It’s officially over, Perezcious readers.
After months of legal back-and-forth following a very public split, former Olympic swimming superstar Ryan Lochte and his ex-wife Kayla Reid have finally finalized their divorce. Court records reported on by People on Wednesday confirm the end of their eight-year marriage — oh, and now, both former spouses are speaking out about closing this emotional chapter once and for all, too!
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According to the mag, who spoke to Reid this week, she is looking ahead with optimism despite everything she’s been through. And judging by her heartfelt words, this hasn’t exactly been an easy road.
She shared:
“Divorce has been one of the hardest experiences of my life, but it has also revealed a strength I didn’t know I had. I’m grateful to be moving forward with clarity, peace, and a lot of faith in what’s ahead.”
The former model — and current Florida real estate agent and podcast host — also made it clear that she’s focused on the future, even while facing the realities of rebuilding her life after such a difficult breakup from Lochte.
She continued:
“While there are still challenges as I navigate this next season as a mother and provider, I genuinely believe the best chapters of my life are still unwritten.”
That’s certainly a hopeful outlook after what turned into a messy divorce following her filing last year. The former couple, who share three children together — son Caiden, 9, daughter Liv, 7, and daughter Georgia, 3 — spent months working through various disputes and reached a VERY contentious level, before finally getting to the finish line.
Reid also reflected on what surviving the divorce has taught her, telling the mag:
“Divorce is never something you celebrate, but there is something incredibly empowering about surviving it and realizing you are stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for.”
She wasn’t done expressing gratitude, either, adding this special statement for her loved ones:
“To my family, friends, community, and everyone who showed up for me when I needed it most: thank you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Meanwhile, Lochte seems more than ready to move forward himself.
His statement to People was considerably shorter… and definitely raised a few eyebrows. In it, he said:
“Finally, now my new and improve chapter of full happiness can start. Wedding planning starts today.”
Well… talk about turning the page quickly!
Of course, as Perezcious readers already know, the 12-time Olympic medalist announced last month that he’s engaged to Molly Gillihan, a teacher who entered his life after the split from Reid.
The two made their romance Instagram official back in July of last year after moving surprisingly fast, and then recently, he popped the question — and she said yes! The proposal, as we’ve reported, happened at Prime & Pearl restaurant in Gainesville, Florida… which is the same restaurant where the couple enjoyed their very first date.
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Of course, this isn’t just a romance between two people. It’s also the blending of two families! Gillihan has three children of her own — daughters Layla and Maggie, and son Oliver — who are now joining Lochte’s three kids in what has become one big household.
Professionally, Lochte has also been embracing change after accepting a university coaching position with Missouri State University earlier this year, signaling another fresh start outside the pool.
While divorce is rarely a fairy-tale ending, it certainly sounds like both Ryan and Kayla are determined to write very different next chapters. But above all, here’s hoping the biggest winners moving forward are their kiddos, who deserve all the stability and happiness their blended family can create.
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