Ryan Lochte is making waves again—this time, it’s for his engagement to girlfriend Molly Gillihan. The Olympic swimmer confirmed that he and Gillihan were engaged after a yr of dating, telling the media that he was excited to be “moving on” along with his life. Lochte’s major life update comes a yr after the gold medalist announced that he and his estranged wife, Kayla Reid, were divorcing.
In line with several outlets, including PEOPLE and TMZ, Lochte got engaged to Gillihan on June 19, 2026. He confirmed the news with the media, stating that he was looking forward to “larger and higher things” along with his soon-to-be wife.
The special day happened at Prime & Pearl in Gainesville, Florida, after Gillihan learned of Lochte’s plans to propose to her on her family’s farm in Missouri. Lochte shared that Gillihan was surprised with a table stuffed with roses and a letter with the large query written in it.
“She immediately began 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 along with his girlfriend, and several other months later, faced heat from social media users for flaunting their decision to maneuver in together online, per The Blast.
Lochte said on the time that deciding to return together under one roof was easy due to their special connection and their kids’ growing friendship. “We wanted a much bigger home to support our blended family, and we’re focused on making a loving, stable environment for all of our youngsters,” he said in January 2026.
Some netizens believed the previous elite athlete was moving too quickly, provided that he had announced his separation from his estranged wife, Reid, months earlier. Nonetheless, Lochte said that he and Gillihan were unable to cover what they’d formed together.
“Every part happens for a reason,” the 41-year-old said. “And it was God’s way of claiming enough is enough between each of you, between me and Kayla, of just being miserable and never completely satisfied and never living our greatest life. So we got separated and now I’m living my best life.”
Inside Ryan Lochte’s Divorce From His Estranged Wife
The Blast reported on Lochte and Reid’s separation in the summertime of 2025. The latter opened up about her decision to separate from the Olympian with a lengthy, emotional Instagram post. While Reid didn’t go into details on the time, she admitted that leaving Lochte was a “difficult” decision.
“Sometimes we face trials we didn’t select or see coming. And in those moments, we’re forced to make the toughest decisions to guard our peace, our youngsters, and our future. I’ve come to the understanding that staying isn’t all the time probably the most loving decision someone could make. For me, leaving was an act of affection — for those around me and for myself,” she added.
Lochte also released a press release about his split from Reid, stating that he was “grateful” for what they’d built together through the years—including their three children, Caiden, Liv, and Georgia. “Although this decision hasn’t been easy, I imagine it’s the precise step toward peace and well-being for us each. I remain committed to healing, growth, and co-parenting with care and respect as we move forward individually,” he continued.
Netizens Are Slamming Lochte After Announcing Engagement To Gillihan
While Lochte is celebrating the news of his engagement to Gillihan, social media users are blasting the “Traitors” alum for appearing to have moved on too quickly.
“Bro is one big red flag,” one user wrote, while one other posted, “This may end well.” A 3rd user also chimed in on the conversation, criticizing Lochte for getting engaged before even being divorced. “Went from a diamond to a rock,” they shared.
Lochte And Gillihan Are Swimming Into A Recent Chapter In Missouri
In line with a previous report from The Blast, Lochte and Gillihan are starting a brand new chapter in Missouri after the swimmer accepted a brand new job because the assistant swim coach at Missouri State University.
Lochte’s contract is price a reported $30,000, which works out to $34 an hour over the contract period (August 2026 to June 2027).