Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte is speaking out after his estranged wife, Kayla, appeared to hint at “betrayal” in their marriage during their ongoing divorce.

In a recent interview, the 12-time Olympic medalist opened up about one of the most painful chapters of his life—his ongoing divorce from wife Kayla Lochte—and how he’s trying to move forward with honesty, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

After seven years of marriage, Kayla filed for divorce in March 2025. While she hasn’t gone into full detail publicly, she did suggest there had been “betrayal” and called the decision to leave “an act of love.” On Instagram, she wrote, “Sometimes we face trials we didn’t choose or see coming. And in those moments, we’re forced to make the hardest decisions to protect our peace, our children, and our future.”

Ryan says he never wanted the marriage to end. “I never wanted to get a divorce,” he told People magazine. “We were unhappy for a very long time… it wasn’t going to help either one of us.” He emphasized that he did not cheat, responding to rumors that have surfaced since news of the split went public. “After she served me the divorce, I left, I got a new house, and I was living on my own. Then I met someone new.”

That someone new is Molly Gillihan, a teacher and single mom whose children attend the same school as Ryan and Kayla’s three kids. Ryan says their connection was immediate and unexpected. “To be honest, I feel I found a best friend,” he said. “We laughed so hard on our first date, I let my guard down completely.”

Molly has spoken up as well, defending the relationship against accusations of betrayal. “We would not be here if we had anything to hide,” she posted on Instagram. “This little goofball came into my life patiently, sincerely, and honestly.”

While the new relationship is moving forward, Ryan says his top priority remains his kids—Caiden, 8, Liv, 6, and Georgia, 2. “I want 50/50 custody,” he said. “I just want to be a present father.” He also shared that he and Kayla are barely in touch right now, but he holds no bitterness. “I wish her the best. I want Kayla to be so happy and live her life to the fullest—and I think she wants that for me.”

Reflecting on everything that’s happened, Ryan believes God may be using this season to bring clarity and growth. “It was God’s way of saying enough is enough… of just being miserable and not living our best life,” he said. “So we got separated, and now I’m living my best life.”

Despite the pain and public scrutiny, Ryan seems to be leaning into hope and new beginnings. With a new relationship, a renewed focus on fatherhood, and plans to launch a youth swimming program, he’s choosing to look ahead. “Everything that’s going on, I don’t have regrets over anything,” he said. “I’m just trusting this new chapter.”