Dylan Beard, a Howard University graduate, is currently working at a Walmart deli. Beard, who works full-time for the supermarket company, earned a Master of Public Health degree from Howard.
Walmart employees have gone above and beyond to help him reach his Olympic goals. He works full-time at a grocery chain’s deli counter while competing as a hurdler for the United States Olympic Track Team.
He will compete for a spot at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Beard gained recognition after winning the Millrose Games 60-meter hurdles in February.According to sources, his 7.44-second time places him as the world’s third-fastest hurdler.
Beard’s tutor, Reuben McCoy, lauded his perseverance and determination in doing such astounding achievements. “Dylan’s work ethic is next-level. He consistently gives exceptional customer service. “He goes above and beyond, just like on the track,” he explained.
If chosen for the squad, Beard, unlike other Olympic aspirants, will be responsible for his own travel expenditures to Paris. After sharing his incredible tale on the Today Show, he received financial backing to further his work.
Co-anchor Craig Melvin presented him with a $20,000 check from Walmart to help his friends and family support him on his road to the Olympic trials.
“I’m appreciative—very appreciative. Very unexpected. And I’m very thankful,” he said.
Beard will compete in the June U.S. Olympic track and field trials. He will face off against other contestants at the tournament in Eugene, Oregon.
With his master’s degree in public health, he aims to help at-risk young people. He promised to always give his all, whether he was racing or working at Walmart.
“At the end of the day, my name is attached to what I’m doing. So yes, I’m working at Walmart in the deli, but it still represents me, which represents a lot of other people,” expressed Beard.