American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans experienced both the thrill and heartbreak of top-tier competition at the Paris Summer Games. Despite their early exit, the duo made a lasting impression as they battled across their matches, showing both promise and resilience.
A Journey of Highs and Lows
Budinger and Evans' journey began on a high note with a victory against France. However, following their initial success, they faced setbacks with losses to the Netherlands and Spain. These results pushed them into the 'Lucky Loser' stage, a last chance for teams to advance.
In the critical match that would determine their fate, they came up against the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. Despite their best efforts, the Americans were overpowered, losing with scores of 21-16 and 21-14. They left the Paris Games, but not without leaving a mark on the competition and fans alike.
A Unique Path to Paris
Chase Budinger’s athletic journey is particularly noteworthy. A former NBA player, Budinger spent seven years in professional basketball 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, highlighting the significance this stage holds for him.
The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Their dedication paid off, earning them enough points to compete in Paris only in the final two weeks of June prior to the Games. Evans spoke to the magnitude of this achievement, saying, "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."
Memorable Moments Under the Eiffel Tower
One of the highlights of their Olympic journey was playing beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, a setting that added a magical atmosphere to their matches. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger remarked.
The venue, attended by 12,000 fans, became the backdrop for unforgettable experiences. Evans shared a poignant moment from after their last match, "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 appreciation for their surroundings and the occasion was evident in their reflections.
Respect from Rivals
Even competitors recognized Budinger’s impressive transition from basketball to beach volleyball. "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," remarked Norwegian player Anders Mol.
Looking to the Future
While their run in Paris has ended, Budinger and Evans already have their sights set on the future, specifically the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica, offering another illustrious setting for their competition. "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 expressed his aspirations.
For Budinger, the journey continues with a focus on maintaining his physical fitness. "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 story from the Paris Summer Games is one of determination, memorable experiences, and a clear vision for future competitions, embodying the spirit of Olympic athletes who strive for excellence both on and off the court.