reid discovered a compromising selfie on Lochte's phone from someone at his gym, which occurred while she was pregnant with their daughter. Reid described feeling guilt and shame, believing she was not a good wife.
Beyond alleged infidelity, Reid also detailed concerns about substance abuse within their home. She stated she found evidence of Lochte using cocaine in their daughter's bedroom and using nitrous oxide in front of their children. Lochte has previously acknowledged substance use but has denied using substances in front of his children.
The marital strain intensified in late 2023 following a car accident where Lochte sustained a broken femur. Reid stated she was the sole caregiver and provider during his recovery.
The situation reached a critical point in January 2025 when Reid issued an ultimatum during a therapy session, demanding Lochte enter a 30-day inpatient rehabilitation program and participate in marriage counseling. According to Reid, Lochte refused, stating he did not have a problem, which prompted her to file for divorce.
Reid described the subsequent legal proceedings as difficult, alleging that Lochte sought to have her sign a non-disclosure agreement and proposed a $25,000 settlement for custody of their three children. Lochte, who has since relocated to Missouri to coach college swimming and is engaged to kindergarten teacher Molly Gillihan, addressed the allegations in a statement. He acknowledged past mistakes, stating he was "not ready to be a husband or the man my family deserved." He asserted that any discussion of a confidentiality agreement was solely to protect their children's privacy.
Gillihan also issued a statement, clarifying that she and Lochte reconnected only after their divorce proceedings were underway. Reid currently has primary custody of their children: Caiden, 9, Liv, 7, and Georgia, 3. She is focusing her energy on real estate and co-hosting a podcast titled "The Comeback Era."