Olympic star Ryan Lochte opens up on drugs, depression, divorce, infamous Brazilian arrest — and insists he’s not broke
Ryan Lochte, the 12-time Olympic medalist, has opened up about his struggles with depression, substance use, and his 2016 Brazilian arrest scandal, which led to a significant downfall in his career and personal life. He credits his current girlfriend, Molly Gillihan, with helping him recover and says he is now focused on coaching and rebuilding his life. Despite past financial losses and personal turmoil, Lochte insists he is not broke and is moving forward with new purpose.
- ▪Lochte battled severe depression after the 2021 Olympic trials, at times unable to get out of bed, and entered rehab in August 2025.
- ▪He admitted to using alcohol, weed, and cocaine following a near-fatal car crash in 2023 but denies being addicted or using drugs in front of his children.
- ▪The 2016 Rio Olympics scandal, in which Lochte falsely claimed he was robbed at gunpoint, led to a 10-month suspension, loss of major sponsorships, and long-term personal consequences.
- ▪Lochte has taken a $30,000-a-year assistant coaching position at Missouri State University and plans to marry his girlfriend Molly Gillihan.
- ▪He acknowledges a lack of guidance on handling fame and finances and now aims to help others avoid similar pitfalls.
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Sports Entertainment exclusive Olympic star Ryan Lochte opens up on drugs, depression, divorce, infamous Brazilian arrest — and insists he’s not broke By Sara Nathan Published May 16, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET Twelve-time Olympic medal winning swimmer Ryan Lochte stunned fans this week by announcing he has taken a $30,000-a-year assistant coaching gig with Missouri State University. It’s been a rocky few years for the champion after battling depression so crippling some days he couldn’t even get out of bed, he told The Post in an exclusive interview from his current home in Gainesville, Florida.
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