Ryan Lochte faced more than just a long physical road to recovery after nearly dying in a car accident last year.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Olympic swimmer shared a video of himself enjoying some pool time with his kids, explaining in the caption that the accident, then depression, almost took everything from him.
“One year ago, my life changed forever. A car accident nearly took everything from me — and for a long time, it felt like it had,” wrote Lochte, 40. “I struggled to find myself again, sinking back into depression and doubting my worth as a father, a husband, and the person I knew I could be.”
The accident occurred while he was on his way to pick up his kids from school in Gainesville, Florida. The six-time Olympic gold medalist crashed his car into a stationary truck after the car in front of him unexpectedly pulled out of their lane to avoid doing the same. He spent three days in the hospital, followed by a months-long recovery at home.
Lochte is a father of three, sharing son Caiden, 6, and daughter Liv, 5, and daughter Georgia, 1, with wife Kayla Rae Reid. He went on to thank those around him for helping him navigate the past year.
Ryan Lochte with wife Kayla and their children Georgia, Liv, and Caiden. Courtesy of Kayla Lochte/Instagram
“But I didn’t face this journey alone,’ he continued. “Thanks to the love and support of the incredible people in my life, I began to rise from that darkness. They reminded me of my strength when I couldn’t see it myself.”
Lochte has documented his physical recovery from the accident, routinely posting photos and videos of his progress via his Instagram channel. He’s been less open about the mental toll the accident and recovery have taken, but he said it’s resulted in him fighting for the life “I know I’m meant to live.”
Making it to the Olympics is a feat that countless athletes dream of their entire lives. After years of blood, sweat and tears, participating in the most prestigious athletic event in the world is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Some athletes compete one time in the Olympic Games and hang up their hats, stepping gracefully into retirement. […]
“Today, I’m proud to say I’m not just surviving—I’m fighting,” he said. “This year has taught me that setbacks don’t define us—our comebacks do. Here’s to growth, resilience, and the power of love and community. Thank you to everyone who stood by me.”
Lochte was at first hesitant to open up about his accident due to the trauma it inflicted on him and his family, he told People in September. He decided that it was finally time to share his experience in hopes that it could help someone else.
“You are going to get knocked down, but it’s not how you got knocked down — it’s how you get up,” he said. “If you try to just better yourself every day and just keep moving forward and not dwell on the past and just learn from it, no one’s going to stop you. You’re going to be unstoppable.”