Budinger and Evans Bow Out of Paris Olympics
Chase Budinger and Miles Evans' journey in the beach volleyball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to an end in the Round of 16. The American pair faced a formidable challenge against Norway's defending champions, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who secured the victory in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
For Budinger, the Olympic stage was another chapter in a varied and dynamic athletic career. The former NBA player was selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft and began his professional basketball journey with the Houston Rockets, before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. Budinger later enjoyed stints with the Indiana Pacers and the Phoenix Suns before retiring from professional basketball in 2017.
In June, Budinger and Evans qualified for the Paris Olympics after climbing the points rankings, a significant achievement that marked their entrance onto one of the world's grandest stages. Their Olympic campaign started on a promising note with a win against a French duo. However, subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain, both in straight sets, positioned them on a precarious path. Still, the duo managed to secure a spot in the Round of 16 by triumphing in the "lucky losers" round against an Australian pair.
The Norwegian reigning champions proved too strong, displaying the prowess that won them gold in the Tokyo Games. Mol and Sorum's seamless coordination and powerful attacks kept Budinger and Evans on the defensive, ultimately sealing the match with relative ease.
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 types of memories that we'll have." The awe in his voice underscored how significant this experience was, even for a seasoned athlete like Budinger.
Looking forward, Budinger remained ambivalent about further competitive play, stating, "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." His reflections suggest that while the spirit remains willing, physical well-being will dictate the future of his sporting endeavors.
Meanwhile, another American men’s beach volleyball duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, managed to advance to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in an impressive straight-sets victory, 21-17, 21-18. Their success provided a glimmer of hope for U.S. beach volleyball fans, as they look to leave a significant mark in Paris.
Budinger's homecoming to sports has clearly taken a unique path. Originally hailing from Carlsbad, Calif., he has successfully transitioned across different athletic disciplines. The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, may potentially witness his return if his career and physical condition allow.
The story of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans at the Paris Olympics is one of perseverance and versatility. Despite facing early setbacks and eventually exiting in the Round of 16, their journey showcased the vigour required to compete at the highest level, leaving an indelible mark on their athletic careers.