In an exhilarating bout of athletic prowess, American duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans' journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to an end in the beach volleyball Round of 16. Facing the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, the defending champions, Budinger and Evans were defeated in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
A New Arena for a Versatile Athlete
Chase Budinger, whose athletic journey began on the basketball courts, has shown remarkable versatility by making a significant mark in beach volleyball. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger started his professional basketball career with the Houston Rockets. Over the years, he played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before retiring from the sport in 2017.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger shared, "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 Tenacious Path to Paris
Budinger and Evans' road to the Paris Olympics was anything but easy. Qualifying in June, they secured their spot after climbing the points rankings, demonstrating their resilience and determination. Their Olympic campaign began on a high note with a victory over a French duo, only to face setbacks in subsequent matches against teams from the Netherlands and Spain, both resulting in straight-set losses.
However, their tenacity shone through in the "lucky losers" round, where they triumphed over an Australian team, thereby earning a spot in the Round of 16. Despite their eventual defeat by Mol and Sorum, who had previously won gold in the Tokyo Games, Budinger and Evans' Olympic journey was a testament to their perseverance and dedication to the sport.
Looking to the Future
At 35, Budinger remains introspective about his athletic future. "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. Originally from Carlsbad, Calif., Budinger's athletic endeavors have always been marked by a profound sense of commitment and adaptability.
American Hopes Still Alive
While Budinger and Evans' run has concluded, American hopes in men's beach volleyball are still strong. Another team, comprised of Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, has advanced to the quarterfinals. This dynamic duo secured their place by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18, showcasing their skill and synergy on the sand.
Anticipating the Home Turf
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, the future of American beach volleyball looks promising. The prospect of competing on home turf will undoubtedly fuel the aspirations of athletes like Budinger, Evans, Partain, and Benesh, who continue to push the boundaries of their sport.
As the Paris chapter closes, the memories forged beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower will endure, exemplifying the indomitable spirit of competition and the relentless pursuit of athletic excellence.