Chase Budinger and Miles Evans: An Olympic Journey Under the Eiffel Tower
American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans concluded their Paris Summer Games run, bowing out after a competitive journey that resonated deeply with them both. Their campaign came to an end at the hands of Norwegian stars Anders Mol and Christian Sorum in the lucky loser stage, signaling the close of an intense Olympic experience.
Budinger and Evans had a promising start, securing a victory against France in their initial match. However, subsequent defeats to the Netherlands and Spain placed them in a precarious position, leading up to the consequential match against the Norwegians. The clash, played under the iconic Eiffel Tower in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 12,000 fans, ended with scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of Mol and Sorum.
The duo's journey together began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Budinger, a former NBA player with seven years of experience in the league, transitioned to beach volleyball, showcasing his athletic versatility. Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger said, "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure."
For Evans, the Paris Games were a culmination of years of hard work and anticipation. "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 expressed.
Their Olympic journey was not just about the contests; it was also about the memories created in an unforgettable setting. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger highlighted the unique atmosphere of their matches.
Their efforts and the remarkable setting did not go unnoticed by their competitors. Anders Mol, reflecting on Budinger’s shift from the NBA to Olympic beach volleyball, shared, "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."
Budinger and Evans faced a challenging yet rewarding path to qualify for the Games. They earned enough points to secure their spot in Paris only in the final two weeks of June before the Games. Their hard-fought journey and the experiences shared beneath the Eiffel Tower have left an indelible mark on them. "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,'" Evans recalled.
Looking forward, both athletes are setting their sights on future opportunities, particularly 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 said.
For Budinger, this potential future involves a pragmatic approach to his athletic career. "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 remarked, acknowledging the physical challenges that come with age.
While their Paris stint ended sooner than hoped, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans have undoubtedly left their mark, not just for their performance but for the heartfelt respect they garnered along the way. Their journey through the Paris Summer Games stands as a testament to their resilience, dedication, and the extraordinary experiences that Olympians hold dear.