In a heart-throbbing turn of events, American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans made a valiant exit from the Paris Summer Games, showcasing a series of riveting matches that ultimately concluded in the fortunate-but-firm grip of the "lucky loser" stage. The pair, who embarked on their Olympic journey merely two years ago, were finally halted by the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
Their Olympic aspirations began brightly with a triumphant opening match win against France, infusing both hope and energy into their campaign. However, this early success was soon overshadowed by successive defeats at the hands of the Netherlands and Spain, which tightened their path forward. Their final match against the Norwegians sealed their fate, with the powerhouse team clinching victories with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
Budinger's Switched Courts
Chase Budinger, whose roots lie in professional basketball, carved an unusual yet inspiring transition to beach volleyball. Having spent seven years in the NBA, the former basketball star brought his athletic prowess to the sand court, linking up with Evans at the dawn of the two-year Olympic qualifying period. This partnership, built on a mix of fresh ambition and burgeoning synergy, finally earned them enough points to compete in Paris only in the final two weeks of June leading up to the Games.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected, standing beneath the awe-inspiring silhouette of the Eiffel Tower. This sentiment was echoed by Evans, who said, "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."
Memorable Moments
The journey of Budinger and Evans to Paris was as much about the experience as the competition. Their matches, especially against the Norwegians under the night lights and the iconic Eiffel Tower, drew an electrifying crowd of 12,000 fans. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger reminisced. On that stage, they performed under the watchful eyes and cheers of a passionate audience, making the moment an indelible chapter in their athletic careers.
The respect and camaraderie shared among competitors were also highlighted by Anders Mol. "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 expressed, underscoring Budinger's remarkable athletic versatility.
Reflecting on their last moments in Paris, Evans shared, "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.'" Such reflections encapsulate the uniqueness of their Olympic chapter, one that's cemented within the historical milieu of Paris.
Glimpses of the Future
Looking beyond Paris, both Budinger and Evans have their sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, with the beach volleyball events slated to take place against the scenic backdrop of Santa Monica. Evans acknowledged the road ahead, stating, "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." Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years at the time, remains optimistic about his athletic longevity. "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 added, hinting at his sustained vigor.
Budinger and Evans’ journey in Paris may have ended earlier than hoped, yet it remains a testament to their drive, friendship, and the enduring spirit of the Olympics. Their eyes now turn westward, where new challenges and memories await beneath the Californian sun.