Paris Summer Games: Budinger and Evans' Olympic Journey Cut Short
American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their Olympic dream come to an end in Paris, bested by the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The Americans fell in the lucky loser stage, bowing out with scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of the Norwegians.
Despite the early exit, the journey to the Olympic stage was a monumental achievement for Budinger and Evans. Their path to Paris was a rollercoaster, earning enough points to qualify only in the final two weeks of June before the Games. Much of their story was one of perseverance and hard-fought battles.
Chase Budinger, known to many as a former NBA player, shifted his athletic prowess from the basketball court to the sands of beach volleyball. With seven years in the NBA, Budinger brings a unique athleticism to the sport. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," he reflected after their final match.
The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the start of the Olympic qualifying season. Their synergy on the court was evident early on, securing a win against France in their initial match in Paris. However, the waves of competition grew stronger as they faced defeats against the Netherlands and Spain.
For Miles Evans, the Olympic experience surpassed 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 shared. The captivating atmosphere of playing beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, with a crowd of 12,000 spectators, further highlighted the uniqueness of their Olympic experience. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger added.
Even their opponents could not help but admire Budinger's journey. Anders Mol, speaking on the subject, said, "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."
As they reflected on their experience, the poignant reality of their last Olympic moment in Paris settled in. "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,'" Evans remarked, emphasizing the significance of the journey and the memories made.
Looking ahead, both players have their sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the venue is planned for Santa Monica. For Evans, this aim remains a key focus. "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 said. Budinger also entertains thoughts about his future, noting, "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." Approaching 40 during the upcoming Olympic cycle, Budinger remains optimistic and driven.
The tale of Budinger and Evans is one of dedication and adaptability, showcasing that the journey is often as significant as the destination. Their story in Paris highlights the spirit of the Games and the singular experiences it brings, leaving them with cherished memories and aspirations for what lies ahead.