Olympic Dreams Dashed: Budinger and Evans Fall Short in Paris
Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their beach volleyball journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics come to a premature end as they were eliminated in the Round of 16. Despite their commendable efforts, the American duo succumbed to the dominance of Norway’s defending champions, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who defeated them in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
Budinger's transition from professional basketball to beach volleyball has been remarkable. Drafted in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger initially played for the Houston Rockets before moving on to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. His journey in the NBA also included stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, before he retired from professional basketball in 2017.
The Olympic Journey Begins
Budinger's venture into beach volleyball has been both inspiring and challenging. Teaming up with Miles Evans, the pair qualified for the Paris Olympics in June after a commendable rise in the points rankings. Their Olympic journey began on a high note with a victory over a French duo, showcasing their potential on the world stage.
However, the road to glory soon met with obstacles as they faced formidable opponents from the Netherlands and Spain, losing both matches in straight sets. Their chances seemed grim until they clinched a win in the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team, earning their spot in the Round of 16.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected. "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 Tough Match Against Champions
The challenge in the Round of 16 was immense, and Budinger and Evans faced it head-on. Unfortunately, the experience and skill of Mol and Sorum, who had previously won gold in the Tokyo Games, proved too much for the American pair. The Norwegian champions reasserted their dominance with a clinical performance, securing their victory with ease.
Despite the loss, Budinger's passion for the sport remains undiminished, and his physical fitness continues to be a priority. "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 stated.
Looking Ahead
While Budinger and Evans' campaign in Paris ended sooner than they had hoped, their journey has been a source of inspiration. The determination they displayed in qualifying for the Olympics and their perseverance throughout the competition reflect their unwavering commitment to the sport.
As the dust settles from their exit, another American men's beach volleyball duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their progression marks a bright spot for American beach volleyball at the Paris Games.
Looking further into the future, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are set to take place in Santa Monica. For athletes like Budinger, these opportunities serve as motivation, promising more moments of triumph and the chance to once again compete on the grandest stage of all. Until then, Budinger's legacy, both on the basketball court and the sandy beaches of international volleyball, continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of athletes.