One of the Top Olympic Hopefuls Trains Between His Shifts as a Deli Counter Worker at Walmart
In June, Dylan Beard will compete for a spot on the Olympic team at trials in Oregon
Dylan Beard works hard on and off the track
The Olympic hopeful holds down a full-time job behind the deli counter at a Walmart in North Carolina
Beard will compete for a spot on Team USA in June at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials
A North Carolina man who works full-time in a Walmart deli is “hurdling” ever-closer to making the Olympic team!
Dylan Beard is set to compete at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in June after his surprise win in the 60-meter hurdles at the Millrose Games in February made him a top-three qualifier.
“I think I went in a lot more relaxed, like nothing to lose, a lot to gain,” Beard, 25, said in an interview on the Today show on April 26 about the results of the race.
If the Howard University grad finishes in the top three at U.S. Trials and goes on to compete in the Paris Olympics, both his coach at North Carolina State University and his boss say they won’t be surprised.
“His work ethic is very much unmatched,” coach Reuben McCoy told Today. “And his character speaks very highly of the man who he is.”
David Davis, his manager at Walmart, told Today: “He provides excellent customer service all the time. He goes above and beyond, just like he does on the track.”
Walmart's vice president of People, Liz Consuegra, tells PEOPLE that they are "incredibly proud to have Dylan as part of our Walmart family."
"His accomplishments on the track not only highlight his individual success but also reflect his commitment and drive at work. We are all cheering Dylan on as he prepares to compete in the Olympic trials."
While working towards his master’s degree in public health at the Washington, D.C., university, Beard found success on the track, where he was named to the 2023 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor All-Academic Team, won MEAC Track Athlete of the Week and had four top-five finishes in the 110-meter hurdles.
Related: Caitlin Clark Says Her Goal Is to Join Team USA at Paris Olympics: ‘It’s Where I Want to Be’
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Currently an unsponsored athlete, Beard was surprised on Today Friday with a $20,000 check from Walmart, which will go towards family and friends being able to help cheer him on in Eugene, Oregon at trials.
“At the end of the day, my name is attached to what I’m doing,” Beard said. “So yes, I’m working at Walmart in the deli, but it still represents me, which represents a lot of other people.”
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