Chase Budinger and Miles Evans: Beach Volleyball Journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics
In a tale of perseverance, former NBA player Chase Budinger, alongside his teammate Miles Evans, showcased their beach volleyball prowess at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite their best efforts, Budinger and Evans were ousted in the Round of 16 by the formidable Norwegian duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who asserted their dominance with a commanding straight-sets victory, 21-16, 21-14.
The defeat was a significant moment in Budinger's diverse athletic career, marking a pivotal chapter as he transitioned from professional basketball to beach volleyball. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger had an illustrious basketball journey that saw him don jerseys for the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before retiring from the sport in 2017.
After hanging up his basketball sneakers, Budinger channeled his competitive spirit into the sand courts. Together with Evans, the pair qualified for the Paris Olympics in June, a testament to their hard work and resilience as they ascended the points rankings. The journey to qualification was a milestone that added another feather to Budinger's cap, expanding his athletic repertoire.
The Olympics provided Budinger and Evans with a stage to display their talent. They kicked off their campaign with a triumph over a French duo, setting the tone for what they hoped would be a successful tournament run. However, subsequent matches saw them facing defeat against the Netherlands and Spain, both in straight sets, which placed significant pressure on their progression.
In a twist of fate, Budinger and Evans earned their spot in the Round of 16 through the "lucky losers" round, where they showcased their determination by defeating an Australian team. This victory was a necessary boost, allowing them to advance and compete against the world’s best.
Their encounter with Mol and Sorum, the defending Olympic champions from Norway, was a formidable challenge. Mol and Sorum, who had clinched gold at the Tokyo Games, proved their mettle once again with an imposing performance that curtailed Budinger and Evans' Olympic run.
"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," shared Budinger, reflecting on the experience.
Budinger’s journey from Carlsbad, California to the Olympic sands of Paris is a narrative of athletic evolution and unyielding passion. His successful transition from the hardwood to the sand courts exhibits his versatility and dedication to sports.
Beyond their own journey, the American contingent had other reasons to celebrate. Fellow countrymen Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals by overcoming Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. This achievement highlighted the depth of talent within American men’s beach volleyball.
Looking ahead, the anticipation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is building, with venues like Santa Monica expected to host the beach volleyball events. For Budinger, the future depends on his physical prowess and endurance. “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 remarked on his athletic longevity.
The Paris Olympics may not have ended in medal glory for Budinger and Evans, but it encapsulated a journey of grit, transformation, and the creation of unforgettable memories under the iconic Eiffel Tower. Their story is a unique chapter in the annals of Olympic history, underscoring the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of athletic excellence.