After "A Car Accident Nearly Took Everything" A Year Ago, Olympian Ryan Lochte Is Opening Up About "Fighting" Depression

Ryan Lochte is no stranger to battling. The competitive swimmer is a 12-time Olympic medalist.

This includes a legendary win alongside Michael Phelps, Ricky Berens, and Peter Vanderkaay in the 4 x 200 freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

However, Ryan recently opened up about a different battle he recently faced: depression and self-doubt as a result of a car accident a year ago.

On Thursday, Ryan posted a video to Instagram of himself in a pool alongside his children. In his caption, Ryan recounted the journey he's been on following the car accident that "nearly took everything" from him.

"One year ago, my life changed forever. A car accident nearly took everything from me—and for a long time, it felt like it had. I struggled to find myself again, sinking back into depression and doubting my worth as a father, a husband, and the person I knew I could be," he said, noting he didn't face his path forward by himself.

"Thanks to the love and support of the incredible people in my life, I began to rise from that darkness. They reminded me of my strength when I couldn't see it myself," he continued.

Ryan added he's felling better these days. "Today, I'm proud to say I'm not just surviving—I'm fighting. Fighting for my family, for my dreams, and for the life I know I'm meant to live," he said.

"This year has taught me that setbacks don't define us—our comebacks do. Here's to growth, resilience, and the power of love and community. Thank you to everyone who stood by me," Ryan continued.

Ryan has routinely posted about his recovery from the accident, including an inspirational video featuring clips of his progress in September.

He competed in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics. According to Forbes, Ryan currently holds the world record in the 200 individual medley long course. His time is 1:54, which he achieved in 2011, per the New York Times.

You can view Ryan's latest Instagram post here.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline is 1-888-950-6264 (NAMI) and provides information and referral services; GoodTherapy.org is an association of mental health professionals from more than 25 countries who support efforts to reduce harm in therapy.