Olympian Ryan Lochte sells his Olympic gold as ex-wife’s wedding vows resurface amid messy divorce

Ryan Lochte is facing one of the most public chapters of his life away from the pool. As his divorce continues to unfold, the decorated Olympian has stepped forward to explain why he is parting with some of the most recognizable symbols of his career.

The timing has drawn attention, coming just days after personal moments from his past resurfaced online and reignited debate around his private life.The former Olympic champion, now 41, has revealed that he finds it hard to make career decisions alongside family matters in full public view. While reactions have been intense, Lochte has chosen to speak directly, offering clarity on what his medals represent to him today and how he hopes to move forward while protecting his children.

Ryan Lochte Olympic gold decision explained

Ryan Lochte confirmed that three of his six Olympic gold medals will be auctioned through Goldin, with pieces from the 2004, 2008, and 2016 Games included. Addressing the move publicly, he made it clear that medals were never his primary motivation in the sport.“I never swam for the gold medals,” he said. “Those medals? They were just the cherry on top of an incredible journey.”

Lochte emphasized that his career spans far beyond a handful of podium finishes.

With 90 international medals across multiple competitions.“I've been fortunate to achieve more than any swimmer out there,” he said. “But what means the most to me is what I've done with them, I've given away medals to fans and young kids in the stands, because it's never been just about me.”He added that inspiring young athletes remains central to his decision. “The memories, the hard work, and the connection,” he said, are what he “treasures the most.”

Ryan Lochte divorce responds to wedding vows controversy

The auction announcement followed renewed attention on Lochte’s divorce from Kayla Reid Lochte, with whom he shares three children. After Kayla posted a video of their wedding vows, Lochte responded with a detailed statement addressing both the backlash and his intentions.“Navigating personal challenges in public can be incredibly tough,” he said, explaining that his goal was clarity rather than harm. He noted that some details remain private to protect his children and acknowledged why the vows were shared.

“I recognize that Kayla has shared our wedding vows on her page to highlight the authenticity of what we once had.”He continued, “I still stand by my belief that we didn't fully know each other, and honestly, I didn't know myself or who I was.He also addressed his own shortcomings, “[I] deeply regret any disappointment I've caused to those in my life, including the mother of my children,” Lochte said. “I would be lying if I said I was a good husband; I wasn't. I'm committed to working on myself every day.”Lochte shares three children with his estranged wife, Kayla Rae Reid: son Caiden Zane, daughter Liv Rae, and their youngest, daughter Georgia June. Also Read: Ryan Lochte's net worth: How the Olympic champion's fortune fell to $300,000