From Walmart to chasing the Olympic dream: Meet U.S. hurdler Dylan Beard
Team USA hurdler Dylan Beard is not your average Olympic hopeful.
Currently unsponsored, when he is not working hard to make his dream come true, the 25-year-old works behind the deli counter at Walmart.
When he stormed to victory at the Millrose Games in February, Beard took one step closer to a potential Olympic debut at Paris 2024.
“I think I went in a lot more relaxed, like nothing to lose, a lot to gain,” he told TODAY last month.
Despite his cool persona, there is still an air of disbelief at the way the year is unfolding for him.
“My goal was to build off what I did last year,” he revealed to ESSENCE.
“With the Olympic Games this year, I wanted to make the team, but I had no idea this would be my 2024.
“It’s been truly a blessing.”
In the interview, Beard details his journey through school and college, eventually leading him to Howard University, a place that ‘shaped’ him.
“[At Howard University] I met former Olympian David Oliver, as well as rest of the coaching staff [there] and it really shaped me up to be where I am at today as a professional.”
Now out of college, the Baltimore native is working harder than ever to make an impact at the Olympic trials this summer.
“We’re still competing to win, no matter what race it is, we want to drop those times down and get a little better each time we race and practice.
“That’s really the main goal, it’s just now a bigger goal, and then maybe [there will be] a few more eyes watching.”