Paris Summer Games: Budinger and Evans' Beach Volleyball Journey Ends in Lucky Loser Stage
American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans concluded their spirited run at the Paris Summer Games, bowing out in the lucky loser stage after a series of matches that showcased both their promise and determination.
Former NBA player Chase Budinger, who spent seven years in the league, began his beach volleyball partnership with Miles Evans at the commencement of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Their synergy on the sand was palpable as they scraped through the final two weeks of June, securing just enough points to claim their spot in Paris. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected, expressing his admiration for the surreal experience.
Budinger and Evans started strong in their Olympic debut, defeating France in their opening match. However, subsequent encounters with the Netherlands and Spain resulted in losses, setting up a challenging path ahead. The pivotal match against Norwegian powerhouses Anders Mol and Christian Sorum was decisive. The Norwegians, showcasing their excellent form, triumphed with scores of 21-16 and 21-14, dashing the American duo's hopes of advancing further.
The significance of the venue wasn't lost on the players. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the matches attracted 12,000 enthusiastic fans. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger said, capturing the magic of the moment. His teammate Miles Evans echoed these sentiments, describing the experience as the pinnacle of his athletic career: "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."
Their opponents, Mol and Sorum, were full of praise for Budinger's athletic versatility. "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 stated.
As they took in the grandeur of the Paris venue one final time, Evans remarked on the fleeting nature of this unique experience: "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.'" While the loss was undoubtedly disappointing, the duo left Paris with cherished memories and a renewed sense of ambition.
Looking ahead, Budinger and Evans' sights are set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, with the beach volleyball venue planned for Santa Monica. The prospect of competing on home soil fuels their drive. Evans remains optimistic about their future: "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." Meanwhile, Budinger remains pragmatic about the physical demands of the sport as he ages. "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 said, hinting at the possibility of a continued career if his physical condition permits.
Their adventure in Paris may have ended sooner than hoped, but the experiences and accolades garnered during their Olympic journey will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for future endeavors. As they continue to train and compete, Budinger and Evans exemplify the spirit of athleticism and the pursuit of excellence on both the hardwood and the sand.