United Kingdom, June 24 -- Ryan Lochte has defended himself after attracting criticism for announcing his engagement before his divorce is finalised.

The 41-year-old six-time Olympic gold medal swimmer split from podcaster Kayla Reid in March 2025 after seven years of marriage, and announced his engagement to girlfriend Molly Gilihan last week (19.06.26).

However, the happy news was met with backlash from some, who slammed the sportsman for making the engagement public before his divorce from Kayla was made official.

Ryan responded to the criticism in a statement on his Instagram Stories, as he wrote: "Correction: Apparently I'm not allowed to say I'm divorced until every signature is in place.

"So, while we've reached an agreement, t...