Beach Volleyball: Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Spectacular Olympic Journey Ends in the Round of 16
In a riveting encounter at the 2024 Paris Olympics, American beach volleyball pair Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their Olympic aspirations come to an end in the Round of 16. Facing formidable opponents and defending champions from Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, Budinger and Evans were unable to overcome the Nordic duo, losing decisively in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
From the NBA to the Beach
Chase Budinger's athletic journey is one of the most intriguing in recent sports history. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger initially showcased his skills on the hardwood for the Houston Rockets before stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns. By 2017, having retired from professional basketball, Budinger shifted his focus to the sands of beach volleyball, a transition that culminated in qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics alongside his partner, Miles Evans.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger said, "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."
A Promising Start Meets Unyielding Challenges
Their Olympic campaign started on a high note with a victory over a French duo, sparking hope for a deep run in the tournament. However, subsequent matches proved challenging, with defeats at the hands of teams from the Netherlands and Spain in straight sets. Nonetheless, their determination saw them through the "lucky losers" round, where they clinched a critical victory against an Australian team to secure their spot in the knockout stages.
A Clash with the Titans
Budinger and Evans' journey ultimately led them to a face-off against Mol and Sorum. The Norwegian pair, who had previously won gold at the Tokyo Games, demonstrated their championship pedigree, dismantling the American duo with strategic precision and physical prowess.
Legacy and Reflection
This Olympic outing is yet another testament to Budinger's versatility and resilience. Hailing from Carlsbad, Calif., Budinger's transition from basketball courts to beach volleyball sands exemplifies the breadth of his athletic talent. Despite their exit, the memories created in Paris will linger for both Budinger and Evans, conveying a sense of achievement and pride.
As Budinger contemplates his future, he remains reflective yet optimistic about his physical capabilities. "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.
Looking to Los Angeles 2028
While Budinger and Evans' journey has ended in Paris, another American team comprising Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh continues to carry the torch. They advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in a thrilling match, 21-17, 21-18.
Looking ahead, American beach volleyball enthusiasts have already set their sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to take place in Santa Monica. This sets the stage for potential comebacks and new stories waiting to be written in the illustrious chronicles of Olympic history.