Abrahm DeVine
An elite swimmer who broke barriers by coming out as gay in a sport with few openly LGBTQ+ competitors at the highest level.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American swimmer·Birthday: September 3·Millennials
Biography
Born in Seattle in 1996, Abrahm DeVine carved his path in the demanding world of competitive swimming, specializing in the grueling Individual Medley. His rise was marked by a disciplined focus, leading him to represent the United States at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest. DeVine later became a fixture in the professional International Swimming League, swimming for teams like the DC Trident and LA Current. In 2018, he made a significant personal and public decision by coming out, becoming one of the very few openly gay male swimmers in elite international competition. His career, though he has since stepped away from competition, is remembered not just for his performances in the pool but for the visibility and quiet courage he brought to the sport.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Abrahm was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Abrahm Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Abrahm's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Competed in the men's 200m Individual Medley at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest.
- Was a professional swimmer in the International Swimming League, representing teams like the DC Trident and LA Current.
- Came out as gay in 2018, providing visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in elite swimming.
Did You Know?
He is from Seattle, Washington.
He came out publicly in a 2018 interview with Outsports.
His first international competition was the 2017 World Championships.
“The IM is the ultimate test of a swimmer's versatility, and I've built my career on that challenge.”
