When Dylan Beard showed up to the Millrose Games in February, he wasn’t necessarily expecting to win. However, not only did he come in first during the 60-meter hurdles, but he also became the world’s third fastest hurdler! Oh, and he also qualified for the U.S. Olympic track and field trials this June, which means he could be headed to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Pretty impressive, right?
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You’d imagine that someone like Dylan Beard would have to be a full-time athlete in order to reach this caliber, but that’s not quite the case. Actually, he works full-time at the Walmart deli counter, where his manager has nothing but good things to say about his performance.
“Dylan’s work ethic is next level,” Walmart manager David Davis told Today. “He provides excellent customer service all the time. He goes above and beyond, just like he does on the track.”
Working at the deli counter isn’t necessarily his dream job, but he still approaches it with the same dedication as he would anything else. Someday, though, he wants to use his master’s in public health to go into counseling.
“At the end of the day, my name is attached to what I’m doing,” he said. “So yes, I’m working at Walmart in the deli, but it still represents me, which represents a lot of other people.”
Another thing that separates Dylan Beard from his fellow Summer Olympics hopefuls is that he doesn’t have a sponsor. Should he make it into the games, he’ll be going on his own dime. However, his Walmart paycheck probably isn’t going to cut it. So, he started a GoFundMe where fans can support him. People have been pretty generous so far!
In order to train for the track and field trials, Dylan has been working with coach Reuben McCoy.
“His work ethic is very much unmatched. And his character speaks very highly of the man who he is,” said the coach.
Although Dylan Beard has undoubtedly worked hard for his recent achievements, he told Today that he didn’t put too much pressure on himself to win during the Millrose Games.
“I think I went in a lot more relaxed, like nothing to lose, a lot to gain,” he recalled.
We’re wishing Dylan Beard the best of luck in the track and field trials. Hopefully, we’ll see him in the 2024 Summer Olympics!
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