An Olympic Journey Cut Short for Budinger and Evans
American beach volleyball athletes Chase Budinger and Miles Evans recently saw their Olympic journey come to an end at the Paris Summer Games. The duo, despite showing initial promise, were unable to advance past the lucky loser stage, exiting the Games after a defeat by the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
The American pair began their campaign with a promising victory over the host nation, France. However, this momentum proved short-lived as they subsequently lost to both the Netherlands and Spain. Their fate was sealed in a decisive match against Norway, where they were comprehensively beaten with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
A Crossover Athlete
Budinger, a former NBA player with a seven-year professional basketball career, transitioned to beach volleyball at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. His athletic prowess and adaptability were on full display as he teamed up with Evans, earning enough points in the final two weeks of June to secure their spot in the Paris Games.
For Budinger, playing under the iconic Eiffel Tower in front of 12,000 fans was a surreal experience. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," he reflected. The unique allure of the venue was not lost on his partner either. “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 shared with evident emotion.
Respect from Rivals
Even in defeat, the respect from rivals highlighted the significance of their achievement. Norwegian star Anders Mol expressed his admiration for Budinger, stating, "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."
Memories to Cherish
The sensation of playing beneath the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights left an indelible mark on the athletes. “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. As the pair prepared to exit the stage, Evans poignantly remarked, "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.'"
Future Aspirations
Although their Paris campaign ended in disappointment, Budinger and Evans are now setting their sights on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica, a location that brings with it familiar comforts and a home advantage. Reflecting on the future, Evans said, "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 by the 2028 Games, remains optimistic about his athletic future. “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 noted, indicating a positive outlook for another Olympic run.
The journey of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans in Paris may have been cut short, but it was a testament to hard work, adaptability, and the forging of unforgettable memories. Their story enriches the tapestry of athletic endeavors at the Olympics, underscoring the spirit of competition and the beauty of the journey itself.