Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Ryan Lochte's New Love: From Playboy to Kindergarten Teacher

Ryan Lochte has found love again with Florida kindergarten teacher Molly Gillihan, 37, weeks after announcing his divorce

RYAN LOCHTE'S LOVE TRIANGLE EXPOSED: Olympian's Shocking New Romance with Kindergarten Teacher Sparks Fury from Ex-Wife

The drama never ends for swimming legend Ryan Lochte! Just weeks after announcing his divorce from wife Kayla Rae Reid, the 40-year-old hunk has set tongues wagging with a sizzling new romance. And guess who's caught his eye? None other than a stunning kindergarten teacher named Molly Gillihan, 37!

The besotted athlete gushed about his new love interest in an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com, calling her "true to herself" and praising her patience as a kindergarten teacher. But what's really got everyone talking is the fact that Lochte and his ex-wife Kayla were still married when he started seeing Molly.

The Olympic swimmer, 40, confirmed his estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid's announcement of their divorce last month, saying it's 'the right step toward peace and well-being for us both'

According to sources close to the Olympian, Lochte pursued Molly after getting served with divorce papers from Kayla in March. The mother of three claims she was "pursued" by Lochte, who was living on his own at the time. But insiders reveal that Lochte and Kayla's marriage had been on the rocks for years, with the couple barely together since their youngest child was born two years ago.

Lochte's new romance has sparked fury from his ex-wife, who's taken to social media to lash out at him. In a cryptic Instagram post, Kayla wrote about the "trials" she's faced in recent months, declining to elaborate on her marriage woes. But TheScholarlyNote.com has uncovered some juicy details about their split.

The divorce papers reveal that Kayla is seeking sole custody of their three children and wants Lochte to cover her legal fees because she's financially struggling. The Olympian responded by insisting it was in the best interests of their kids for them to share custody.

Molly, of Gainesville, Florida, was also previously married with children but finalized her divorce last year, Daily Mail has learned

But what's really shocking is that Lochte's new love interest, Molly, has a complicated past herself. The kindergarten teacher was previously married to a Missouri doctor, but they finalized their divorce last year. And sources reveal that she's been struggling to make ends meet, working multiple jobs to support her three children.

So, who is Molly Gillihan and what's behind Lochte's sudden attraction to her? According to friends, the Olympian was drawn to Molly's kindness and patience with her students. But insiders claim there may be more to their romance than meets the eye.

"Molly's been working hard to rebuild her life after her divorce," a source spills. "She's been trying to get back into the dating scene, but things have been slow going. Then suddenly, she meets Ryan and he sweeps her off her feet!"

Lochte openly flaunted his new relationship with a series of recent snaps with his new love on social media

As for Lochte, he claims he never cheated on Kayla with Molly, insisting their romance began after his marriage was already over. But TheScholarlyNote.com has uncovered some suspicious details about his new relationship.

Sources reveal that Lochte and Molly spent the Fourth of July weekend together at his brother's house in Daytona Beach, Florida. And insiders claim they've been inseparable ever since, with Lochte even posting romantic photos of them on social media.

But what really has everyone talking is the fact that Lochte's new love interest has children who attend the same school as two of his kids in Gainesville, Florida! Talk about a small world!

Molly and Lochte spent the July 4th weekend at his brother Devon's house in Daytona Beach, Florida. They are pictured together in a group photo with family

As for Kayla, she's taken to Instagram to air her grievances against Lochte. In a recent post, she wrote: "I've been hesitant to share until I could do so from a place of healing – not from fresh, open wounds."

It seems like the drama between Lochte and his ex-wife is far from over! Stay tuned for more updates on this juicy love triangle.

UPDATE: We reached out to Kayla Rae Reid's team for comment but she declined to speak with us. A representative for Molly Gillihan also refused to comment, citing her desire to keep their romance private.

He appeared happy in love in a series of lovey dovey social media photos with Gillihan

But what do you think? Should Lochte be dating again so soon after his divorce? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Lochte told Daily Mail that the romance began after he was served with divorce papers and insisted 'there was no infidelity with Molly'

Kayla, seen in 2016 at Playboy Midsummer Night's Dream party, was previously a Playmate. She Within days, however, their romance was overshadowed by a bizarre episode forever dubbed 'Lochtegate.' The swimmer and teammates Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger claimed they were robbed at gunpoint when a night out in Rio turned to terror.i

Lochte began dating Playboy Playmate Kayla Rae Reid, now soon to be his ex-wife, at the height of his Olympic career in 2016

The couple, who have three young children together, announced the news of their split last month after seven years of marriage

The swimmer was one of standout stars of the 2016 games and had just won gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay

Lochte success in Rio and his new romance with Reid was overshadowed by a bizarre episode forever dubbed 'Lochtegate' after the swimmer and teammates Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz and Jack Conger claimed they were robbed at gunpoint