Track and field is a world brimming with glamour and fame, but only for those who make it big. For countless athletes chasing dreams, the harsh reality is a paycheck too small to sustain the grind. Yet, against all odds, some still rise. Enter Dylan Bread, a Walmart deli worker by day, and now, the breakout name lighting up the track world. How did he do it? Let’s dive into his remarkable journey.

Beard is living proof that straight hustle beats hype every time. The Baltimore native has been making headlines over the past few months thanks to his incredible performances. He kicked off his 2025 season on April 5 by clocking 13.29 in the 110m hurdles, securing his first Grand Slam Track short hurdles win. He had nothing—no fancy gear, no sponsors, not even good shoes—but despite all that, he came out on top.

You think his story is over? Hold your horses—his hustle just paid off big time. He clocked a 13.04 for a third-place finish in the #USATFOutdoors 110m hurdles final, earning a spot on the U.S. team—and that too without any sponsors. His Cinderella story just got even better at the USATF Nationals. It’s hard to ignore an athlete like him—someone who had nothing, worked at a Walmart deli to fund his training, and despite all the hardships, has made it to the top of the world, even with a third-place finish.

Speaking to TMZ, Beard once confessed that it’s hard for him to manage things, but because of his love for the sport, he never complains, “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. Funds for traveling, treatments, massages, and pretty much everything like that,”

He further added, “I’m still an associate with the store, still working a few hours here and there, but [Walmart’s] very lenient with me. You know, last year I was doing probably five days a week, about 30 hours, 25 to 30 hours. Now it’s a lot more relaxed, one or two days during the week.” We can’t even imagine how tough it must have been for him to slog through so many hours of work and still find time to practice. The Baltimore native loves his job, but he hopes that a few more race wins will earn him a seat at the high table — and maybe it’s finally time for him to sit there. So, what’s next for him? Let’s find out.

What’s coming for Dylan Beard?

After years of grinding without any sponsors or elite support, Dylan Beard’s persistence has finally paid off. His third-place finish at the USATF Outdoor Championships cemented his status as the next big thing and ensured that the big brands know his name. With a 13.04-second run, he has now earned his place on the U.S. National Team for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. This is a huge opportunity for him to change his career path, as this will be the first time he will be competing at the global stage.

With his place on the Team secured now, Beard is expected to continue his training under the supervision of the best coaches. He might participate in the European tracks after the World Championship as well. This is an opportunity for him to be known across the track-and-field world and draw sponsors, but will he be able to hit the jackpot? Time will tell.