The 2024 Paris Olympics brought a mixture of jubilation and heartache for American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans. Despite a spirited campaign, Budinger and Evans saw their Parisian dreams dashed in the Round of 16 after facing the formidable Norwegian pair, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
Budinger and Evans were overpowered by the defending champions from Norway in a straight-sets defeat, with scores of 21-16 and 21-14. The loss marked the end of the road for the American team, who had shown promise throughout the competition.
A Journey to Paris
Chase Budinger's name first made headlines in a different sport. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger launched his professional basketball career with the Houston Rockets. After a few years, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012 and had subsequent stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns. Budinger hung up his basketball sneakers in 2017 to retire from professional basketball.
Transitioning from the hardwood to the sand was a bold move for Budinger, but one that paid off. By June, Budinger and his partner, Miles Evans, had qualified for the Paris Olympics, ascending the points rankings to secure their spot. They began their Olympic venture on a high note with a victory over a French duo, only to falter against teams from the Netherlands and Spain in subsequent matches. Despite these setbacks, they advanced from the "lucky losers" round by defeating an Australian team, granting them entry into the Round of 16.
Reflecting on the Olympic experience, Budinger was effusive about the opportunity to compete on such a grand stage. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger shared. "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."
A Tale of Two Teams
While Budinger and Evans faced disappointment, another American men's beach volleyball team enjoyed more extended success. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals, garnering a victory over Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai with a straight-sets win, 21-17 and 21-18. Their performance kept American hopes alive on the sand courts of Paris and added an air of optimism to the nation's beach volleyball prospects.
Looking Forward
As Budinger grapples with the outcomes of these Olympic Games, he remains inspired by the spirit of competition and the promise of future opportunities. "I'll be old as dirt," Budinger quipped about his longevity in the sport. "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."
Budinger, who hails from Carlsbad, Calif., has his sights set on the future, perhaps looking forward to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to be held in Santa Monica. As the world continues to evolve, so too does the career of this multifaceted athlete, who has proven his mettle on both the basketball court and the beach volleyball arena.
The journey of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans in the 2024 Paris Olympics serves as a testament to the challenges and triumphs within the sport. Despite their exit in the Round of 16, their path to Paris, the memories forged, and the undying spirit to compete will forever mark their legacy in the annals of Olympic history.