Chase Budinger and Miles Evans faced a challenging journey in the beach volleyball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their campaign concluded in the Round of 16, where they were bested by the formidable Norwegian duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, in straight sets—21-16, 21-14. This loss marked the end of an Olympic pursuit that had moments of triumph and disappointment for the American pair.
Budinger, a former professional basketball player who transitioned to beach volleyball, has a legacy that extends beyond the sand courts of Paris. Drafted in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger began his professional sports career with the Houston Rockets. After moving to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012, he later played for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns before retiring from basketball in 2017. His pivot to beach volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Qualifying for the Paris Olympics was no small feat. Budinger and Evans earned their spot in June by climbing the points rankings. Their journey in Paris opened on a high note with a victory against a French team, setting the stage for what seemed like a promising campaign. However, subsequent straight-set losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain dampened their momentum. Nonetheless, the duo's resilience shone through as they secured their place in the Round of 16 by winning the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team.
A Humbling Exit
Meeting Mol and Sorum, the defending champions from the Tokyo Games, was always going to be a formidable challenge. The Norwegian pair demonstrated their dominance on the court, leaving little room for error for Budinger and Evans. Although the American duo managed to secure their spots in the top 16, the match against Mol and Sorum highlighted the steep competition at the highest level of the sport.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger expressed the profound impact of competing in such a prestigious event. "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 shared with a sense of awe and gratitude.
Looking Ahead
The future remains a topic of contemplation for Budinger. Reflecting on his career and prospects, he candidly stated, "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." This outlook suggests that Budinger remains open to continuing his journey in beach volleyball, provided his physical health allows it.
Another American Duo Advances
While Budinger and Evans' journey ended in the Round of 16, another American men's beach volleyball duo made headlines. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals with a straight-sets victory over Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, winning 21-17, 21-18. This success illustrates the depth of talent in American beach volleyball and offers a beacon of hope for the sport's future in the United States.
Budinger, hailing from Carlsbad, California, is no stranger to the spotlight. His transition from the hardwood courts to the sandy beaches of international competition underscores a unique athletic journey. As the world looks forward to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, Budinger's story serves as an inspiration for athletes considering multi-sport careers.
In conclusion, the 2024 Paris Olympics were a testament to Budinger's dedication and versatility, despite the early exit. His reflections on the experience and the memories forged under the Eiffel Tower's sparkling lights affirm the enduring allure and prestige of the Olympic Games. As Budinger and Evans continue to navigate their athletic paths, their journey in Paris remains a chapter rich with lessons and lasting memories.