Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Exit Paris Summer Games After a Memorable Run
American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their journey at the Paris Summer Games come to an end after a spirited performance against the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. Despite the early exit, their participation left a lasting impression on both the players and the fans.
The American pair's adventure in Paris concluded during the lucky loser stage following a defeat to the Norwegians, with the match ending in straight sets, 21-16 and 21-14, in favor of Mol and Sorum. Reflecting on the competition, Budinger shared, "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure."
Initial Success and Subsequent Hurdles
Budinger and Evans began their Olympic campaign on a high note, securing a victory against France in their opening match. However, they couldn't maintain the momentum, suffering losses to the Netherlands and Spain, which relegated them to the lucky loser round. Despite these setbacks, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary for the two athletes.
"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," expressed an elated Miles Evans, reflecting on their Olympic journey. The players emphasized the unique atmosphere at the games, particularly the match played beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower in front of 12,000 enthusiastic 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 added.
A Remarkable Transition
Chase Budinger, once renowned for his seven-year stint in the NBA, has undergone a remarkable transformation from professional basketball to beach volleyball. The partnership with Miles Evans began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, culminating in an electrifying appearance at the Paris Games. "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," praised Norwegian player Anders Mol.
Looking Ahead to Future Goals
While the outcome in Paris might not have aligned with their ultimate ambitions, Budinger and Evans are already setting their sights on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, aiming to capitalize on their experience and continue their athletic journey. Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years old during the LA Olympics, remains optimistic about his physical condition. "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 remarked wistfully.
As the duo reflected on their fleeting but cherished memories from Paris, the emotional impact was 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,'" recalled Evans. For Budinger, the physical demands remain a consideration. "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 noted.
Regardless of whether Budinger and Evans make another Olympic appearance, their experience at the Paris Summer Games stands as a testament to their dedication, adaptability, and love for the game. The unique blend of basketball and beach volleyball in Budinger's athletic narrative continues to inspire both fans and fellow athletes alike, as he remains a symbol of versatility and resilience in the world of sports.