What happened to Ryan Lochte? Former athlete reveals “cycle of depression” led to years of addiction struggles

As per a recent article by US Weekly, popular American swimmer Ryan Lochte recently opened up about going through a 'cycle of depression' after a year of struggling with addictions.

The swimmer also revealed that he is now sober and has conquered his addiction.

“I fell into a cycle of depression that led to substance abuse.” Ryan told the publication

As per reports by People, Ryan Lochte was involved in a car accident during the fall season of 2024, which was a near-death experience for him and helped him put his life into place.

On November 21, Lochte, 40, was on his way to pick up his children from school in Gainesville, Florida, when the car ahead of him abruptly swerved out of their lane to avoid a stopped garbage truck.

According to pictures received by media publications, Lochte's truck's front was crumpled like a tin can by the impact of the collision. He claims that after spending three days in the hospital, "I was rushed right away in trauma, and they did surgery." He spent months recovering at home with virtually little mobility.

“The car in front of me swerved and got out [of the way] and then I immediately tried to swerve, and I … ran into the damn thing.” Lochte revealed on the Kyle Mills podcast in the month of July.

Ryan Lochte admitted that he wasn't comfortable sharing about this traumatic experience at first, but later felt that it might help others learn a thing or two.

“You are going to get knocked down, but it's not how you got knocked down — it's how you get up. 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." Ryan Lochte said on the podcast.

Ryan Lochte accused of drug usage by ex-wife Kayla Lochte

Ryan Lochte's ex-wife Kayla Lochte has also accused the popular swimmer of drug usage in front of his children, as per documents from the court following their divorce proceedings in August.

“I am not denying that I used drugs in my home, but I adamantly deny ever using drugs in front of or around my children, and I have never driven them while intoxicated.” Lochte told US Weekly in an interview.

Ryan Lochte further insisted that he has learnt from his previous mistakes and is now living a healthier and better life.

“And I feel better and happier than I have in years."

“We all make mistakes in life. We are not defined by those mistakes, but by how we learn from them and the work we put in to overcome them. I am extremely sorry for hurting or disappointing anyone along the way. My focus now is on my recovery, on being the best father I can be, and on moving forward in a way that keeps my kids safe, supported, and loved.” Ryan Lochte told the publication.

Lochte posted a video on Instagram sharing a positive life update. He is 54 days sober and is living a happy and positive life. In the video, Ryan speaks about dealing with depression and loneliness after the crash and accepting that he needed to make a change in his life to move forward.

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As a champion swimmer at the Olympics, Ryan Lochte became well-known. His Olympic participation dates back to 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. Six of the twelve medals he received were gold.

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