In an intense Round of 16 match at the 2024 Paris Olympics, American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans faced a formidable challenge from Norway’s Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. Despite their best efforts, Budinger and Evans were eliminated in straight sets, with scores of 21-16 and 21-14, falling to the reigning Olympic champions in dramatic fashion.
The journey to Paris for Budinger and Evans had been a passionate pursuit marked by determination and resilience. Their qualification in June was achieved through a climb up the points rankings, culminating in their entry into the Olympic arena. From the outset, their campaign in Paris showed promise. They began with a victory over a French duo, igniting hopes for a deep run in the competition.
However, subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain in back-to-back straight sets had the pair facing adversity. Navigating these setbacks, they found a lifeline in the "lucky losers" round, where they secured a critical win against an Australian team, ensuring their spot in the knockout stage.
For Chase Budinger, the transition from the hardwood to the sand has been nothing short of remarkable. Originally selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger’s professional basketball career included stints with the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before his retirement in 2017. His pivot to beach volleyball has granted him a second chapter in competitive sports.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger shared, "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure. 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."
Budinger’s roots trace back to Carlsbad, California, a seaside town potentially foreshadowing his future on the beach volleyball circuit. Despite his age, he remains highly optimistic about his physical condition. "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 commented, hinting at the possibility of competing in future tournaments.
The Norwegian duo, Mol and Sorum, have consistently demonstrated their dominance on the sand, having previously secured gold in the Tokyo Games. Their victory over Budinger and Evans reinforced their standing as elite competitors in the sport.
While Budinger and Evans' journey in Paris concluded sooner than hoped, the future of American men's beach volleyball remains promising. Another American pair, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, showcased their potential by advancing to the quarterfinals. They achieved a noteworthy victory over Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, winning in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18.
Looking ahead, the anticipation surrounding the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is already building. Santa Monica, with its storied beach volleyball heritage, is expected to be the central hub for the event. For athletes like Budinger and Evans, and emerging talents such as Partain and Benesh, the 2028 Games represent another opportunity to compete at the highest level on home soil.
As Budinger and Evans reflect on their Paris adventure, the experiences and memories they've gained solidify their place in the pantheon of athletes who have proudly represented their country on the global stage. Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the relentless pursuit of excellence.