Budinger and Evans Exit Olympics After Defeat to Norway's Elite
Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their Olympic journey conclude in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympics following a defeat to the formidable Norwegian duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The American team faced a tough challenge against the defending champions, succumbing in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
The match saw Budinger and Evans grappling to maintain the momentum they had built up over their Olympic campaign. Their Olympic adventure began on a high note with a victory over a French duo, but subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain placed them in a precarious position. However, they managed to stay alive in the tournament by triumphing in the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team, thereby securing their place in the Round of 16.
Budinger, well-known for his basketball career, had transitioned seamlessly into beach volleyball. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, he played for the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. His professional basketball journey continued with stints at the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, before retiring from the sport in 2017.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger expressed the sheer magnificence of the occasion. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure. My first couple of matches, stepping onto the court with 12,000 people cheering ... it was just an incredible atmosphere. Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling -- you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," he said.
Chase Budinger hails from Carlsbad, California, and together with Miles Evans, they qualified for the Paris Olympics in June. Their qualification came after ascending the points rankings, proving their mettle against fierce competition. The duo's adaptability and skill on the sand drew attention, especially considering Budinger's transition from professional basketball.
Despite their exit, Budinger noted the physical demands of the sport and his personal commitment to staying in top shape. "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," he remarked, hinting at a possible future in the sport depending on his physical wellbeing.
While Budinger and Evans' run came to an end, the American flag continues to fly high in the form of another men's beach volleyball duo. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals with an impressive straight-sets victory over Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, 21-17, 21-18. Their progress represents a beacon of hope and highlights the strength and depth of American beach volleyball talent.
Mol and Sorum, the Norwegian giants, who also clinched gold at the Tokyo Games, reaffirmed their dominance in the sport with their victory over Budinger and Evans. Their precision and synergy on the court proved too much for the American team, leaving fans looking forward to more stellar performances as the competition progresses.
Looking ahead, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, offering another grand stage for beach volleyball enthusiasts and perhaps another chance for Budinger and Evans to shine. The sands of time will reveal how the athletes train and evolve in pursuit of Olympic glory.
For now, Budinger and Evans can cherish the memories forged beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower lights, having made their mark on one of the world's grandest athletic stages.