American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their journey at the Paris Summer Games come to an end, as their Olympic dreams were dashed in the lucky loser stage. Despite a valiant effort, the duo fell to the Norwegian powerhouses Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, with scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of Norway.
The journey had started on a high note for Budinger and Evans as they triumphed over France in their initial match. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain placed them in a precarious position going into the match against Norway. Despite their exit, the pair remains optimistic about their future in the sport, setting their sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for the iconic Santa Monica beach.
A Transition from Hardwood to Sand
Chase Budinger is no stranger to the pressures of professional sports. A former NBA player, Budinger spent seven years in the league before transitioning to beach volleyball. His journey from the hardwood to the sandy courts has been nothing short of remarkable.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected. His sentiment underscores the magnitude of participating on one of the world’s biggest stages. Their match beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower, attended by 12,000 fans, was a moment neither athlete will soon forget.
The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Their dedication bore fruit as they earned enough points to compete in Paris just in the final two weeks of June leading up to the Games.
Memories and Reflections
"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," Evans shared, encapsulating the sense of accomplishment and awe both players felt. These Games provided an unforgettable backdrop for their athletic efforts and built lasting memories.
Even their opponents could not help but admire Budinger’s unique athletic journey. "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," said Anders Mol, acknowledging the rare and inspiring path Budinger has taken.
Evans echoed similar sentiments about their time in Paris. "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.'" Such moments of reflection were a testament to the ephemeral and thrilling nature of Olympic competition.
Looking Ahead to 2028
With their sights now set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, both athletes are adopting a day-by-day approach to their careers. "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 said.
As for Budinger, he acknowledges the potential challenges of competing at an older age but remains hopeful. "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."
Their journey through the Paris Summer Games might have ended, but Budinger and Evans' ambition and passion for beach volleyball continue to drive them forward. As they prepare for what lies ahead, their experience in Paris serves as a powerful chapter in their evolving athletic careers.