Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Bow Out of Paris Summer Games
American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans exited the Paris Summer Games after a tough match against the formidable Norwegian duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The defeat came in the lucky loser stage, marking the end of their Olympic journey with scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of Norway.
Budinger and Evans began their Olympic campaign with an encouraging victory over France. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain placed them in a precarious position. Despite the setback, their initial victory showcased their potential and determination. Their participation in Paris was particularly noteworthy as they managed to earn enough points to qualify only in the final two weeks of June prior to the Games. This late qualification was a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Chase Budinger, a former NBA player, brought his athletic prowess to the sand, having spent seven years in the NBA before transitioning to beach volleyball. "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 transition from the hardwood court to the beach volleyball courts has been a unique journey, one that has earned him the respect of his peers and opponents alike.
Anders Mol, one of the Norwegian opponents, expressed admiration for Budinger's 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," Mol said. Such words of respect highlight the significant achievement of Budinger's sporting career across two vastly different disciplines.
The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, a period marked by their dedication and teamwork. Miles Evans, reflecting on their Olympic experience, said, "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." Their journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in memorable matches beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, attended by 12,000 enthusiastic fans.
Playing in such a historic venue added a special touch to their Olympic experience. Budinger remarked, "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have." The grandeur of the setting provided a backdrop that will forever be etched in the minds of these athletes.
Despite their exit, the duo has their sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The beach volleyball venue for those Games is planned for Santa Monica, offering a new goal to strive for. Evans expressed, “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.”
Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years old during the 2028 Olympics, remains optimistic but realistic about his 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 shared. His statement reflects the challenges and uncertainties faced by athletes as they age, balancing their passion for the sport with the physical demands it entails.
As their Paris campaign concluded, Evans captured the emotional essence of their journey. "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.'" The duo's reflection encapsulates the bittersweet nature of their Olympic experience – one filled with unforgettable moments and the relentless spirit of competition.
The journey of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans in the Paris Summer Games may have ended sooner than they hoped, but their remarkable effort and the memories they created will serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. Their story is one of dedication, respect, and the relentless pursuit of sporting excellence.