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East olympics swimmer Ryan Lochte has explained its decision to auction three of its six gold medals – a move that always proves controversial for athletes, given the symbolic value of the medals.
Last week, the 41-year-old athlete Goldin was featured in an Instagram video for the auction house, where he announced that three of his medals – won in 2004, 2008 and 2016 – would be available for bidding. In the comments, fans described the decision as “so sad.”
He responded to the criticism and concerns in a lengthy statement on Instagram on Thursday.
He wrote, “I never swam for gold medals. My passion has always been to become one of the best swimmers in the world. Those medals? They were just the cherry on top of an incredible journey.”
According to Lochte, having won more than 90 international medals – including at the Olympics, Pan Pacific Swimming Championships and the Pan Am Games – he has been fortunate to “achieve more than any other swimmer”.
He added, “But what matters most to me is what I’ve done with them, the medals I’ve given to fans and little kids in the stands, because it’s never just been about me.” “It’s about inspiring the next generation and helping them achieve their dreams. The memories, hard work and connection with all of you is what I cherish most.”
In his statement, Lochte also addressed claims that the December 9 post promoting his new book was a reference to his estranged wife Kayla Reed. In that post he wrote that he was “considered weak and reminded.” [his] Constant failures,” which fans interpreted as a dig at Reed, with whom he has three children: Caden, eight; Liv, six; and Georgia, two.
“Dealing with personal challenges publicly can be incredibly difficult, and I’m grateful [for] “An opportunity to clarify my recent post about my ex-wife. I understand that my words have caused a tremendous reaction, and I want to express that it was never my intention to offend anyone, but to share my honest feelings,” he wrote in a statement shared Thursday.
He said he understood why Reed recently posted an old video of their wedding on Instagram.
He wrote, “There is a lot happening behind the scenes that I have chosen to keep private for the safety of our children. I recognize that Kayla shared our wedding vows on her page to highlight the authenticity of who we once were.” “Although I respect that, I still stand by my belief that we didn’t know each other completely, and honestly, I didn’t know myself or who I was. I’m so grateful for my three children and the love we had during that time.”
Lochte asked fans for their “understanding and grace” as he navigates his “complicated situation” with his former partner.
He concluded, “Moving forward, I will continue to share my life with you but will avoid discussing matters related to my previous marriage. Thank you all for your support.”
Lochte began his professional swimming career in the early 2000s, making his international debut at the 2004 Athens Olympics while he was still a college student. He won 12 Olympic medals during his career that ended in 2021 – six gold, three silver and three bronze.
He is the third most decorated swimmer in Olympic history, behind Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.