The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a whirlwind of emotions for many athletes, and Chase Budinger and Miles Evans have experienced their share of highs and lows. The American beach volleyball duo was eliminated in the Round of 16, falling to the defending champions from Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The Norwegians, who clinched gold at the Tokyo Games, asserted their dominance with a straight-sets victory, winning 21-16 and 21-14.
For Budinger, the journey to the Paris Olympics has been one of dramatic transformations. Initially making his mark in professional basketball, Budinger was selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. His basketball career saw him being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012, and later playing for the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns. He retired from professional basketball in 2017, but his athletic journey was far from over.
A New Chapter in Beach Volleyball
Transitioning from the hardwood to the sand, Budinger found success in beach volleyball alongside Miles Evans. The duo secured their spot in the Paris Olympics by climbing the points rankings, a testament to their relentless drive and synergy on the court. Their Olympic campaign kick-started with a victory over a French duo, but the road soon became rocky. Facing formidable teams from the Netherlands and Spain, Budinger and Evans faced back-to-back losses in straight sets.
Despite the setbacks, they fought their way through the "lucky losers" round, securing a win against an Australian team and earning their position in the Round of 16. Though their journey was cut short by Mol and Sorum, Budinger's sentiment about his Olympic experience remained profoundly positive.
A Memorable Olympic Experience
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected. "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 types of memories that we'll have."
These moments under the Parisian lights are likely to remain etched in Budinger's memory long after the games have concluded. The shift from a career in basketball to one in beach volleyball is no small feat, but Budinger's athletic prowess and resilience have clearly positioned him as a versatile competitor.
Looking Ahead
As Budinger looks to the future, he remains focused on his physical health and well-being. "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 remarked, signaling an optimistic outlook on his continuing athletic endeavors.
A Bright Spot for American Beach Volleyball
While Budinger and Evans exited in the Round of 16, another American men's beach volleyball duo has kept hopes alive. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals after a solid performance against Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai. Securing a straight-sets victory with scores of 21-17 and 21-18, Partain and Benesh's advancement has offered a glimmer of hope for American beach volleyball enthusiasts.
The Road to Los Angeles
As the Olympic torch passes from Paris to Los Angeles, where the 2028 Games are slated to be held in Santa Monica, the journey of athletes like Budinger will serve as inspiration. Hailing from Carlsbad, Calif., Budinger could find himself competing on home soil if his body allows him to continue his sport.
Budinger and Evans may not have clinched a medal in Paris, but their story signifies the relentless pursuit of athletic dreams and the profound experiences that the Olympics offer. The narrative of transition, perseverance, and the quest for excellence underlines every athlete's journey, and Budinger's tale is one that resonates with the spirit of the games.
As the sand settles in Paris, the memories made against the glittering backdrop of the Eiffel Tower will remain a defining chapter in Budinger's multifaceted athletic career. Whether or not he returns to compete in future Olympics, the legacy he is building, both on the basketball court and the volleyball sand, continues to inspire many.