American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans faced a challenging journey at the Paris Summer Games. Despite their dedication and hard work, the duo's Olympic dreams were cut short in the lucky loser stage, following a tough defeat at the hands of Norwegian stars Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The match against the Norwegians ended with scores of 21-16 and 21-14, signifying the end of Budinger and Evans' run in Paris.
A Rocky Road
The pair started their campaign with a promising victory over France. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain set up their precarious position in the lucky loser bracket. Their narrow qualification to the Paris Games was a feat in itself, as they secured enough points to compete only in the final two weeks of June preceding the event.
Chase Budinger: A Dual-Sport Athlete
Chase Budinger, a former NBA player who spent seven years in the league, transitioned to beach volleyball at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Anders Mol expressed his admiration for Budinger's athletic versatility, stating, "So much respect for Chase, who was able to play in the NBA for many years and was a great player there. And now he manages to play an Olympic sport for USA, beach volleyball. Those two sports are so different. He is a really athletic guy. And it's really cool. I have so much respect for that journey." Budinger’s shift from hardwood to sand showcases the remarkable adaptability and athleticism that defines his sports career.
A Momentous Experience
Despite their exit, playing in Paris provided Budinger and Evans with unforgettable experiences. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger shared. The unique setting beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower, witnessed by 12,000 fans, created a surreal atmosphere that left enduring memories for the athletes. Emphasizing the significance of the moment, Evans remarked, "We've been hyping this up for so long, and it definitely exceeded expectations. This is by far the coolest thing I've ever done in my entire life."
The duo took time to appreciate the historical and emotional weight of the occasion. "We took a moment before we had to head out, just, 'Let's look at this one more time. We're not going to see this again,'" Evans reflected. The match under the Eiffel Tower lights was not just another game but a monumental highlight in the lives of both players. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger added, capturing the essence of what the event meant to them.
Eyeing Los Angeles 2028
Looking ahead, the future remains promising for Budinger and Evans as they set their sights on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The planned beach volleyball venue at Santa Monica offers a familiar and potentially defining stage for the pair. While Budinger will be approaching 40 years old by then, he's taking his career year by year, guided by the condition of his body. "I'll be old as dirt. I've always said it's really up to my body. And I take it year by year of how my body's feeling. Right now I can say my body's been feeling great," said Budinger, demonstrating his commitment and realistic approach to his athletic longevity.
For Evans, the Paris Games will always hold a special place in his heart, but the prospect of competing on home soil fuels their drive. "I hope that we can make the 2028 Olympics and see what that's all about. But this will always be one of the best memories of my life," he affirmed.
Budinger and Evans' journey through the Paris Games, marked by adversity and triumph, stands as a testament to their resilience and sporting spirit. As they now refocus their efforts towards future competitions, they carry with them the invaluable experiences and memories forged in Paris.