American Duo's Olympic Journey Ends Beneath the Eiffel Tower
American beach volleyball contenders, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, saw their Olympic dreams come to an end at the Paris Summer Games. The pair, who started their Olympic journey just two years ago, exited at the lucky loser stage after a determined but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.
The duo faced an uphill battle in their final match against the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The contest concluded with decisive scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of the Norwegians. Despite their exit, the Americans left an indelible mark on the tournament with their memorable performances.
Budinger and Evans' odyssey began on a high note with a victorious match against France. Nonetheless, they struggled in subsequent games, suffering defeats to teams from the Netherlands and Spain. These losses set the stage for their climactic showdown with Norway beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, watched by an enthusiastic crowd of 12,000 spectators.
For Chase Budinger, the transition from the NBA to the world of beach volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable. Budinger, a former NBA player who spent seven years on the basketball court, finds playing in the Olympics comparably exhilarating. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected.
His partner, Miles Evans, echoed this sentiment, expressing awe at the unique 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," Evans stated.
Budinger and Evans earned their spot in Paris through sheer tenacity, accumulating the necessary points only in the final two weeks of June, just before the Games. Their presence at the Olympics was a testament to their dedication and rapid progression in the sport.
The atmosphere in Paris added to the unforgettable experience. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger noted, capturing the enchantment of the setting.
Even their Norwegian adversary, Anders Mol, recognized the extraordinary journey of Budinger. "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 praised.
As the curtain falls on their Parisian adventure, both players are already contemplating future possibilities. The Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 loom on the horizon, with the beach volleyball venue scheduled 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 wistfully.
However, Budinger remains pragmatic about the physical demands of the sport as he ages. "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 shared, hinting at the uncertain but hopeful journey ahead.
Their time in Paris has not only elevated their profile in the beach volleyball community but also provided them with a wealth of experiences and memories they will treasure forever. As fans and enthusiasts look forward to their next moves, Budinger and Evans have firmly established themselves as athletes who can navigate the diverse landscapes of professional sports. Their commitment and passion shine as a beacon for aspiring athletes worldwide, demonstrating that with persistence and adaptability, new dreams can always be pursued.