Ryan Lochte opens up about selling Olympic medals amid divorce and personal restart

Ryan Lochte has revealed that three of his six Olympic gold medals will be sold as part of his ongoing divorce from Kayla Rae Reid. The 41-year-old, a 12-time Olympic medalist, said in a social media post that he never swam for the gold medals and that the medals were the cherry on top of a long and storied career. The announcement marks a tangible step in a personal and public reckoning that has unfolded over the past year.

Reid filed for divorce earlier this year after seven years of marriage, describing the split as painful. Lochte responded with a message aimed at clarifying his situation and the motives behind the medal sale. He said he is grateful for the life they built together and acknowledged the backlash that followed his recent comments, adding that he wants to shield his children from ongoing public scrutiny. In discussing their separation, he emphasized therapy and personal growth, noting that he and Reid did not fully know each other and that he has been focused on self-improvement and moving forward. He also underscored his commitment to his three children and to keeping their private family matters private as much as possible while maintaining openness about his own healing journey.

Earlier this week Lochte appeared in a video from the Goldin auction house, confirming that three of the six gold medals he earned in his career would be up for purchase. In that context, he reiterated the broader scope of his achievements, noting that he has 90 international medals across Olympics, world championships, Pan Pacific championships, and Pan American Games. He has long been defined by both remarkable performances and high-profile controversies, including the 2016 Rio Games incident that became a defining low point for his public image. He has since embarked on a personal rebranding effort, including a forthcoming tell-all memoir that delves into battles with addiction and the Rio incident, as well as the physical and mental toll of a near-fatal car crash in 2023. As part of his renewed focus, Lochte has described himself as sober and more centered on his children and his faith.

In recent months, Lochte has been candid about the challenges of balancing fame with private life. He has spoken about the impact of therapy in helping him understand past behavior and in shaping a plan to move forward. He acknowledged that his earlier public statements had caused hurt and emphasized that his current objective is to protect his kids while pursuing a new purpose grounded in his evolving beliefs. He also noted that while he respects his ex-wife’s decision to share parts of their wedding vows publicly, he stands by the view that their relationship evolved in ways they could not have anticipated and that both parties have grown since their time together. He expressed gratitude for the years of partnership and for the support of his three children, insisting that his commitment to their well-being remains at the forefront of his priorities.

Lochte has said he is focused on rebuilding his public image as a father, a competitor, and a person who has learned from past errors. He has described his life as a journey of recovery, including sobriety and reflection, and he has signaled a broader mission that includes faith and community. He remains a prominent figure in swimming, a sport that continues to honor his talents while also mindful of the complexities that accompany a high-profile career. As he moves into this new chapter, the ongoing medal sale will likely keep the public’s attention on a figure who has long been defined by both triumphs and tribulations.