Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Ryan Lochte's Heartfelt Birthday Post Amidst Divorce Turmoil

Kayla Reid was seen carrying a No. 6 balloon ahead of her daughter Liv's birthday

LOCHTE'S LOVE LIFE IN SHAMBLES: Ryan Lochte's Wife Kayla Reid Spotted Preparing for Daughter's Birthday Amid Divorce Drama

The drama that has been brewing in the Lochte household just got a whole lot juicier! As Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and his estranged wife Kayla Reid prepare to celebrate their daughter Liv's sixth birthday, sources close to the family have revealed that things are about to get really messy.

Just last month, Kayla announced that she had filed for divorce from the gold medalist, citing "trials we didn't choose or see coming" as the reason behind her decision. But it seems like the 32-year-old mother of three has been planning this move for a while now, and it's clear that their union was irretrievably broken.

Earlier this month, she announced she had made the 'painful' decision to divorce Lochte

While Lochte claims he's committed to co-parenting with Kayla, sources have revealed that the couple had serious issues in their relationship long before their public split. "They were already having problems for months," an insider spilled to The Scholarly Note. "The tension between them was palpable, and it was clear they weren't on the same page anymore."

And it looks like Lochte's been trying to clean up his act too! Just last year, he checked himself into rehab for six weeks to deal with his struggles with alcohol addiction. But despite his claims that the stint helped him become a "better man," insiders claim he's still got some work to do.

"Ryan thinks he's over his issues, but trust me, he's not," an insider revealed. "He's still struggling, and it's affecting his relationship with Kayla and their kids."

Lochte and Reid celebrated their daughter's birthday apart as she turned six years old

So what led to the demise of this high-profile marriage? Insiders claim that Lochte's past scandals, including his infamous 2016 Rio Games controversy, where he claimed he was robbed at gunpoint after a night out (which turned out to be a fabrication), played a major role in the couple's split.

"Kayla was fed up with Ryan's antics and the attention it brought," an insider spilled. "She felt like she was always apologizing for his behavior, and she couldn't take it anymore."

And now, as they prepare to celebrate Liv's birthday, sources claim that things are about to get even more dramatic. "It's going to be a tough day for both of them," an insider revealed. "They're still working out the details of their divorce, and it's clear they're both hurting."

Kayla chatted on the phone on Monday as she was photographed a day before Liv's birthday

But don't worry, folks! According to Lochte, he's committed to being there for his kids, no matter what happens with Kayla. In an Instagram post celebrating Liv's birthday, he wrote: "I'm the dad who will love you more than words can express... I'll be your rock, your confidant, and your biggest fan. Through every up and down, I'll be here for you, loving and supporting you with all my heart."

Aww, that's sweet! But let's not get too comfortable just yet – after all, we know how this drama unfolds!

In related news, Kayla was spotted getting ready for Liv's birthday earlier this week, pushing a shopping cart filled with balloons and treats. And if you're wondering what she picked up for the special day, sources claim it's going to be a big bash – complete with cake, ice cream, and all the trimmings!

The couple, who have three children together, announced the news of their split this month

But here's the kicker: Kayla's plans for Liv's birthday party were made without Lochte's input or approval! Sources claim that the couple is still in the process of working out the details of their co-parenting arrangement, but it's clear they're not on the same page.

"Kayla wanted to do something special for her daughter, and she didn't need Ryan's permission to do it," an insider revealed. "She's trying to focus on what's best for Liv, even if that means moving forward without him."

And as for Lochte? Well, he's still reeling from the news of their divorce – but sources claim he's trying to stay positive.

Kayla, seen in 2016 at Playboy Midsummer Night's Dream party, was previously a Playmate

"He's taking things one day at a time," an insider revealed. "He knows it's not easy, but he wants to be there for his kids and make them happy."

Aww, that's sweet! But we can't help but wonder: what's next for this high-profile couple? Will they ever work out their differences, or will this be the end of an era? Only time will tell!

Stay tuned for more updates on this drama-filled situation – it's going to be a wild ride!

Lochte poses with his gold medal from Rio, where he medaled in the 4×200m freestyle relay

UPDATE

As The Scholarly Note reported earlier, Kayla had filed for divorce from Lochte, citing "irretrievably broken" as the reason behind her decision. But new details have emerged about the couple's custody battle.

According to court documents obtained by our team, Kayla is seeking sole parental responsibility for their three children, citing that shared parenting would be detrimental to their well-being. And while Lochte has been vocal about his commitment to co-parenting with Kayla, sources claim he's not backing down without a fight.

"Ryan thinks he's the better parent and wants more control over the kids," an insider revealed. "But Kayla is adamant that she needs sole custody – at least for now."

And as the drama unfolds, it seems like both Lochte and Kayla are trying to win over their fans with social media posts and heartfelt messages.

But let's be real – folks: this is one battle they're not going to win. With all the drama, scandal, and controversy surrounding these two, it's clear that their marriage was doomed from the start.

Stay tuned for more updates on this salacious saga!