From first meeting through Instagram to becoming parents of three, Ryan and Kayla Lochte’s journey has been one of love, growth, and support.
Ryan Lochte, the renowned Olympic swimmer with 12 medals to his name, has been married to Kayla Rae Lochte since 2018.
Kayla, born in Fairfax, Virginia, in 1991, spent her early years in nearby Arlington and moved around Virginia before relocating to California with her mother.
She pursued cheerleading through college and attended Fullerton, a public community college in California.
Kayla and Ryan first crossed paths on Instagram in 2016, just after the Rio Olympics.
Though Ryan initially denied the relationship in an interview, he later revealed that he had reached out to Kayla via Instagram, leading to their first meeting in an L.A. club where they instantly connected.
Their relationship quickly blossomed, and by October of the same year, Ryan proposed to Kayla during a private helicopter tour over Los Angeles, presenting her with a custom-designed platinum ring.
The couple welcomed their first child, Caiden, in 2017, and a year before, they tied the knot in a quiet home ceremony in Florida.
A few months afterward, they celebrated a formal wedding in January 2018 with family and friends in Palm Springs, where Kayla wore a Galia Lahav gown and her grandmother’s bracelet.
Their son Caiden served as the ring bearer, and the couple shared their first dance to John Legend’s “You & I.”
Their daughter Liv was born in 2019, followed by their third child, Georgia June, in 2023.
Kayla Lochte’s Career Journey From Playboy Model to Successful Realtor
Before her marriage to Ryan, Kayla was a successful model, a Playboy Playmate, and a Monster Energy model, but she shifted her focus to real estate in 2021.
Currently, she works as a realtor with Tioga Realty in Gainesville, Florida.
Since joining Tioga Realty in September 2021, she has built expertise in the real estate market, gaining endorsements in areas like luxury homes and buyer’s agency.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Kayla is also a social media influencer, with over 341,000 followers on Instagram.
She frequently shares glimpses into her life with Ryan and their children, as well as product endorsements and lifestyle tips.
Ryan and Kayla Almost Got Divorced in 2021
Ryan Lochte opened up about the struggles that almost led to his divorce from wife Kayla Rae Reid on the Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast.
The couple faced a challenging period in 2021 when Ryan failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, triggering a severe depression that deeply affected his relationship with Kayla.
The emotional toll was so intense that Kayla questioned their relationship, feeling disconnected from the man she married.
At one point, it seemed their marriage might end. However, Ryan credits his family, especially Kayla, for helping him pull through.
With her support, he was able to overcome the depression and rebuild their bond.
The couple’s bond has strengthened through challenges, especially after Ryan’s serious car accident in 2023, which left him with a broken femur.
The accident left him with recurring nightmares and a cautious approach to driving, but through his recovery, Kayla remained by his side, celebrating each milestone as he regained mobility.
Ryan has frequently expressed how crucial Kayla’s presence has been throughout both his athletic triumphs and personal setbacks.
Today, the Lochtes balance family life with their professional commitments, sharing their journey and cherished moments with their fans.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- His impressive medal collection includes 90 major international competition medals: 54 gold, 22 silver, and 14 bronze, across various prestigious events, including the Olympics and World Championships.
- He’s particularly skilled in underwater kicking, which helps him achieve remarkable speed and distance in his races.
- Lochte holds world records in two events: the 200-meter individual medley and as part of the American 4×200-meter freestyle relay team.
