The Term Olympian Ryan Lochte's Ex-Wife Kayla Rae Reid Uses Instead of 'Co-Parenting'

August 15, 2026 - 01:30

Kayla Rae Reid, the ex-wife of Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte, is redefining how she talks about life after divorce. Instead of using the term "co-parenting," Reid says she prefers to describe her situation as being in her "comeback era." The mother of three young children with Lochte has been open about the shift in mindset, and she is now co-hosting a podcast called The Comeback Era, which explores exactly that kind of reinvention.

Reid explains that "co-parenting" feels too clinical and focused on the logistics of sharing custody. For her, the phrase carries a weight that centers on the former couple rather than on personal growth. She wants to emphasize moving forward, rebuilding identity, and finding joy outside of the marriage and the parenting schedule. The "comeback era" is about owning your story after a major life change, not just managing it.

The podcast, which she hosts alongside a friend, features conversations about resilience, self-discovery, and the messy middle of starting over. Reid has been candid about the challenges of raising three kids while also navigating her own emotional and professional goals. She says the new language helps her feel empowered rather than stuck in the past. While she and Lochte remain focused on their children, Reid is clear that her personal narrative is no longer defined by the divorce. It is defined by the comeback.