Former Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte is diving into a new career as an assistant coach at Missouri State, but not everyone in his life is cheering. His estranged wife, Kayla Reid, has voiced serious concerns about how the job might affect their young children.
Lochte, a 12-time Olympic medalist and the third-most decorated swimmer in history behind only Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, announced earlier this month that he would join the Missouri State swimming staff. He'll work under head coach Dave Collins, helping guide both the men's and women's teams.
“It’s about more than times and results,” Lochte said in a statement. “It’s about helping young men and women build discipline, resilience and confidence that will carry them far beyond the pool. I’ve lived the highs and the challenges of this sport, and I want to use that perspective to guide them, support them and help them reach their full potential in and out of the water.”
Collins is thrilled to have a legend on deck. “We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the coaching staff,” he said. “Beyond his lengthy list of accomplishments as an athlete, Ryan has a work ethic that will translate very well on deck as a coach. When you have the opportunity to bring in one of the best ever in our sport, you do everything you can to make it happen.”
But according to a report from TMZ, Reid isn't celebrating. Sources close to her say her primary concern is the emotional well-being and stability of their children. The move could mean less time together, especially given the kids' young ages and the challenges of a long-distance parenting schedule.
“It's heartbreaking anytime young kids are faced with the reality of seeing a parent less often, especially at their age when they don’t fully understand distance or what a long-distance parenting schedule truly looks like long term,” the report noted.
Lochte, however, insists he'll remain present. He says he plans to see his children every single month, as well as during breaks, holidays, and summers. Whether that promise will ease Reid's worries remains to be seen.
The situation adds a personal layer to what should be a career highlight for Lochte. His new role comes amid a broader landscape of intense rivalries and high-stakes decisions in college sports, like Ryan Day's bold idea to make Ohio State-Michigan rivalry even more intense and the ongoing debate over Iowa State's AD telling the Big Ten and SEC to stop threatening and leave the NCAA.
For now, the focus is on whether Lochte can balance his coaching ambitions with his family responsibilities. As he steps into this new chapter, all eyes will be on how he navigates both the pool and the personal dynamics at home.
