American Duo Faces Exit at Paris Summer Games
In a turn that captivated beach volleyball enthusiasts, American players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans exited the Paris Summer Games after a challenging series of matches. The duo faced off against the seasoned Norwegian pair Anders Mol and Christian Sorum in their final match, succumbing to a 21-16 and 21-14 defeat that concluded their Olympic journey.
The pair's path to the Paris Olympics was anything but straightforward. They claimed an initial victory over France, which signaled a promising start. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain pushed them to the precipice of elimination. Their last stand occurred in the lucky loser stage, where their hopes were ultimately dashed by the formidable Norwegians.
Budinger, a former NBA player, brought a unique narrative to the sands of Paris. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," he reflected. His transition from the basketball court to the beach volleyball arena has earned him admiration across sports. "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," noted Anders Mol, echoing the sentiments of many observers.
The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Their collective determination and synergy saw them accumulate enough points to secure their spot in Paris in the final weeks leading up to the Games. Playing beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, the pair drew a crowd of 12,000 enthusiastic fans. "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 enthusiastically shared.
Despite their exit, the experience has been profoundly memorable for both athletes. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger mused. Their time in Paris, though cut short, has left an indelible mark on their athletic careers and personal lives.
Looking towards the future, Budinger and Evans have their sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The beach volleyball venue in Santa Monica offers a new stage for their ambitions. Evans is optimistic about their prospects, stating, "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." Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years old during the next Olympics, acknowledges the physical demands. "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 admits, underscoring his commitment to continue competing as long as his physical condition allows.
As their time in Paris draws to a close, both Budinger and Evans take a moment to reflect on the journey. "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 recalls. Their story, marked by determination, adaptability, and a relentless spirit, exemplifies what it means to be athletes on the global stage.
While their Olympic dreams may be deferred for now, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans leave Paris with experiences that will fuel their future endeavors. Whether they ultimately compete in Los Angeles or not, their journey in Paris will forever be etched in their memories and in the annals of beach volleyball history.