American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans recently concluded their journey at the Paris Summer Games, a campaign marked by high hopes and formidable challenges. The duo's Olympic run ended at the lucky loser stage, following a tough defeat against the Norwegian powerhouse team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
From NBA Hardwood to Beach Volleyball Courts
Chase Budinger, an exceptional talent with a seven-year NBA career, transitioned to beach volleyball with remarkable agility and success. Teaming up with Miles Evans, the pair embarked on a rigorous two-year Olympic qualifying season. They rallied in the final two weeks of June to secure their spot in Paris, showcasing their determination and resilience.
Their Olympic journey kicked off with a promising start as they claimed victory over France in their opening match. However, subsequent losses against the Netherlands and Spain steered them towards the lucky loser bracket. Unfortunately, their campaign was halted by Norway, with the match ending 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of the Norwegians.
A Memorable Experience Under the Eiffel Tower
Despite their exit, Budinger and Evans collected memories that will last a lifetime. The iconic setting beneath the Eiffel Tower provided a spectacular backdrop for their games, attended by an enthusiastic crowd of 12,000 fans. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected.
Evans mirrored Budinger’s sentiments, expressing his awe at the experience. "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," he remarked. Playing under the sparkling lights of one of the world's most recognizable landmarks was an unforgettable moment for both athletes.
Respect from Their Peers
Their efforts did not go unnoticed by their competitors. Norwegian player Anders Mol, who defeated Budinger and Evans, expressed his admiration for Budinger’s athletic versatility. "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," Mol stated.
Eyes on Los Angeles 2028
Looking to the future, Budinger and Evans are setting their sights on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica. Budinger, who will be approaching 40 at the time of the next Games, emphasized his commitment and 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," he commented.
Evans also voiced excitement about the prospect of competing in their home country. "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," he said. The duo’s dedication and camaraderie offer hope for more thrilling performances in the future.
A Dazzling but Brief Olympiad Campaign
While their campaign in the Paris Summer Games was fleeting, the experience was profoundly impactful for Budinger and Evans. The transition from indoor basketball courts to sandy volleyball courts is no small feat, yet Budinger has navigated it with impressive skill. As they look ahead to potential future competitions, their journey epitomizes the spirit of sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence across disciplines.