Dylan Beard launched his 2025 season with a bang, clocking 13.29 seconds in the 110m hurdles on April 5 to claim his first Grand Slam Track short hurdles title.
What made that victory stand out was the fact that he did it with no sponsors, no elite gear, and barely decent shoes. His performance was carved out by pure heart. But Beard wasn’t done yet.
At the USATF Outdoor Championships, Beard stunned the nation once again. Clocking a blistering 13.04 seconds, he secured third place in the 110m hurdles final, earning him a well-deserved spot on Team USA for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. And he did it all while still clocking hours at a Walmart deli to make ends meet.
“I started working at Walmart in October 2023 just to get funds to be able to compete on a professional level in Track and Field,” Beard told TMZ.
“Funds for traveling, treatments, massages, and pretty much everything like that.”
Despite his recent success, Beard still works a few hours at Walmart each week, with the store supporting his dream by offering flexibility. It’s an unconventional story in a sport where most elite athletes rely on full-time training schedules and major sponsorships.
This self-made athlete is finally getting a taste of the recognition he deserves. Beard’s third-place finish may not have topped the podium, but it earned him something far more valuable, respect, national pride, and a ticket to the global stage.
What’s Next for Dylan Beard?
With his place on the U.S. team secured, Beard is now preparing for the biggest race of his life, the World Championships in Tokyo.
This will mark his debut on the international stage, a golden opportunity to not only showcase his talent but also attract long-overdue sponsorship deals and media attention.
He’s expected to train with some of the country’s top coaches leading up to the event, and there are whispers of possible appearances on the European circuit after Tokyo. These races could serve as critical platforms to elevate his profile.
Why America Should Pay Attention
In a landscape where headlines are often reserved for the already famous, Dylan Beard offers a refreshing and important reminder that greatness isn’t always flashy.
Sometimes, it looks like early-morning workouts after night shifts, like scraping together travel funds from deli counter wages, and like grinding for years before anyone starts paying attention.
Beard’s journey is the kind America needs to rally behind, not just because he’s fast, but because he embodies resilience, humility, and a relentless belief in his dream.
The question now isn’t whether Dylan Beard can make it but who’s going to back him before he becomes unstoppable.