Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Ousted in Round of 16 at 2024 Paris Olympics
The beach volleyball duo of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign come to an end in the Round of 16. The American pair faced the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, the defending champions, and were overpowered in straight sets, losing 21-16, 21-14.
Budinger's journey to these Olympic sands is notable. Initially, drafted in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger played for the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. The forward later suited up for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns before retiring from professional basketball in 2017. The transition from the hardwood to the beach might have seemed abrupt to many, but Budinger's athletic prowess allowed him to shine in a different arena.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger shared his exhilaration: "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." This sentiment encapsulates the unique essence of competing at such a storied and visually stunning location.
Budinger and Evans clinched their spot in the Paris Olympics through a steady rise in the points rankings, securing qualification in June. Their Olympic journey kicked off on a high note with a victory over a French duo. However, subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain in straight sets added pressure to their campaign. They managed to keep their hopes alive by triumphing in the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team, sealing a place in the Round of 16.
The experience and skill of Mol and Sorum, who also claimed gold in the Tokyo Games, proved too formidable for Budinger and Evans. The Norwegian duo showcased their dominance and composure, advancing further in their quest for back-to-back Olympic golds.
Budinger's evolution from NBA player to an Olympian beach volleyball player is rare and admirable. The athlete from Carlsbad, California, continues to demonstrate versatility and dedication. He commented on his future in beach volleyball with a touch of humor and realism: "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."
While Budinger and Evans faced an early exit, another American men's beach volleyball duo found success in Paris. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy’s Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their progress provides hope for American beach volleyball prospects in upcoming international competitions.
Looking ahead, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics promise a return to home soil for the United States' athletes. Scheduled to be held in Santa Monica, California, it could offer a platform for further American success and possibly another chapter in Budinger's remarkable athletic journey.
In the pursuit of Olympic dreams, the passion, resilience, and enduring spirit of athletes like Chase Budinger and Miles Evans underscore the true essence of sport.