Budinger and Evans: A Journey of Ups and Downs at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics proved to be a rollercoaster ride for the American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, who were eliminated in the Round of 16. The pair faced a formidable challenge from the defending champions of Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who dispatched them in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14. This defeat, however, tells only part of their compelling Olympic story.
Chase Budinger, hailing from Carlsbad, California, is no stranger to professional sports. Before his venture onto the sands of beach volleyball, Budinger carved out a significant career in basketball. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, he began his career with the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. Subsequent stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns marked his path until his retirement from professional basketball in 2017.
Budinger's transition from hardwood to sand began a new chapter, culminating in his qualification for the Paris Olympics alongside Miles Evans in June. Their path to Paris was marked by a steady climb in the points rankings, a testament to their hard work and dedication. The duo's Olympic journey began on a high note, securing an initial victory over a French team, only to face setbacks in matches against teams from the Netherlands and Spain, both lost in straight sets.
Despite these setbacks, Budinger and Evans found redemption in the "lucky losers" round, where they triumphed over an Australian team, securing their spot in the Round of 16. Facing Mol and Sorum, the pair encountered the skill and experience of the Norwegian duo, who previously clinched gold in the Tokyo Games. Although Budinger and Evans were ultimately overpowered, their presence and performance did not go unnoticed.
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." His sentiments speak volumes about the unique, electrifying atmosphere of the Games and the personal fulfillment derived from competing on such a grand stage.
In the broader context of American men's beach volleyball, another duo, 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 success provides a silver lining for U.S. hopes in the sport, showcasing the depth and talent of American players on the international stage.
As Budinger and Evans reflect on their journey, the physical demands of the sport remain a constant consideration. Budinger, in particular, acknowledges this reality, 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 pragmatic outlook underscores the inherent uncertainties of athletic careers, where longevity often hinges on physical well-being.
Looking ahead, the anticipation is already building for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, expected to be held in Santa Monica. For Budinger and Evans, and indeed for the broader beach volleyball community, the future promises new challenges and opportunities. While their Paris campaign may not have ended with a podium finish, their journey has nonetheless contributed richly to the tapestry of Olympic history, and their experiences will undoubtedly inform their future endeavors on the sands.