Ryan Lochte Takes Coaching Job Amid Personal Struggles

Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, who has won twelve medals, surprised his supporters recently by taking a coaching role at Missouri State University for a salary of $30,000 a year.

These last few years have been quite tough for him. Lochte, in a recent interview from Gainesville, Florida, opened up about battling depression so severe that, at times, he struggled just to get out of bed.

In August, he entered rehab and is currently facing a difficult divorce from his estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid, who is the mother of their three children—Kayden, Liv, and Georgia.

Amidst this turmoil, Lochte found new love with girlfriend Molly Gillihan, who he says has played a key role in helping him rebuild his life. The couple hopes to marry soon.

“I hit a big low after the 2021 Olympic trials,” Lochte admitted. “My mental health really took a hit, and my living situation at the time wasn’t helping.”

He reflected on how lost he felt, especially when his partner back then, despite good intentions, often pointed out his flaws and pushed him to improve. “I just felt overwhelmed,” he shared.

Lochte’s struggles compounded after a serious car accident earlier this year, which drew him to substances as a form of escape. “I didn’t know how to handle the pain,” he said, noting that he mainly turned to marijuana and cocaine. Looking back now, he questions those choices.

Despite his wife’s allegations, Lochte firmly believes he never used drugs in front of his kids and doesn’t consider himself addicted.

Following rehab and subsequent therapy, he feels he has made positive changes. He now indulges in an occasional drink and recently enjoyed a glass of champagne to celebrate his anniversary with Gillihan.

A pivotal moment in Lochte’s life was during the 2016 Rio Olympics, when he stirred controversy by falsely claiming he was robbed at gunpoint. The incident led to significant backlash, including a suspension and loss of sponsorships, costing him millions.

“That was a real wake-up call for me,” he recalled. “It was like falling into a black hole. Climbing out was a struggle, and I often got pushed back down.”

Lochte laments the lack of guidance he had on handling fame and finances. “No one prepares you for the highs and lows,” he said, but now he feels equipped to help others navigate similar challenges.

After securing his coaching position, Lochte is looking forward to relocating to Missouri with Gillihan, where they hope to create a nurturing environment, especially for their combined families of five children.

Gillihan’s family welcomed him warmly, which he appreciates. “They didn’t care about my past fame; they just wanted to know me,” he said, expressing how that acceptance made him feel at home.

In addition to coaching, Lochte has remained financially stable, having recently sold nine of his Olympic medals and earned income from various sponsorships. He clarified, “The coaching job isn’t about money; it’s about proving something to myself.”

He fondly recalls how his competitive spirit, shaped by the “Mamba mentality” of the late Kobe Bryant, has always driven him. “I wanted to be the best, and that fire still burns within me,” he stated.

Reflecting on his Olympic journey, Lochte has amassed a total of twelve medals over four Games, but noted that his attempt for a fifth spot in the 2021 trials didn’t go as planned.

“After 2021, I felt a complete loss of passion,” he said candidly. “It was a dark time where I couldn’t figure out who I was anymore.”

Lochte acknowledges the significance of mental health, not just in his life but in the lives of many athletes, including friends like Michael Phelps who have also struggled.

When he found Gillihan, he felt a transformative shift. “Suddenly, the heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders,” he said, clearly smitten with her.

Ultimately, Lochte sees himself as a renewed person, one who can now help others. “I’ve become a free bird, ready to embrace life,” he concluded, radiating positivity.

His son has been picking up swimming skills, but jokingly remarked that “swimming sucks.” Lochte chuckles, offering a simple perspective: “Just have fun, kid.”

He reflected, “The ups and downs made me who I am today, and now I’m eager to assist others in their journeys.”

“Nothing can break me down,” Lochte declared, radiating hope for his future.