The journey of American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans at the Paris Summer Games came to an abrupt end after a hard-fought battle in the lucky loser stage. Their quest for Olympic glory was thwarted by the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who defeated them handily with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
A Promising Start
Budinger and Evans commenced their Paris campaign on a high note, securing a victory against France in their initial match. Unfortunately, their momentum faltered as they subsequently succumbed to stronger teams from the Netherlands and Spain. Despite these setbacks, the American pair managed to earn a spot in the lucky loser stage, where their journey ultimately concluded.
Chase Budinger's transition from the NBA to Olympic beach volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable. Budinger, who enjoyed a seven-year career in the NBA, began his partnership with Miles Evans at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. It was a whirlwind journey, and the duo clinched enough points to compete in Paris just two weeks before the Games commenced.
Memorable Moments
The historic surroundings of Paris provided a breathtaking backdrop for the pair's matches. Beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, they played before an enthusiastic crowd of 12,000 spectators. Chase Budinger reflected on the experience, noting, "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure." His partner, Miles Evans, echoed the sentiment, stating, "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 picturesque setting of the Eiffel Tower was more than just a visual treat; it held emotional significance for the 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 reminisced. Evans shared his awe, "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.'"
A Journey of Respect and Admiration
The admiration for Budinger's athletic prowess transcended national boundaries. Norwegian player Anders Mol expressed deep respect, lauding Budinger's career shift. "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," Mol remarked.
Looking Forward
With their Paris adventure concluded, Budinger and Evans now turn their sights to the future. Specifically, the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball venue is slated for Santa Monica, holds promise. Budinger, who will be approaching 40 during the 2028 Olympics, remains optimistic about his physical condition. "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."
Miles Evans is also eager for the opportunity to compete on home soil. "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 shared. The determination and positive outlook of both players suggest that their journey in beach volleyball is far from over.
In the grand tapestry of their sporting careers, this chapter in Paris will remain a stellar highlight. The blend of athletic grit, iconic venues, and memorable moments add a unique flavor to their Olympic narrative, encapsulating the sheer essence of sportsmanship and dedication.