Truncated Parisian Dream for American Duo
American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans faced a challenging end to their journey at the Paris Summer Games. Exiting the competition in the lucky loser stage, they were ultimately defeated by the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, with scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of Norway.
Despite their exit, the pair's journey in Paris was marked by significant milestones and unforgettable moments. Initially, they secured a victorious start against France, but subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain paved the way to their eventual elimination. The defeat at the hands of the Norwegian team, renowned for their skill and coordination, underscored the intense competition that characterizes the Olympic Games.
Notably, Chase Budinger's transition from a successful NBA career to competing in beach volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable. Having played in the NBA for seven years, Budinger's journey into beach volleyball began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, teaming up with Evans to compete at an elite level. Their commitment paid off when they earned enough points in the final two weeks of June prior to the Games to secure their spot in Paris.
A Night Under the Eiffel Tower
The Paris Games offered the duo an experience marked by grandeur and historical significance. Competing beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower in front of a crowd of 12,000 fans, the atmosphere was electric. The venue not only provided a stunning backdrop but also added a layer of prestige to their Olympic journey.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," reflected Budinger. The spectacular setting and the high stakes created a memory that will surely endure for both athletes.
For Miles Evans, the experience exceeded all expectations. "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," he mentioned, highlighting the profound impact of participating in one of the world's most prestigious sporting events.
The Norwegian opponents too showed immense respect for Budinger's athletic journey. "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," commented Anders Mol, emphasizing the dual-sport versatility and dedication of the American athlete.
Looking to the Future
Despite the early exit, Budinger and Evans are setting their sights on the future. As the Paris chapter closes, the duo looks ahead eagerly to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for the iconic Santa Monica. For Evans, the next Olympic games offer another opportunity to create enduring memories. "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,” Evans stated, reflecting on the profound impact of their current journey.
By then, Budinger will be approaching 40 years old, a milestone that poses its own set of challenges. However, his perspective remains optimistic and grounded in assessing his physical readiness. "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," Budinger shared, underlining the importance of physical health in elite sports and his commitment to listening to his body as he progresses.
Their time in Paris, although cut short, has cemented their partnership and left them with indelible memories. As Evans poignantly put it, "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.'"
The journey of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans at the Paris Summer Games embodies the spirit of resilience, commitment, and the profound impact that sports, irrespective of the result, can have on one's life. Their story stands as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions, no matter where they may lead.