Under the dazzling lights of the Eiffel Tower, American athletes Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their journey in the 2024 Paris Olympics beach volleyball competition come to a close. The duo faced a formidable challenge against the defending champions from Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The match concluded in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14, in favor of the Norwegians.
For Chase Budinger, this Olympic appearance marked a significant chapter in a diverse athletic career. Budinger, a Carlsbad, Calif. native, began his professional sports journey in basketball. He was selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, playing initially for the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. His tenure in the NBA also included stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, before retiring from professional basketball in 2017.
Transitioning from the hardwood to the beach, Budinger's latest athletic venture saw him pair with Miles Evans. Their path to the Paris Olympics was marked by consistent performances that propelled them up the points rankings, ultimately securing their qualification in June. Once in Paris, their campaign kicked off with a victory over a French duo, though subsequent matches against teams from the Netherlands and Spain proved challenging, resulting in straight-set losses. However, Budinger and Evans managed to secure their spot in the Round of 16 through the "lucky losers" round, where they triumphed over an Australian team.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger expressed the profound impact of competing at such a prestigious event. "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," he shared.
Despite their early exit, Budinger and Evans's journey illustrates the remarkable resilience and adaptability required to compete at an elite level across different sports. Budinger's athleticism was honed on basketball courts, and he successfully transitioned that prowess into beach volleyball, showcasing the versatility that remains a hallmark of exceptional athletes.
Looking beyond their own campaign, another American men's beach volleyball duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, delivered a notable performance by advancing to the quarterfinals. They overcame Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18, embodying the dedicated spirit of American beach volleyball.
The beach volleyball events in Paris have set a high bar for excitement and competition, and thoughts are already turning towards the future. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, promise another captivating display of athleticism on home soil for American competitors. For Budinger, the journey continues with a focus on his physical condition. "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," Budinger noted.
The Paris Olympics might have concluded on the court for Budinger and Evans, but their journey and performances continue to inspire. Their story is a testament to the expansive potential within sports, where new arenas and challenges keep the spirit of competition vibrant and ever-evolving.