Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Exits Paris Olympics
In a spirited yet challenging beach volleyball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans' journey came to a halt in the Round of 16. The American duo faced a formidable obstacle in the form of the reigning champions from Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. Unfortunately for Budinger and Evans, the match concluded with the Norwegians triumphing in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
Reflecting on their Olympic experience, Budinger expressed how significant the platform was for him. "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 type of memories that we'll have," he said.
From Hardwood to Sand
Chase Budinger has had an intriguing athletic journey. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger's professional basketball career began with the Houston Rockets. Over time, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before retiring from the NBA in 2017. But Budinger, hailing from Carlsbad, Calif., wasn't content to leave his competitive spirit on the hardwood. Instead, he transitioned to beach volleyball, where he and Miles Evans have formed a dynamic partnership.
The duo's road to Paris was marked by determination and resilience. They qualified for the Olympics in June, thanks to their steady ascent in the points rankings. Their Olympic campaign began on a high note with a victory over a French duo. However, subsequent matches proved more challenging, resulting in straight-set losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain. Despite these setbacks, Budinger and Evans demonstrated their grit by winning the "lucky losers" round against an Australian pair, securing their place in the Round of 16.
The Norwegian Challenge
Facing Mol and Sorum, the gold medalists from the Tokyo Games, was always going to be a tough match. The Norwegian team showcased why they are the defending champions, executing a masterful straight-sets victory. Though Budinger and Evans fought valiantly, the final scores of 21-16 and 21-14 underscored the gap between the two teams at this stage of the competition.
Partain and Benesh Keep American Hopes Alive
While Budinger and Evans bowed out, there was still good news for American beach volleyball fans. Another American men's beach volleyball duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, advanced to the quarterfinals. They secured their spot by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their progression provides a silver lining and keeps the American hopes alive in the tournament.
Looking Forward
For Budinger, the experience of competing in the Olympics holds a cherished place among his numerous athletic achievements. Despite the early exit, his passion for the sport and competitive drive remain undeterred. "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 shared.
As the sporting world looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, many anticipate that the games will be held in the iconic setting of Santa Monica. Whether Budinger and Evans will be part of that event remains a story yet to unfold. Regardless, their journey in Paris added a rich chapter to both their careers, full of memorable moments and valuable lessons learned.