American Duo's Olympic Journey Cut Short by Norwegian Powerhouse
American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their journey at the Paris Summer Games come to an end after a hard-fought battle against the Norwegian duo Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The match concluded with scores of 21-16 and 21-14, in favor of the Norwegians, ending Budinger and Evans' dream run in the lucky loser stage.
Despite their exit, Budinger and Evans’ journey wasn’t without its moments of triumph. The American pair kicked off their Olympic campaign with a victory against France in their initial match, showcasing their potential on the global stage. However, successive losses to the Netherlands and Spain placed them on a precarious path, inevitably leading to their encounter with the formidable Norwegian team.
Chase Budinger, who made the unusual transition from NBA player to beach volleyball athlete, shared his reflections on the Olympic experience. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger noted. His NBA career spanned seven years, a testament to his athletic versatility and drive. The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the outset of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, a journey that saw them accruing essential points up until the final two weeks of June before the Games.
The team played a memorable match under the iconic Eiffel Tower, an event witnessed by a crowd of 12,000 fans. The atmosphere was electric, and it left a lasting impression on both players. "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," exclaimed Miles Evans, whose enthusiasm was palpable.
Budinger echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unique nature of the experience. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," he said. The emotional high of competing on such a grand stage didn’t go unnoticed, even by their competitors. Anders Mol expressed admiration for Budinger’s multifaceted sports career. "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 the 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 remarked.
As the dust settled on their Paris campaign, both players took a moment for quiet reflection. "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,'" shared Evans, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of their Olympic experience. Despite the immediate disappointment, the duo’s eyes are already set on future possibilities, notably the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica. "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 added.
Budinger, who will be nearing 40 years old during the next Olympic cycle, remains realistic but hopeful about his future in competitive sports. "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 candidly shared. His ability to pivot from a successful NBA career to competing at an Olympic level in a remarkably different sport speaks volumes about his dedication and athleticism.
For Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, the Paris Summer Games were a culmination of hard work, versatility, and an unwavering passion for sport. While their journey may not have ended with a medal, the indelible memories and experiences they gained are sure to inspire them, and others, in the years to come.