Olympic swimming champ and wife’s sad fall from grace

An American swimming legend’s private scandal has been revealed in another sad chapter for the former high-flying athlete.

Olympic swimming champ Ryan Lochte and his estranged wife, Kayla Reid, have garnered nearly $270,000 in debt amid their divorce.

The 12-time Olympic medallist and the real estate agent are subject to paying $99,696 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), according to court documents obtained by The New York Post.

The ex-couple also received a $2,231.76 legal claim from the Fletcher Park Owners’ Association in December 2024, where they live in Gainesville, Florida, due to “unpaid” costs, “late fees” and “lawyer fees,” per a filing obtained by Us Weekly.

It is a sad fall from grace for Lochte, who finished his professional career in 2021 as one of the most successful athletes in American swimming history.

His achievements in the pool, which includes six gold medals, are somewhat overlooked because of his bizarre antics during the 2016 Olympics in Rio where he lied about being robbed at gun point.

He is widely remembered as being US legend Michael Phelps’ right-hand man in successful relay events where they won four gold medals and one silver medal together as teammates.

USA's Conor Dwyer, Townley Haas, Ryan Lochte (second from right) and Michael Phelps (far right) kiss their gold medals. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS.

Lochte and Reid owe $127,977.73 to the Shands Teaching Hospital and Clinic, which is where Lochte, 40, may have been treated when he got into his car accident in November 2023.

The hospital filed a separate lien, stating that $39,720.15 was owed after a visit in February 2024.

Representatives for Lochte weren’t immediately available when contacted by The New York Post.

Reid, 33, announced that she and Lochte were parting ways after seven years of marriage on Wednesday.

“I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection,” she said in a statement.

“I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life.”

US swimming star Ryan Lochte and former Playboy Playmate Kayla Rae Reid met on dating app Tinder. Photo: Kayla Rae Reid

“Sometimes we face trials we didn’t choose or see coming. And in those moments, we’re forced to make the hardest decisions to protect our peace, our children, and our future,” the businesswoman continued.

Reid explained that she’s learned “staying isn’t always the most loving decision someone can make,” adding, “For me, leaving was an act of love — for those around me and for myself.”

Court documents obtained by Page Six revealed that Reid filed for divorce on March 26.

Kayla Reid and Ryan Lochte with Michael Phelps. Photo: Getty and Instagram, @kaylaraereid.

Lochte, meanwhile, released a statement on Instagram, saying he was “deeply grateful for the life we’ve built together and especially for the love we share for our three children.”

“Although this decision hasn’t been easy, I believe it’s the right step toward peace and well-being for us both. I remain committed to healing, growth, and co-parenting with care and respect as we move forward separately,” the athlete said.

The estranged couple got married in 2018.

They share son, Caiden Zane, 8, and daughters, Live Rae, 5, and Georgia June, 1.

— This story originally appeared on The New York Post and has been republished with permission

Originally published as Olympic swimming champ and wife’s sad fall from grace