Chase Budinger and Miles Evans: Paris Fallout and Future Aspirations
The exhilarating journey of American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans at the Paris Summer Games recently came to an end. The duo, striving valiantly on the sandy courts, faced a formidable Norwegian squad comprised of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The match concluded decisively with scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of the Norwegians, bringing the Americans' Olympic run to a close during the lucky loser stage.
Earlier in the tournament, Budinger and Evans showcased their potential by securing an impressive victory against France. However, the tides turned as they faced consecutive defeats against the Netherlands and Spain, challenging their path forward. Despite the setbacks, the atmosphere in Paris provided unforgettable moments, especially during their match beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, attended by a vibrant crowd of 12,000 fans.
“Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure,” Budinger remarked, reflecting on the unique experience. His transition from the NBA, where he spent seven years, to Olympic beach volleyball underscores his versatile athletic prowess. “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,” echoed Anders Mol, acknowledging Budinger’s exceptional journey.
The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the onset of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, a strategic move that proved fruitful in securing their spot in Paris. They vividly remember this journey, especially the critical last two weeks of June leading up to the Games, where their determination paid off.
Miles Evans expressed his awe of the Olympic experience, stating, “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.” The duo’s presence under the shimmering lights of the Eiffel Tower lent an air of magic to their matches. “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.
Whilst the Paris chapter concludes, both players are already setting their sights on the future. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics present an enticing target, particularly with the beach volleyball venue planned for Santa Monica. “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 commented, embracing both past achievements and future aspirations.
Budinger, who will be nearing 40 during the next Olympic cycle, remains optimistic about 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.”
As Budinger and Evans left the Paris sands, they took a moment to absorb the grandeur of the moment – a poignant close to a chapter filled with effort, emotion, and indelible memories. “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 recalled, capturing the essence of their shared experience.
The narrative of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion. Their presence in Paris has left an indelible mark, and as they look ahead, there’s little doubt that their story will continue to inspire both on and off the court.