As the Paris Summer Games advanced, American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their Olympic journey come to an unexpected end, exiting the tournament at the lucky loser stage. Despite a promising start, where they managed to secure a win against the French team, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain set a challenging backdrop for their critical match against Norway, which ultimately concluded with scores of 21-16 and 21-14 favoring the Norwegian team, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
Former NBA player Chase Budinger, who spent seven years in the professional basketball league, transitioned to beach volleyball and teamed up with Miles Evans just at the onset of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Their synergy culminated in a remarkable last-minute qualification for Paris, securing their spot within the final two weeks of June leading up to the Games.
An Olympic Dream Realized
The duo's first Olympics concluded under the glistening lights of the Eiffel Tower, a spectacle witnessed by a robust 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 reflected, highlighting the significance of their achievement and the atmosphere that surrounded it.
For Miles Evans, the experience transcended all expectations. “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,” he shared, encapsulating the awe and wonder the venue inspired.
The Challenge and the Celebration
The match against the Norwegians showcased not only the competitive nature of the sport but also the mutual respect among athletes. Anders Mol acknowledged Budinger's unique athletic journey, offering high praise: “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.”
Despite their exit, the Americans savored the moments they had. “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 reminisced, underscoring the ephemeral beauty and the significance of their Olympic stint.
Looking Forward to Los Angeles
Already, the duo is casting their sights on future possibilities, particularly the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica—a stage they hope to grace. “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 remarked, capturing both hope and nostalgia.
However, for Budinger, age and physical condition remain on his mind as he looks to balance aspirations with realism. “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 laughed, indicating a commitment driven by both passion and pragmatism.
As their Olympic journey in Paris draws to a close, the pair leaves with their heads held high, filled with memories of a unique venue, challenging matches, and the fervent support of fans. Although their bronze hopes may have been dashed, their spirit and camaraderie remain intact, driving them towards future achievements on the sands of Santa Monica in 2028.