Six-time Olympic gold medallist Ryan Lochte has taken a significant step in his personal life, moving into a new home with his girlfriend, Molly Gillihan, and merging their families. The 41-year-old swimming legend confirmed the move, describing it as the "right next step" for their newly formed "blended family" of six children.
A New Chapter and a Blended Family
Lochte, who was previously married to former Playboy playmate Kayla Rae Reid, revealed the news to People magazine. The couple's divorce became public in June 2024 after Kayla filed in March, alleging Lochte used drugs in front of their three children: Caiden, 8; Liv, 6; and Georgia, 2. Lochte has adamantly denied ever using drugs in front of or around his children.
On Wednesday, the former swimmer shared photos from their new residence, captioning them "Home sweet home." He explained that the decision to cohabit stemmed from their growing family unit. "I fell in love with someone who shares those same values and who has three children of her own," Lochte said. "Together, we're a family of six kids."
He emphasised his focus on fatherhood, stating, "Everything I've done over the last 10 months has been about my kids and becoming the best father I can be for them." This included attending rehab, recommitting to his Christian faith, and undergoing therapy. As a result, he is now grateful to have his children 50% of the time.
Divorce Proceedings and Medal Sales
The contentious divorce has had significant financial implications. Earlier this month, Lochte sold three of his six Olympic gold medals to cover associated costs. The medals sold were:
- His 4x200m freestyle relay gold from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, won with Michael Phelps, for $183,000.
- The 4x200m relay gold from the 2004 Athens Games for $80,000.
- The 4x200m freestyle relay gold from the 2016 Rio Olympics for $122,000.
This follows a 2022 sale where he sold six bronze and silver medals for $166,000. In a statement, Lochte downplayed the significance of the medals, saying, "I never swam for the gold medals. My passion has always been about being one of the best swimmers in the world. Those medals? They were just the cherry on top."
Addressing the Past and Looking Forward
Lochte also addressed his failed marriage publicly, admitting personal failings. "I would be lying if I said I was a good husband, I wasn't," he confessed. However, he maintained that he and Kayla "didn't fully know each other" when they married.
The swimmer, whose career was marked by world records and scandals like the infamous 2016 Rio 'fake robbery' incident, is now focused on rebranding his image. He is writing a tell-all memoir detailing battles with addiction and the aftermath of Rio, which he called his "lowest point." He has also spoken about overcoming depression following a near-fatal car crash in 2023.
Now sober and in a new relationship with kindergarten teacher Gillihan, Lochte vows to keep his past marriage private. He is concentrating on his children, his faith, and creating a "loving, stable environment" in their new, larger home for their combined family of eight.
