Meet Dylan Beard: The Walmart Deli Counter Worker Competing For A Spot In The Olympics

In Walmart, you see a lot of different stuff.

Some good. Some bad. Some questionable.

If you look even closer, you may spot Olympic athlete Dylan Beard, a hurdler who will compete for a spot on the United States Olympic team in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

He, too, is a full-time employee at the deli counter at a Walmart, according to NBC News. Beard surfaced as a surprise winner when competing in the 60-meter hurdles at the Millrose Games in February.

His performance in the competition cemented him as the third fastest hurdler in the world, landing him a spot at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon, in June. Right after his performance at the Games, Beard resumed his typical activities.

“I flew home, and the next day I was back to weight training, back to practicing, then back to work,” he said.

Beard is an unsponsored athlete who hopes to pay his way to Paris with his ability and paycheck, while also training at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Reuben McCoy, his coach, lauds Beard.

“His work ethic is very much unmatched. And his character speaks very highly of the man he is,” he said.

David Davis, his manager at Walmart, said the same sentiment.

“Dylan’s work ethic is next level. He provides excellent customer service all the time. He goes above and beyond, just like he does on the track,” he said.

Beard isn’t just a typical Joe working at Walmart. He earned his master’s degree in public health at Howard University and hopes he can use it for counseling at-risk youth. Right now, he is dedicated to doing the best he can on the track or 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,” he said.

Beard also received a $20,000 check from Walmart from TODAY’S co-anchor Craig Melvin to support him as he will be traveling to the Olympic trials.

Photo Credit: Instagram - @Thee_Dylan