Amid the vibrant setting of the Eiffel Tower, the 2024 Paris Olympics delivered both triumph and heartbreak for American beach volleyball. Chase Budinger and Miles Evans faced a challenging path, culminating in their elimination in the Round of 16 at the hands of Norway's formidable pair, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The defending champions, who also clinched gold at the Tokyo Games, overpowered Budinger and Evans in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14, showcasing their mastery on the sands of Paris.
From the NBA to the Beach
Chase Budinger's journey to the Olympic stage has been anything but conventional. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger began his professional basketball career with the Houston Rockets. His NBA tenure included stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before he retired from the sport in 2017. After hanging up his basketball sneakers, Budinger transitioned to beach volleyball, a move that revived his competitive spirit and led to his partnership with Miles Evans.
Their efforts paid off when they qualified for the Paris Olympics this past June, a feat achieved by climbing the points rankings. Reflecting on the experience, Budinger expressed his awe: "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."
Olympic Campaign Highlights
Budinger and Evans started their Olympic campaign on a high note, securing a victory against a French duo in their opening match. However, the duo struggled to maintain that momentum, suffering straight-set defeats against teams from the Netherlands and Spain in the succeeding matches. These setbacks landed them in the "lucky losers" round, where they triumphed over an Australian team to secure their place in the Round of 16.
The clash with Mol and Sorum, the Norwegian duo, proved to be a formidable challenge. Known for their synergy and precision, Mol and Sorum dominated the match from start to finish, leaving Budinger and Evans to exit the tournament despite their valiant efforts.
Looking Forward
Despite the early exit, Budinger remains optimistic about his future in beach volleyball. At 35, he acknowledges the constraints of time but remains attuned to his physical condition: "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."
As one chapter closes for Budinger and Evans, another American team finds their stride. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals by delivering a solid performance against Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, winning in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their success ensures that the U.S. presence in the beach volleyball competition remains strong, offering hope for a medal as the tournament progresses.
Anticipating the Future
The sun may have set on Budinger and Evans's Parisian adventure, but the horizon holds promise. With Santa Monica set to host the beach volleyball events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the stage is already being set for the next wave of athletes. For Budinger, a native of Carlsbad, California, it could be a homecoming of sorts, should he choose to continue pursuing his beach volleyball ambitions.
For now, Budinger and Evans can reflect on their Olympic journey with pride, having given their all and showcased the spirit of competition. Their presence in Paris has added another layer to Budinger's storied athletic career, one that began on hardwood courts and has gracefully transitioned to the sandy arenas of beach volleyball.