Not all superstars bask in the admiration of their fans at international venues all the time. Sometimes, they lurk in the corner and away from the public gaze like the next person. For Dylan Beard, things are probably even more low-key. The Walmart employee put the world in attention after winning the men’s 60m hurdles race at this year’s Milrose Games. And now, he’s looking to conquer new uncharted waters at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Having a full-time job and maintaining an impeccable track record on international stages aren’t the best combinations. And yet, the Howard University graduate has been training hard despite his daily struggle with hopes of being remembered with some of the biggest hurdle racers of all time.

Walmart’s representative to the Paris Olympics 2024

A recent post by TODAY Show on X shows Beard’s daily routines and sheds light on the possibility that’s helping to keep his head in the game. “Dylan Beard is not your typical Olympic hopeful,” reads the caption of the post as the accompanying video talks about the “surprise qualifier at the US Olympic Trials.” One of the hosts of the show mentions that Dylan’s coworkers didn’t have any idea that he was a track star, and from the sound of things, probably the athlete himself wasn’t too aware of his own brilliance until very recently.

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In an interview with the show, Beard said he didn’t put too much pressure on himself going into the Milrose Games. “I think I went in a lot more relaxed, like nothing to lose, a lot to gain,” confessed the 25-year-old. He has stayed so off the radar that even the announcer at the February event didn’t know his name. However, the journey to fame hasn’t been easy for the “self-sponsored” athlete.

Despite grinding at Walmart’s deli section for hours every day, Dylan trains regularly at North Carolina State University, where he continues to impress his coach with each training session. “His work ethic is unmatched,” is what Beard’s trainer had to say about him. While the hurdle racer eyes pulling off something incredible at the team trial in June, he isn’t the only one who’s having to balance their life and dreams.

Stars who keep their feet on the ground

Lanni Marchant of Canada was the first woman from the country to participate in the 10,000m and marathon races in the Olympics. Despite her shoulder rubbing with the world’s top stars on international stages, Marchant had a difficult time finding more time to dedicate to her training because of the demands of her criminal defense attorney profession. “There’s a time limit on being able to run at this level, and I’m well aware of that. I really want to keep practicing law because that’s what I’m educated in, and I’ll need something to keep me busy for when I retire,” she confessed without much dabbling about.

Rugby star Nathalie Marchino of Colombia and Australian shooting sensation Paul Adams also have to invest significant time each day with the hopes of retaining their jobs that keep them afloat financially.