When it comes to Olympic athletes, Dylan Beard is in a class of his own.
Beard is a hurdler who will be competing for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He also happens to have a full-time job at the deli counter at Walmart.
Beard competed in the 60m hurdles at the Millrose Games in February and emerged as a surprise winner.
“I think I was more relaxed going into it, feeling like I had nothing to lose and a lot to gain,” he told TODAY in an interview aired April 26.
His performance in this race made him the third fastest hurdler in the world and qualified him for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Games in Eugene, Oregon, in June. After his performance at the Millrose Games, Beard returned to his normal daily life.
“(I) flew home, went back to weight training the next day, went back to practice, then went back to work,” he said.
Beard is an unsponsored athlete who trains at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and hopes to make it to Paris on his own merits and salary.
His coach, Reuben McCoy, gets heated when talking about Beard.
“His work ethic is very unparalleled. And his character speaks very highly of the person he is,” he said.
His manager at Walmart, David Davis, offered a similar opinion about the kind of person Beard is.
“Dylan's work ethic is next level. He always provides excellent customer service. He goes above and beyond as much as he does on the track,” he said.
Beard also holds a master's degree in public health from Howard University, which she hopes to use to help counsel at-risk youth. He said he remains dedicated to doing the best he can, whether it's on the track or while working at Walmart.
“At the end of the day, my name is tied to what I do. Sure, I work in a Walmart deli, but it still represents me and represents a lot of other people.” ” he said.
Beard was shocked when TODAY's Craig Melvin presented him with a $20,000 check from Walmart to help his friends and family head to the Olympic Trials.
“I'm grateful, I'm so grateful. It was so unexpected. And I'm grateful, so grateful,” he said.
