Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte moves in with girlfriend and her three kids as blended family grows amid divorce and custody battle

Ryan Lochte is starting a new chapter, and it is a big one after a lot of disturbances in his love life. The Olympic swimmer has moved into a new home with his girlfriend Molly Gillihan and her three children.

He shared the news in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, seven months after his ex-wife Kayla Reid Lochte made their divorce public. For Ryan Lochte, this move is not just about a house, he says it is about healing, growth, and putting children first.Ryan Lochte, 41, is a 12-time Olympic medalist. He shares three children with Kayla Reid Lochte. Over the past year, his personal life has been under public focus because of the divorce and court filings.

Now, he says he is in a better place and he mentioned to the PEOPLE that moving in together felt like the right next step. He says his life in the last ten months has been centered on becoming a better father and building a stable home.

The move also means creating a blended family with six children living under one roof.

Ryan Lochte explains why moving in with Molly Gillihan felt right for their blended family

Ryan Lochte told PEOPLE that his choices over the last several months were driven by his children. He said, “Everything I’ve done over the last 10 months has been about my kids and becoming the best father I can be for them.”

He added, “That meant doing the work, going to rehab, rededicating my life to Christ, going to therapy and making changes that put my children first.” Because of these changes, he said he is thankful to now have his children half the time.Ryan Lochte shares son Caiden, 8, daughter Liv, 6, and daughter Georgia, 2, with Kayla Reid Lochte. Kayla Lochte filed for divorce in March 2025 and later spoke about it on Instagram on June 4, 2025. She wrote, “Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection.” She also said she waited to speak until she reached a place of healing.In September 2025, court documents obtained by PEOPLE showed that Kayla Reid Lochte asked for full custody of the children. In those filings, she claimed Ryan Lochte used drugs in front of their children, but later Ryan Lochte strongly denied that claim in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

He said, “I am not denying that I used drugs in my home, but I adamantly deny ever using drugs in front of or around my children, and I have never driven them while intoxicated.”Four months later, Ryan Lochte says he is focused on the future. In January, he posted photos on Instagram from inside the new home, writing, “Home sweet home.” He explained to PEOPLE that Molly Gillihan also has three children and shares the same values. Ryan Lochte said, “Together, we’re a family of six kids. She’s my best friend, our kids have formed an incredible bond, and it became clear that being together under one roof was the right next step for all of us.” He added that they chose a bigger home to build a loving and steady life for all their children.Also Read: Ryan Lochte’s Net Worth: How The Olympic Champion’s Fortune Fell To $300,000