Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Eliminated by Defending Champions in Paris Olympics
Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their Olympic journey come to an end in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The pair faced a formidable challenge in the defending champions from Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, and were defeated in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14. The loss closed out their first Olympic campaign in beach volleyball, a sport Budinger transitioned to after an illustrious basketball career.
Transition from Hardwood to Sand
Chase Budinger's name first rose to prominence in the sports world when he was selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft. The skilled forward initially played for the Houston Rockets before a key trade sent him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. His NBA journey also included stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns before he retired from professional basketball in 2017. Demonstrating a rare athletic versatility, Budinger then shifted to beach volleyball, a move that paid off with a qualification berth for the Paris Olympics.
In June, Budinger and his partner Miles Evans secured their spot at the Olympics after ascending the points rankings. They began their campaign with a significant victory over a French duo, igniting hopes for a successful run. However, subsequent straight-set losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain put them in a precarious position. Yet, they bounced back in the "lucky losers" round by defeating an Australian team, securing their place in the Round of 16.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger was effusive. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," he said. "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."
Facing the Champions
Their journey, however, was curtailed by the indomitable Norwegian duo of Mol and Sorum, who won gold in Tokyo and continued their dominance in Paris. The straight-sets victory underscored why they are considered the best in the world, as Budinger and Evans could not match their precision and power. Despite the loss, the American pair's efforts drew respect and admiration from both fans and peers.
Budinger, hailing from Carlsbad, California, has long been known for his athleticism and competitive spirit. His transition from the NBA to beach volleyball is a testament to his dedication and adaptability. When asked about his future in the sport, Budinger remarked, "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."
American Hopes and Future Aspirations
While Budinger and Evans exited in the Round of 16, another American men's beach volleyball duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, kept the nation's hopes alive. They advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Partain and Benesh's performance has been a source of inspiration and showcases the potential depth of American talent in the discipline.
The anticipation is already building for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which are expected to be held in Santa Monica. For many American athletes, including Budinger, the allure of competing on home soil offers a motivational boost. As Budinger continues to assess his physical condition year by year, the possibility of seeing him compete in Los Angeles remains a beacon of hope for his supporters and the American beach volleyball community.
Budinger's journey from NBA player to Olympian beach volleyballer is an extraordinary tale of determination and passion. His experience in Paris, with its highs and lows, stands as a memorable chapter in his athletic career, highlighting the joy, challenges, and unique opportunities that sports can offer.