The already turbulent divorce proceedings between Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte and his estranged wife, Kayla Rae Reid, have taken a dramatic turn. Reid has filed court documents alleging that Lochte removed their children from school without her consent and subsequently concealed their whereabouts, adding another layer of complexity to their ongoing legal battle. This action, according to Reid's filing, occurred on September 24, 2025, and was communicated through a message on Our Family Wizard, a platform often used by divorced or separated parents to manage communication and scheduling related to their children.
Reid's legal filings, exclusively obtained by The U.S. Sun, paint a picture of escalating tensions and concerns regarding the well-being and emotional stability of their children. Beyond the immediate issue of the children's removal from school, Reid's allegations extend to Lochte's behavior and the involvement of his new girlfriend, adding fuel to an already contentious situation. The core of the dispute appears to center on disagreements about parenting styles, appropriate conduct around the children, and concerns about Lochte's sobriety.
One of the most sensitive aspects of Reid's allegations involves Lochte's new girlfriend, a kindergarten teacher at the school attended by their children. Reid claims that this individual has exhibited "inappropriate behavior" towards their children, creating an uncomfortable and potentially unsettling environment. She specifically alleges that the girlfriend attempted to hug their six-year-old daughter despite the child's protests, a situation that Reid claims Lochte has failed to address adequately.
The legal documents emphasize the importance of fostering a positive co-parenting relationship, even amidst the acrimony of a divorce. Reid's filing explicitly states that any temporary parenting plan should prioritize actions designed to cultivate "maximum love, affection, and respect by the children for the other parent." This sentiment underscores the belief that children benefit most when both parents actively support and encourage their relationship with the other parent, regardless of their personal feelings towards each other.
Reid further argues that each parent should take steps to ensure that their romantic partners do not interfere with the other parent's rights or undermine their relationship with the children. This point highlights the potential for new relationships to complicate co-parenting dynamics, particularly when boundaries are not clearly defined and respected. Bringing a new partner into the lives of children can be a sensitive process, requiring careful consideration and open communication to minimize disruption and potential emotional distress.
According to Reid, Lochte's actions, such as bringing his girlfriend to have lunch with the children at school after only dating for a short period, undermine her role as their mother. She sees this as a disregard for her parental rights and a potential source of confusion and discomfort for the children. Such actions, she contends, create an environment where her authority and influence are diminished, leading to further instability in the children's lives.
The legal filings also delve into the financial aspects of the divorce, with Reid requesting temporary alimony support. She claims that Lochte earned $350,437.28 in 2024, resulting in a net monthly income of approximately $29,203.11. Reid points out that Lochte's income streams are diverse, encompassing his athletic achievements, swim clinics, speaking engagements, and other services for which he receives compensation.
In contrast, Reid states that her income as a realtor and influencer, while substantial at $196,160.44 last year, is not guaranteed. She claims to have earned only $11,997.60 so far this year, highlighting the financial uncertainty she faces. Furthermore, she asserts that her monthly expenses total $17,091.92, primarily due to the costs associated with maintaining the marital home and providing for the children's needs. This financial disparity underscores her request for alimony support to ensure the continued well-being of herself and her children.
Reid is seeking sole parental responsibility for their children, requesting that Lochte be granted only supervised visitation rights. This request stems from her concerns about his alleged "irresponsible" behavior, which she claims poses a risk to the children's safety and well-being. She reiterates previous allegations of drug use and driving under the influence, adding new claims to support her argument for supervised visitation.
Specifically, Reid re-alleges that she found empty cocaine bags in their home, including in their child's bedroom. She also claims that Lochte has failed recent drug tests, including a hair follicle screening, which provides a longer-term assessment of drug use. These allegations, if proven true, would undoubtedly raise serious concerns about Lochte's ability to provide a safe and stable environment for his children.
Reid further alleges that Lochte has driven the children to school while intoxicated, a claim that raises grave concerns about their safety. She states that she requested he take an at-home drug test before allowing him to have the children overnight, but he refused. While Lochte's counsel has since claimed that he passed a drug test, Reid notes that no reports have been provided to substantiate this claim.
