Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their beach volleyball campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics come to an end in the Round of 16. The American duo was defeated by defending champions Anders Mol and Christian Sorum from Norway, who took the match in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14. The Norwegian pair demonstrated why they are the reigning Olympic gold medalists, displaying dominant form against Budinger and Evans.
Transition from Hardwood to Sand
Chase Budinger, a name once reverberating through NBA arenas, has been making waves in the world of beach volleyball. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger commenced his basketball career with the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. His journey on the hardwood saw him suit up for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, before calling time on his basketball career in 2017.
His transition to beach volleyball has been remarkable. Alongside Miles Evans, Budinger qualified for the Paris Olympics in June, a testament to their ascension in the points rankings. Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger remarked, "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."
Mixed Results in Paris
The duo's Olympic campaign began with promise, securing a victory against a French duo. However, their momentum faltered as they faced setbacks in their subsequent matches against teams from the Netherlands and Spain, both resulting in straight-set defeats. Despite these losses, Budinger and Evans showed resilience, clawing their way back through the "lucky losers" round where they triumphed over an Australian team, securing their spot in the Round of 16.
The Challenges Ahead
The American pair's journey was ultimately cut short by Mol and Sorum, the Norwegian team that clinched gold at the Tokyo Games. Yet, Budinger remains optimistic about his future in beach volleyball. "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," Budinger shared, providing a glimpse into his mindset and the physical demands of the sport.
Looking Forward to 2028
Budinger, a native of Carlsbad, Calif., can take solace in the fact that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, offering perhaps another opportunity to shine on home soil. The path ahead is filled with possibilities, not just for Budinger and Evans, but for the broader spectrum of American beach volleyball.
American Hopes Continue
While Budinger and Evans exited earlier than hoped, another American duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, advanced to the quarterfinals. Their victory over Italy’s Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18, keeps American hopes alive in the competition.
The continuing performances of American athletes on the sand in Paris are a positive sign for the future of the sport in the United States. As fans look toward the upcoming competitions, there is hope that the experience gained on the international stage will fuel further success and inspire the next generation of beach volleyball stars.
For now, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans can reflect on their journey and the unique blend of experiences that the Paris Olympics have provided. It has been a ride of ups and downs, filled with the electric atmosphere that only the Olympics can offer, and memories etched beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower lights.