Who is Dylan Beard? Everything about the Walmart deli employee who gained the spotlight after qualifying for the U.S Olympic Track and Field Trials

Dylan Beard is an American sprinter who recently gained the spotlight after his heroics at the Millrose Games 2024 which also earned him a place at the US Olympic track and field trials scheduled in June.

The Howard University graduate produced a superb performance at the Millrose games concluded earlier in February. Beard, running from lane one just took 7.44 seconds to touch the finishing line and clinch the victory. Owing to this, Beard also achieved qualification for the trials of the US Olympic team.

The North Carolina native will need a top-three finish at the trials in Eugene to book his berth for the Paris Olympics 2024. In an interview with Today's Craig Malvin, Beard elaborated on the reasons for managing a full-time job at Walmart along with being a track and field athlete.

"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.”

Besides, Dylan Beard's coach Reuben McCoy, and his Walmart manager David Davis have also showered praises for the amazing determination and work ethic the North Carolina native has portrayed. Davis told Today:

"He provides excellent customer service all the time. He goes above and beyond, just like he does on the track."

Dylan Beard's family and hometown

Beard was born in Baltimore on September 15, 1988, to mother Amy Ayeni and Eric Beard. Beard also has two siblings- Javon and Traevon. His cousin, Antoine Bethea played in the NFL for various teams such as Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants.

Dylan Beard Education

Beard completed his schooling at the Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn. Following this he completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Hampton University and Master of Public Health from Howard University.

Other achievements of Dylan Beard

During his schooling days, Beard was chosen as the NEC Rookie of the Week thrice and was also included in the All-NEC Rookie team in 2017. During the 2016-17 session, he also registered the school record in the 110m-hurdles with a run time of 14.33 seconds.

Beard was also named to the All-Academic Outdoor Team at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 2023. During this on April 19, he also won the MEAC track and field athlete of the week. The 25-year-old also went on to win the 110m hurdles at the Charlotte 49er Invite 2024 which was scheduled between March 16 and 18.

Edited by Neelabhra Roy