This time last year, Dylan Beard was fresh off of his first professional victory. Having closed the book on a decorated 7 year collegiate track career, Beard now entered the professional ranks. He qualified to represent the USA at the Pan- American games in the 110h. This early success was indicative of the growth that Beard would continue to make in the sport. Despite not making the NCAA finals during his last year at Howard, Beard ran 13.31,13.43(x2) and 13.29(+3.6w), his fastest times yet. Upon graduation, Dylan was able to find an opportunity to train professionally in North Carolina. Luckily, he has some family in the area that make up his support system. But financially, Beard was not signing a Shohei Ohtani level contract. He has still be grinding 5 days a week at Walmart, training and running when the opportunities present themselves. One such opportunity was a slot at the famed Millrose games in February. Beard lined up against world champion medalists, NCAA champions and Nike and Adidas sponsored athletes. None of that seemed to matter, as he shattered the facility record in 7.44 for a win in the 60h. The victory helped propel Beard to new heights within the sport, appearing on TV and publications such as flotrack. Leading up to trials, Beard ran a 13.10 pb , a time that only Grant Holloway had run faster than at the time. Dylan thoughtfully recounts his trials experience this past year, and will continue his season on the professional circuit. He has reached a lucrative deal with Walmart that will allow him to continue following his dreams on the track, and Dylan Beard is certainly a name to look out for at the 2025 World Championships.
Recorded: 7.17.24
