Under the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower, the 2024 Paris Olympics provided an electrifying stage for beach volleyball enthusiasts. However, for Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, their Olympic journey came to an end in the Round of 16. To the dismay of their fans, the duo was defeated in straight sets by Norway’s tenacious defenders and reigning champions, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, with scores of 21-16, 21-14.
This defeat came despite Budinger and Evans’s arduous path to qualification. The pair managed to secure their Olympic spot in June after a climb up the points rankings. Their campaign began on a high note with a victory over a French duo, igniting hopes of a deep run in the tournament. Yet, subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain in straight sets cast a shadow on their ambitions. Nevertheless, Budinger and Evans displayed resilience, scraping through the "lucky losers" round by defeating an Australian team to secure their place in the Round of 16. Their journey, though impressive in its perseverance, met an insurmountable hurdle in Mol and Sorum, who have proven to be formidable opponents since their 2021 Tokyo Games triumph.
Budinger’s Transition from Hardwood to Sand
For Chase Budinger, the former NBA player, competing in the Paris Olympics was a significant milestone in his athletic career. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected. "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."
Budinger’s athletic journey is unique. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, he initially played for the Houston Rockets. A trade in 2012 saw him don the Minnesota Timberwolves jersey, followed by stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns. He concluded his professional basketball career in 2017, pivoting to beach volleyball — a transition that has now led him to the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
Reflections and Future Aspirations
Despite the early exit, Budinger remains optimistic about his volleyball career. "I'll be old as dirt," he mused when discussing future competitions. "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." His fervor for the sport and commitment to training underline his adaptive athleticism and enduring passion.
Other American Hopes
While Budinger and Evans’s journey ended in the Round of 16, another American men's beach volleyball team provided a glimmer of hope by advancing further in the competition. The duo of Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh triumphed over Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, defeating them in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18, to advance to the quarterfinals.
The anticipation builds for future events, such as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which are expected to be held in Santa Monica. For now, fans and players alike reflect on the spectacular scenes in Paris and the memorable moments experienced under the iconic Eiffel Tower showcase.
As Budinger and Evans look to the future, they not only cherish the memories made in Paris but also aim to build on this experience, keeping the spirit of competition alive. Their journey serves as a poignant reminder of the dedication and resilience required to compete at the highest levels of sport.