The timeline of Ryan Lochte and Kayla Rae Reid's relationship reveals a marriage that lasted for approximately seven years, culminating in a divorce filing in March of this year. They were married on January 9, 2018, and during their marriage, they welcomed three children: Caiden, aged seven; Liv, aged five; and Georgia, who is 23 months old. The divorce marks the end of a significant chapter in both of their lives, and the ongoing legal proceedings will determine the future of their co-parenting relationship.
Since filing for divorce, Reid has made several serious allegations against Lochte, including claims of drug abuse in front of their children and driving them to school while intoxicated. These allegations have cast a shadow over Lochte's reputation and raised concerns about his ability to prioritize the well-being of his children. The court will need to carefully consider these allegations when determining custody and visitation arrangements.
In early September, Lochte publicly claimed to have achieved 54 days of sobriety, posting about it on Instagram. This statement suggests that he is aware of the concerns surrounding his sobriety and is taking steps to address them. However, Reid remains skeptical, questioning the extent of his involvement in an intensive outpatient program and citing his history of motor vehicle accidents, including a recent incident where he allegedly hit several public structures and totaled his car.
Lochte's public image has been tarnished by past controversies, most notably the fabricated robbery scandal during the 2016 Rio Olympics. This incident raised questions about his credibility and judgment, and it continues to be a point of reference in discussions about his behavior. The combination of past missteps and current allegations creates a complex narrative that the court will need to navigate carefully.
Lochte has since moved on and is now dating Molly Gillihan, a kindergarten teacher who is also a parent at his children's school. While finding happiness in a new relationship is understandable, Reid expresses concern about the speed at which Gillihan has become involved in the children's lives. She believes that it is inappropriate for Gillihan to be interacting with the children in a way that undermines her role as their mother.
Reid's requests to the court are extensive, reflecting the depth of her concerns. She is seeking temporary child and spousal support, majority timesharing with the children, supervised visitation for Lochte until he completes an inpatient rehab program, and random drug screenings at her request before he is allowed to spend time with the children or transport them in a motor vehicle. She also wants exclusive ownership of the marital home in Florida, with Lochte responsible for paying all utilities, and for him to cover her attorney fees.
These requests underscore Reid's belief that Lochte poses a risk to the children and that significant safeguards are necessary to protect their well-being. The court will need to weigh the evidence presented by both sides and make decisions that are in the best interests of the children, balancing their need for a relationship with both parents with the need to ensure their safety and stability.
In a statement released earlier this year, Lochte acknowledged the challenges they were facing as a couple and expressed his belief that ending their marriage was the right step towards peace and well-being for both of them. While he acknowledged that the decision was not easy, he seemed optimistic about the future and his ability to co-parent effectively with Reid.
Despite the ongoing divorce proceedings, Lochte has publicly expressed his happiness in his new relationship with Molly Gillihan. In an interview with PEOPLE, he described himself as "the happiest I've ever been," suggesting that he has found a sense of peace and fulfillment amidst the turmoil of his personal life. The couple made their relationship Instagram official during the Fourth of July holiday, signaling their commitment to each other.
Ryan Lochte's athletic achievements are undeniable. As one of the most decorated swimmers in Olympic history, he boasts an impressive record of six gold medals, three silver medals, and three bronze medals. Only his former teammate Michael Phelps has surpassed him in total Olympic medals. However, his athletic success does not shield him from personal challenges, and the ongoing divorce proceedings highlight the complexities of balancing a high-profile career with the demands of family life.
The outcome of this divorce case will have a significant impact on the lives of Ryan Lochte, Kayla Rae Reid, and, most importantly, their three young children. The court's decisions regarding custody, visitation, and financial support will shape their future relationships and determine the level of stability and security they experience in the years to come. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many families navigating divorce, particularly when high-profile individuals and complex legal issues are involved.