Stephanie Rice, a 38-year-old former Olympic swimmer, has resurfaced online after a year-long absence, sharing a personal update with fans. Rice revealed in a social media clip that she is embracing unemployment and feels more excited about her future than ever.
"A year ago I had a full-time corporate job, two consulting projects and two brand partnerships. Today I have no job, no projects and no partnerships... and honestly, I'm more excited than ever!" Rice stated. She explained that over the past 18 months, she had taken on too many commitments, leading her to stretch herself thin and prioritize herself and her family.
Rice, who is from Brisbane, Australia, detailed significant life changes including getting married, going on her honeymoon, and relocating her husband to Dubai. The process of establishing their life in Dubai involved navigating banks, rentals, and visas, which she described as overwhelming.
"I was at the top of my capacity. I really wanted to do everything well, there was so much to do... I was navigating everything in real time," she said.
Rice also attributed her return to social media and willingness to share her journey to her Christian faith, which she shares with her husband, pastor Mark Lassey. "Since the start of the year, God has really been speaking to me about sharing again. I don't just want to share the highlights, I want to share the real-time faith journey. The up and the downs... such a rollercoaster!" she shared.
Despite having no current source of income, Rice expressed optimism about the unknowns ahead.
Her post marks her first public update since marrying Mark Lassey in January 2025, after a ten-month courtship. The couple met in early 2024 and became engaged in September of the same year. Their wedding took place in a vineyard ceremony in Perth, Lassey's hometown.
Rice and Lassey met through a mutual friend and began their relationship at the start of 2024. Lassey, 47, is an Australian pastor with Kingdom City in Perth, where he has been involved for over 10 years. Rice also joined the same organization after relocating to Dubai late last year.
Lassey has three sons from a previous relationship: Tyler, Joel, and Luke.