An Unforgettable Olympic Journey: Budinger and Evans Reflect on Paris Games
An Unforgettable Olympic Journey: Budinger and Evans Reflect on Paris Games
American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans made a valiant effort at the Paris Summer Games, but their Olympic journey concluded earlier than hoped. Facing off against the formidable Norwegian pair, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, Budinger and Evans were defeated in the lucky loser stage, ending their Olympic campaign under the iconic Eiffel Tower, witnessed by 12,000 enthusiastic fans.
The tournament started promisingly for Budinger and Evans with a victory over France. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain led them to a critical juncture against the highly ranked Norwegians. The match concluded with decisive scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of Mol and Sorum, sealing the Americans' fate.
Budinger, a former NBA player, transitioned from the basketball court to the beach volleyball arena, bringing with him a unique blend of athleticism and competitive spirit. Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger remarked, "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure."
Indeed, the Olympic stage holds a significant place in both athletes' hearts. Evans couldn't contain his awe, proudly sharing, "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 journey to the Olympics was as dramatic as their experience in Paris. Budinger and Evans only earned enough points to qualify for the Games in the final two weeks of June, just before the competition commenced. The duo's partnership began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, an effort culminating under the shimmering lights of the Eiffel Tower. Budinger encapsulated the magic of the moment, saying, "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have."
Acknowledgements from their rivals further underscore the remarkable nature of Budinger's athletic journey. Anders Mol, part of the Norwegian team that ended Budinger and Evans's run, expressed his admiration, saying, "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."
Before leaving the iconic venue, Evans and Budinger took a moment to reflect on their 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,'" said Evans. This sentiment encapsulates not only the fleeting nature of athletic careers but the profound impact these experiences leave on the athletes.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, both athletes expressed their aspirations and the challenges they may face. "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," Evans shared, a poignant reflection on the significance of their Paris experience.
Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years old during the Los Angeles Games, acknowledged the role of his physical condition in future plans. "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 stated, underscoring the relentless determination he brings to his athletic career.
The eventual goal is clear: the Los Angeles Olympics of 2028, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica. With the scenic California coast as their potential next battleground, Budinger and Evans remain optimistic and motivated, driven by the memories of Paris and the dream of future triumphs on American soil.
