Ryan Lochte, one of the most decorated swimmers in US history, recently sold three of his six Olympic gold medals at an auction, earning a total of 385,520 USD. This transaction follows his previous sale in 2022, when the former US swimmer sold six silver and bronze medals for 166,000 USD.

Ryan Lochte (center) and Michael Phelps (left) won gold in the 4x200 m freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The three gold medals sold included the 4x200 m freestyle relay gold from the 2008 Beijing Olympics (183,000 USD), where Lochte competed alongside Michael Phelps, the 2004 Athens Olympics (80,000 USD), and the 2016 Rio Olympics (122,000 USD).

In a video posted by Goldin auction house, Lochte confirmed that three of his six gold medals would enter the collector's market. He explained his decision to sell, stating that he was "too emotional to speak immediately" last month when the news first broke, and had faced significant public pressure.

Born in 1984, Lochte is one of the most successful swimmers in Olympic history. He specialized in backstroke and individual medley but also excelled in freestyle and butterfly events, particularly known for his underwater kick acceleration. Throughout his career, Lochte earned a total of 12 Olympic medals, including six gold and six silver or bronze, with seven medals in individual events. He ranks third in Olympic medal statistics, only behind Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, and holds the world record in the 4x200 m freestyle relay.

The 41-year-old former swimmer asserted that selling the medals does not diminish his career's meaning. "I never swam just for the gold medals", Lochte wrote on social media. "My passion is to be one of the best swimmers in the world. Medals are just an added reward for a memorable journey." He stated that he has won approximately 90 international medals in his career, including those from the Olympics, World Championships, and continental competitions.

Ryan Lochte with his ex-wife Kayla Reid and their children.

This sale coincides with a period of personal upheaval for Lochte, as his wife, Kayla Reid, a former Playboy model, recently filed for divorce after seven years of marriage. Reid described it as a painful decision, while Lochte expressed deep gratitude for the time they built together. Beyond the medal story, Lochte also spoke candidly about his broken marriage. He admitted to his shortcomings and suggested they never truly understood each other, stating he is working to change through therapy. "I was not a good husband. I regret the pain I caused, especially to the mother of my children", Lochte said.

Lochte's career also faced significant challenges outside the pool. In 2016, he was involved in a "fake robbery" scandal at the Rio Olympics, which caused international shockwaves and cost him four major sponsorship deals. In 2018, Lochte received a 14-month ban for exceeding allowed intravenous (IV) infusion limits. He once called the period after Rio his worst time, admitting he used stimulants to cope with pressure.

Currently, Lochte is recovering from addiction, writing a memoir about his past struggles, and overcoming the psychological aftermath of a serious car accident in 2023. He is dating kindergarten teacher Molly Gillihan, focusing on raising his three children, and states he will maintain a private personal life, aiming for new life goals and religious faith in his next chapter.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)