Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Fall to Defending Champions in Paris Olympics
The aspirations of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans in the beach volleyball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to an end in the Round of 16. The American duo faced off against the formidable Norwegian pair Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who are the defending champions, and lost in two straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
For Budinger, the journey to Paris has been a remarkable second act in his athletic career. Known initially for his professional basketball career, Budinger was selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He later went on to play for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before retiring from basketball in 2017.
Budinger's transition from the hardwood to the sand has been nothing short of inspiring. After retiring from basketball, he swiftly ascended the ranks in the beach volleyball circuit. Qualifying for the Paris Olympics was a significant milestone for Budinger and his partner Evans, achieved through climbing the points rankings in June.
Their campaign in Paris had an optimistic start as they secured an initial victory over a French duo. However, subsequent matches proved challenging. They suffered defeats against teams from the Netherlands and Spain, both in straight sets. Nevertheless, Budinger and Evans showed resilience by winning the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team, which secured their spot in the Round of 16.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger shared, "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."
Mol and Sorum, who clinched gold in the Tokyo Games, proved to be a formidable adversary, showcasing a level of play that underscored their championship pedigree. Their seamless teamwork and strategy were on full display as they overpowered the American duo.
Despite the loss, Budinger remains optimistic about his future in beach volleyball. At 36, he acknowledges the physical demands of the sport but remains committed as long as his body allows. "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 stated.
Meanwhile, another American men's beach volleyball team found success in the Paris Olympics. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals with an impressive win over Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, defeating them in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their performance adds a glimmer of hope for American fans and highlights the depth of talent in the U.S. beach volleyball program.
The bright lights and historic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower served as a memorable stage for these athletes, embedding lasting memories despite the tournament's outcome. For Budinger and Evans, the story may have ended earlier than hoped, but the experience and the journey mark a significant chapter in their athletic careers.