US Olympic icon Ryan Lochte has spoken out on Instagram over the influx of support he has received after it emerged he is getting divorced from his wife, Kayla Reid.
The couple announced the news on Wednesday and speaking on social media, the 12-time Olympic medalist said it was ‘rough’ going public with the split.
‘I just want to say thank you to everyone that wrote a message, reached out to me — just open arms,’ he said in an Instagram video.
‘It means a lot to me. Yesterday was a rough day for me, but, like always in life, you’ve got to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward, so, that’s what I’m doing.’
The 40-year-old Lochte said he had been sent gifts by his ‘second family’, such as candy and a card.
‘Thank you guys, I love you guys,’ he added.
Ryan Lochte’s wife Kayla Reid has filed for divorce after seven years of marriage
Kayla, seen in 2016 at Playboy Midsummer Night’s Dream party, was previously a Playboy Playmate
The couple have three kids together. Kayla announced the split on June 4, saying: ‘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.’
The couple shares son Caiden, 7, daughter Liv, 5 and nearly two-year-old daughter Georgia.
According to court records cited by People, Kayla filed for divorce on March 26.
Lochte shared a statement himself, saying: ‘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.
‘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.’
The couple met in 2016 before getting engaged that same year in the fall.
Lochte was also thrust into controversy during the 2016 Rio Games, after he claimed that he and three teammates were robbed at gunpoint after a night out.
It was later revealed that the armed men were actually security guards and several details of Lochte’s story proved to be fabricated. He was ultimately charged with submitting a false report to police, but charges were later dismissed after he apologized.
