US swimmer Ryan Lochte expecting first child with fiancee Kayla Rae Reid

US swimmer Ryan Lochte expecting first child with fiancee Kayla Rae Reid

US swimmer Ryan Lochte and his fiancee Kayla Rae Reid are expecting a baby.

The 12-time Olympic medalist, 32, announced the news on social media, together with a photo of him kissing Reid's stomach - underwater, at a swimming pool, naturally.

"My Christmas gift came early this year, can't wait for next year," Lochte captioned the photo. "Best news I've ever received #CLOUD9 #excited #family #love #2017."

This will be the first child for both, said ABC News.

Said model Reid: "Just when you think you think you have it all figured out, life always surprises you with blessings when least expect it.

[embed]https://twitter.com/KaylaRaeReid/status/809130371208114176[/embed]

"So excited to share this news with all of you!"

Reid, 25, included the hashtags #weareprego, #omg #2017.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BOAruwcg3my/?taken-by=ryanlochte[/embed]

Lochte has had a less than stellar 2016. In September, he was suspended for 10 months over a gas station incident that became an embarrassment for Team USA during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Lochte initially said he and three other swimmers were the victims of a dramatic robbery when returning by taxi from a late-night party.

He later backtracked after a police investigation found the swimmers were stopped by security guards at a gas station after committing an act of vandalism.

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The gas-station episode, and Lochte's "exaggerated" description of it later to newscasters, created an international hubbub and an embarrassment for Olympic officials.

Lochte and Reid were first linked earlier in 2016 and announced their engagement in October 2016.

Lochte told USA Today that her support during his ordeal in Rio made him realise he was ready for a bigger commitment.

"My family says, 'Don't you think it's a little too soon?' I'm like, 'Can you put a time on love? Can you?'" he told the newspaper.

"When I realised this was 'the one' was when she stuck behind me through this."

[embed]https://studio.brightcove.com/products/videocloud/media/videos/5089847003001[/embed]


This article was first published on Dec 15, 2016.
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