Ryan Lochte is making waves again, this time it’s for his engagement to girlfriend Molly Gillihan. The Olympic swimmer confirmed he and Gillihan were engaged after a year of dating, telling media he was excited to “move on” in his life. The major update in Lochte’s life comes a year after the gold medalist announced that he and his estranged wife, Kayla Reid, were divorcing.
Ryan Lochte is engaged to his girlfriend, Molly Gillihan, after one year of dating
According to multiple media outlets, including PEOPLE and TMZ, Lochte got engaged to Gillihan on June 19, 2026. He confirmed the news to the media, stating that he was looking forward to “bigger and better things” with his future wife.
The special occasion took place at Prime & Pearl in Gainesville, Florida, after Gillihan learned of Lochte’s plan to propose to her on the family farm in Missouri. Lochte shared that Gillihan was surprised by a table full of roses and a letter with the big question written.
“She immediately started crying and said, ‘What took you so long?’ “, Lochte said.
Ryan Lochte confirmed his relationship with Gillihan in July 2025 with an Instagram post
Lochte made headlines last summer when he went Instagram official with his girlfriend, and several months later, he faced heat from social media users for posting their decision to move in together online, according to The Blast.
Lochte said at the time that it was easy to decide to reunite under one roof because of their special bond and their children’s growing friendship. “We needed a larger home to support our blended family, and we strive to create a loving and stable environment for all of our children,” he said in January 2026.
Some netizens thought the former elite athlete was moving too fast, given that he had announced his separation from his estranged wife, Reid, months earlier. However, Lochte said he and Gillihan were unable to hide what they formed together.
“Everything happens for a reason,” the 41-year-old said. “And that was God’s way of saying enough is enough between you two, between me and Kayla, of just being unhappy and not happy and not living our best life. So we broke up and now I’m living my best life.”
Inside Ryan Lochte’s Divorce From His Ex-Wife
The Blast reported on Lochte and Reid’s split in the summer of 2025. The latter opened up about her decision to part ways with the Olympian with a lengthy, emotional post on Instagram. Although Reid didn’t go into detail at the time, she admitted that leaving Lochte was a “difficult” decision.
“Sometimes we face trials that we did not choose or see coming. And in those moments, we are forced to make the most difficult decisions to protect our peace, our children and our future. I understood that staying is not always the most loving decision one can make. For me, leaving was an act of love, for those around me and for myself,” she added.
Lochte also released a statement on his split from Reid, saying he was “grateful” for what they had built together over the years, including their three children, Caiden, Liv and Georgia. “While this decision was not easy, I believe it is the right step toward peace and well-being for both of us. I remain committed to healing, growing, and co-parenting with care and respect as we move forward separately,” he continued.
Netizens Slam Lochte After Announcing Engagement to Gillihan
As Lochte celebrates the news of his engagement to Gillihan, social media users are criticizing the “Traitors” alum for appearing to have moved on too quickly.
“My brother is a big red flag,” one user wrote, while another posted: “This will end well.” » A third user also weighed in on the conversation, criticizing Lochte for getting engaged before even getting divorced. “I went from a diamond to a rock,” they shared.
Lochte and Gillihan begin new chapter in Missouri
According to a previous report from The Blast, Lochte and Gillihan are starting a new chapter at Missouri after the swimmer accepted a new job as an assistant swimming coach at Missouri State University.
Lochte’s contract is worth $30,000, which equates to $34 per hour over the life of the contract (August 2026 to June 2027).
