Ryan Lochte has fans who do a double take.
The Olympic swimmer showed off her dark, scruffy facial hair and fresh tan in a new video posted to Instagram over the weekend. In this clip, he announced a big “plot twist.” He will be taking on a new position as assistant swimming and diving coach at Missouri State University.
“Swimming has given me a great career, memories and things I will cherish forever. But something very unexpected happened in the last few years,” Lochte, 41, explained.
“I may actually be more passionate about coaching than competing,” he continued, saying he believes he “may even be a better coach” than his competitors.
“I traded Google for a stopwatch, and I’m not going to lie, it’s been pretty good for me.”
Despite his new career move, fans couldn’t help but take notice of Lochte in the comments section.
He has dyed his hair before, but it looks like he styles his dark hair with gel and wears a 5 o’clock shadow.
One person wrote: “Literally doesn’t look like him.”
“You are unrecognizable,” agreed another.
A third person also wrote: “Wow he looks like a completely different person.”
On the other hand, some people praised Lochte’s stylish appearance, with one person saying, “It’s still okay.”
A second fan marveled: “Say what you want, but this guy is a legend.”
Another said: “Looks great.”
Some congratulated Lochte on his new job, writing, “You’re going to crush it.”
Lochte’s new look and new chapter begins after his estranged wife, Kayla Rae Reid, files for divorce in March 2025 after seven years of marriage. They announced their disbandment in June 2025.
The former lovers are parents to son Kayden Zane, 8, and daughters Liv Ray, 6, and Georgia June, 2.
Lochte then signed Molly Gillihan, who he claimed was “10 times better” than Reed.
His new partner seems to be supportive of his new job, writing in the comments section: “I love you. I’m so proud of you. This is what you were made for!!! Congratulations my love! 💕.”
