Looks like Ryan Lochte is swimming in new waters! The Olympic gold medalist is making waves with his new girlfriend, Molly Gillihan, after his recent divorce. He’s openly sharing his ‘happiness’ and setting the record straight on past rumors. What’s next for the athlete as he dives into this new chapter?

Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte has publicly declared a new chapter in his personal life, expressing profound happiness alongside his new girlfriend, Molly Gillihan. Through recent social media posts, Lochte has shared intimate moments, signaling a fresh start following significant personal changes. His public display of affection and contentment marks a clear shift, captivating followers with glimpses into his evolving relationship.

Lochte, 41, took to Instagram to share his joy, posting a sunlit photograph with Gillihan, captioned, “Happiness looks good on me.” He emphasized his ability to tune out external negativity, stating, “Can’t hear the outside noise 😉 All smiles with you even thru obstacles thrown at us. ❤️❤️❤️ @mollygilli #springfield #peaceful.” This sentiment clearly conveys his focus on the present and the positive influence of his new partner.

This public embrace of a new relationship comes amidst Lochte’s ongoing divorce proceedings with estranged wife Kayla Rae Reid. The timeline of his new romance has drawn public attention, particularly as he navigated the complexities of his previous marriage’s dissolution. Both Lochte and Reid have openly addressed their separation, each sharing their perspectives on the difficult decision.

Kayla Rae Reid had previously shared her emotional journey regarding the end of their marriage. “Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection,” Reid posted on Instagram. She further elaborated on the profound impact of the separation, describing it as “one of the most painful, revealing and challenging seasons” of her life, highlighting her desire to share her story from a place of healing.

Lochte, for his part, also issued a statement in June, expressing gratitude for the life he and Reid had built together. Via social media, he noted, “Although this decision hasn’t been easy, I believe it’s the right step toward peace and well-being for us both. I remain committed to healing, growth and coparenting with care and respect as we move forward separately.” Both statements underscored a mutual desire for an amicable path forward for their family.

Following rumors of infidelity surfacing after his split from Reid, Ryan Lochte firmly addressed and refuted such claims. He clarified the sequence of events, stating in July that Molly Gillihan did not cause his divorce or separation from his children. Lochte asserted that his pursuit of Gillihan occurred after he had been served with divorce papers, stressing, “There was no infidelity with Molly, like, nothing. Molly didn’t do anything wrong. She didn’t pursue me, I pursued her.”

Lochte has been effusive in his praise for Gillihan, highlighting her remarkable patience, especially as she navigates life with her own two children. Gillihan, in turn, has demonstrated unwavering support for the Olympic swimmer, sharing an Instagram video of the couple playfully interacting, captioned, “I highly suggest finding someone you can love doing life with … @ryanlochte,” showcasing their joyful connection.

The relationship has also seen Gillihan supporting Lochte through his personal struggles. Days after his public declaration of happiness, she showed support following his Instagram video revelation that he is “battling demons.” Lochte disclosed that he had checked himself into a Florida recovery center to address mental health challenges following a 2023 car accident, an important step in his ongoing journey toward well-being, building on previous efforts to overcome alcohol addiction.

Ryan Lochte and Molly Gillihan’s relationship signifies a new chapter for the athlete, marked by public declarations of happiness, a clear stance against past rumors, and mutual support through personal challenges. This evolving story continues to draw attention as Lochte prioritizes his well-being and embraces a future alongside Gillihan.