Disappointment for Budinger and Evans as Norway Eliminates Them in Round of 16
The beach volleyball duo of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans faced an uphill battle in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, eventually succumbing to the defending champions from Norway. Anders Mol and Christian Sorum demonstrated why they are considered the best in the world, defeating the American pair in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
Budinger, who transitioned from the hardwood to the sand, had a notable career in the NBA before turning to beach volleyball. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, he began his professional basketball journey with the Houston Rockets. Budinger's time in the NBA saw him play for multiple teams, including a notable trade to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012, followed by stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns. He retired from professional basketball in 2017 and later found new life in beach volleyball.
Despite their early exit in Paris, Budinger and Evans had a commendable run leading up to the Olympics. They qualified for the Paris Games in June after climbing the points rankings and began their Olympic campaign on a high note, defeating a French duo in their opening match. However, they couldn't maintain the momentum, losing subsequent matches against teams from the Netherlands and Spain in straight sets. Their tenacity showed in the "lucky losers" round, where they overcame an Australian team to secure their place in the Round of 16.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger said, "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."
Mol and Sorum, the dominant Norwegian duo who previously won gold in the Tokyo Games, showcased their impeccable skills once again, leaving no room for an upset. Budinger and Evans managed to put up a fight but were ultimately outmatched by the precision and consistency of the defending champions.
Chase Budinger hails from Carlsbad, California, and his journey from basketball prodigy to beach volleyball Olympian is nothing short of remarkable. His adaptability and passion for sports have been evident throughout his career transitions. However, at 34 years old, Budinger is aware of the toll that professional sports can take on the body. "I'll be old as dirt," he joked. "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."
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw another American men's beach volleyball team advance further than Budinger and Evans. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh progressed to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their victory highlighted the depth of talent in American beach volleyball and offered a glimmer of hope for the future.
Looking ahead, anticipation is already building for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With the events slated to be held in Santa Monica, it will be a homecoming of sorts for American athletes like Budinger, who may still have ambitions to compete on the grand stage. Whether or not his body will allow for another Olympic run remains to be seen, but his journey so far is a testament to his enduring drive and athletic prowess.
As the curtains fall on their Paris campaign, Budinger and Evans can hold their heads high, reflecting on a journey filled with grit, resilience, and unforgettable moments. The challenge now lies in maintaining their form and preparing for future competitions, driven by the resilience that has defined their careers thus far.