A Heartfelt Farewell to Paris: Budinger and Evans Bow Out in Round of 16
The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a whirlwind of emotions for Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, culminating in their exit from the beach volleyball competition in the Round of 16. Their Olympic journey came to an end at the hands of formidable opponents, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum from Norway, the reigning champions who showcased their dominance with straight-set victories, 21-16, 21-14.
Budinger's transition from a professional basketball career to beach volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable. His initial foray into the world of sports saw him being selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft. The versatile forward spent time with the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012, and later played for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, before hanging up his basketball sneakers in 2017.
The switch to beach volleyball allowed Budinger to rekindle his competitive spirit. Teaming up with Miles Evans, the duo worked tirelessly to climb the points rankings and eventually secured their spot in the Paris Olympics in June. Their campaign began on a high note with a victory over a French duo, but subsequent straight-set losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain put them on the back foot.
Despite these setbacks, Budinger and Evans showed resilience by winning the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team, thus booking their place in the Round of 16. Unfortunately, their journey was cut short by the exceptional talent of Mol and Sorum, who had previously clinched gold at the Tokyo Games.
Reflecting on his time at the Olympics, Budinger shared, "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."
Budinger's admiration for the Olympic experience speaks volumes about his passion and dedication to his new sport. Hailing from Carlsbad, Calif., the 36-year-old athlete has embraced every challenge with a wholehearted commitment that has endeared him to fans and peers alike.
Meanwhile, another American men's beach volleyball duo has kept hopes alive for the nation. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh showcased their prowess by advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their impressive performance has provided a beacon of hope for American beach volleyball enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, the anticipation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is already building. The event is expected to take place in Santa Monica, and it remains to be seen whether Budinger will be there to compete. When asked about his future in beach volleyball, he candidly remarked, "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."
For Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, their journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics may have ended earlier than hoped, but the memories they created and the resilience they exhibited will linger long in the hearts of fans. Paris served as a perfect backdrop for their Olympic dreams, creating moments that were both spectacular and unforgettable.
As the sand settles on this chapter of their careers, one thing remains clear: Budinger's transition from hardwood to beach has been an inspiring story of adaptability and passion. Whether or not he continues, his legacy in both basketball and beach volleyball is secure, marking him as a true athlete who has graced two very different courts with equal fervor and dedication.