Ex-Playboy model reveals 'painful' divorce from Olympic star Ryan Lochte
'I’ve come to the understanding that staying isn’t always the most loving decision someone can make'
Article content
After having three children and sharing seven years of marriage, Kayla Rae Reid revealed that she has filed for divorce from U.S. Olympic swimming great Ryan Lochte.
Reid, a former Playboy model, shared the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday, describing ending the marriage as “one of the most painful” decisions of her life.
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Ex-Playboy model reveals 'painful' divorce from Olympic star Ryan Lochte Back to video
“Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection,” Reid wrote in the post, accompanied by a clip of her sitting outside. “I hold marriage in the highest regard, so this has been one of the most painful, revealing and challenging seasons of my life. I’ve been hesitant to share until I could do so from a place of healing — not from fresh, open wounds.
“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. I’ve come to the understanding that staying isn’t always the most loving decision someone can make. For me, leaving was an act of love — for those around me and for myself.
“Living with transparency and authenticity has been how I have grown into the person I am today, and I’ll continue to do so — while also protecting the parts of this journey that are private and unfolding in uncharted territory.”
She also reshared the post to her Instagram Story, writing, “Time to exhale” with a bandaged heart emoji.
According to court records obtained by People, Reid filed for divorce from the retired swimmer on March 26.
Lochte, now 40, is a 12-time Olympic medalist who also appeared in several reality TV series after retiring from competition.
He shared his feelings about the split on Thursday, calling the decision to split a “difficult” one.
“I want to take a moment to acknowledge what Kayla shared. This past year has brought major changes for both of us as we’ve come to the difficult decision to end our marriage,” Lochte wrote.
“I’m 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.”
Lochte and Reid share three children: Son Caiden Zane, 7, and daughters Liv Rae, 6, and Georgia June, who turns 2 on June 22.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.