American Duo Budinger and Evans Bow Out of Paris Summer Games
American beach volleyball tandem Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their Paris Summer Games journey come to a halt, exiting at the lucky loser stage after a spirited yet challenging competition.
The duo kicked off their Olympic campaign with a triumphant victory over France, showcasing their synergy and potential. However, subsequent matches proved to be tough battles, as they faced setbacks against both the Netherlands and Spain. These losses ultimately positioned them in the precarious lucky loser stage, needing a win against the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum to advance.
The highly anticipated match against Norway unfolded beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, with 12,000 enthusiastic fans in attendance. The Americans fought valiantly but were ultimately overpowered by the Norwegian champions, with scores of 21-16 and 21-14 favoring Mol and Sorum.
Chase Budinger, who previously enjoyed a seven-year career in the NBA, reflected on his Olympic experience with great enthusiasm. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger shared. The transition from the basketball court to the sandy beach is no small feat, a sentiment echoed by Mol, who paid tribute to Budinger's athletic prowess. "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 remarked.
The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the outset of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Despite the challenges, they managed to accumulate enough points to secure their spot in Paris just in the final two weeks of June before the Games. Their perseverance and dedication paved the way for this unforgettable experience.
Evans, equally moved by the magnitude of the Olympic stage, admitted, "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." His appreciation for the unique setting of their matches was evident. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger added.
As they bade farewell to Paris, the duo cherished the final moments. "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,'" Evans recalled. Despite their exit, the experience has left an indelible mark on both players.
Looking ahead, Budinger and Evans have already set their sights on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica. Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years old during those games, remains optimistic about his future in the sport. "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 stated.
For Evans, the Paris Summer Games will always hold a special place. "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," he reflected.
While their journey in Paris ended sooner than they had hoped, Budinger and Evans have showcased resilience, athleticism, and an unwavering passion for their sport. Their Olympic dreams may have just begun, with the potential for more chapters to be written on the sands of Santa Monica in 2028.