Move over, Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson — Track & Field’s most inspiring story right now might be Dylan Beard, the 26-year-old Walmart deli associate who just cashed in with a $50,000 win while chasing Olympic dreams.
While juggling meat slicers and customer orders, Beard has quietly become one of the most exciting underdog athletes in the sport — and now the world is starting to take notice.
Working at Walmart to Fund His Track Dream
Beard, a former student-athlete at Wagner, Hampton, and Howard University, took a job at Walmart in October 2023 with one purpose: to fund his professional track career.
“I started working at Walmart just to get the money to travel, get treatments, massages — everything it takes to compete professionally,” Dylan told TMZ Sports this week.
Unlike most elite athletes with corporate sponsors or national funding, Beard had to hustle on both the track and in the store, working 25 to 30 hours per week behind the deli counter.
But all that changed earlier this month.
Winning on the World Stage
Beard was invited to the Grand Slam Track meet in Kingston, Jamaica — the debut event for the new Michael Johnson-led professional track league — where he stunned fans and competitors alike by winning his heat in the 110-meter hurdles with a blistering 13.29-second finish.
The victory not only shocked the track world but also earned Dylan a $50,000 prize check, instantly turning him into a breakout star.
Now Headed to Miami — and Still Clocking In at Walmart
Thanks to his performance in Jamaica, Beard was invited to compete in the next Grand Slam Track event, happening May 2–4 in Miami, airing on The CW and Peacock.
Despite his rise, Beard hasn’t turned his back on the job that helped him get here. Walmart has since become one of his sponsors, offering him schedule flexibility and support as he continues to train and compete.
“I’m still an associate at the store,” he shared.
“I used to work five days a week. Now I just do one or two. Walmart’s been super lenient with me.”
Gunning for Greatness: Beard’s Olympic Ambitions
As the world begins to take note of this unlikely track hero, Beard is laser-focused on what’s next: winning more races and eventually competing at the Olympics.
“I appreciate the job, but I’m hoping with more success, I can run full time,” Beard said.
“I want to be one of the fastest men in the world.”
Final Word: Dylan Beard Is the Ultimate Underdog Story
In a sport filled with multimillion-dollar sponsorships and world-class training facilities, Dylan Beard’s rise from the Walmart deli to the professional track circuit is not only refreshing — it’s inspirational.
He represents the everyday athlete: gritty, hardworking, and full of heart.
As he heads to Miami for his next race, the eyes of the track world — and Walmart shoppers alike — will be watching closely.
Catch Dylan Beard’s next race at the Grand Slam Track event in Miami, airing May 2-4 on CW and Peacock.
