Budinger and Evans’ Paris Journey Comes to a Close
The Paris Summer Games marked a significant milestone for American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans. Despite their valiant efforts, the duo exited the competition at the lucky loser stage, falling short to the formidable Norwegian pair Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
In a dramatic match that resonated deeply with the athletes and fans alike, Budinger and Evans’ tournament concluded with scores of 21-16 and 21-14, solidly in favor of Norway.
Their Olympic journey began with high hopes and a promising start as they secured a victory against France in their initial match. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain placed immense pressure on their final performance against Norway.
Chase Budinger, a former NBA player with seven years in the league, partnered with Miles Evans at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. The pair's synergy on the sand was evident as they amassed enough points to secure their spot in Paris in the last two weeks of June, just before the Games commenced.
Budinger reflected on his multi-sport career with pride, stating, "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure." His transition from the NBA to representing the USA in beach volleyball is a testament to his versatility and athleticism. Even Norwegian player Anders Mol expressed admiration, noting, "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."
Their Olympic experience was not just about competition but also the magical moments that came with playing beneath the Eiffel Tower for a crowd of 12,000 electrified 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 reminisced.
Miles Evans echoed the sentiment of awe at the spectacle and the significance it held in his 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," Evans said. The Paris Summer Games were more than just a sports event; they were a culmination of dreams realized on an international stage.
Looking to the future, both athletes remain optimistic about their prospects. Though their journey ended sooner than hoped in Paris, their sights are set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. For Budinger, the path forward is contingent upon his physical condition 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," Budinger remarked.
Evans, too, holds a hopeful outlook for what lies ahead. "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," he shared. The duo's commitment to their sport and the determination to compete at the highest level remain undeterred.
As they reminisced about their time in Paris, the emotions were palpable. "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,'" Evans reflected. It was a poignant conclusion to a chapter filled with hard-fought battles and unforgettable experiences.
With the support of their fans, fellow competitors, and their own unwavering perseverance, Budinger and Evans will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the world of beach volleyball, aiming for new heights and cherishing the milestones along their journey.