American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans experienced an emotional exit from the Paris Summer Games, bowing out after a valiant effort against formidable opponents.
Facing the Norwegian Powerhouse
The pair's journey in Paris culminated in a decisive match against Norway's Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The American team, despite their relentless drive, could not withstand the expertise of the Norwegians, who clinched victory with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
Reflecting on their campaign, Miles Evans expressed his awe for the tournament's atmosphere: "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."
A Rollercoaster Campaign
Budinger and Evans had shown promise by defeating France in their opening match, but subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain forced them into the precarious lucky loser stage. It was here that their aspirations met an end against Norway.
Their Olympic bid was marked by a fierce fight for qualification. The partnership began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, and it wasn’t until the final two weeks of June, just before the Games, that they accumulated enough points to secure their spot in Paris.
Chase Budinger, a former NBA player who transitioned to beach volleyball, remarked on the magnitude of competing in the Olympic venue: "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure."
A Memorable Experience
Their match took place beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, in front of a crowd of 12,000 spectators. The electrifying environment and the sparkling landmark created an unforgettable setting for the 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 shared, emphasizing the unique nature of their Olympic experience.
Respect Earned from Rivals
Their journey and dedication garnered respect from peers, including their Norwegian opponent Anders Mol. "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," Mol commended.
Evans echoed a sense of appreciation, "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.'" Both players soaked in the atmosphere, cherishing what they knew was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Looking Ahead to 2028
With their eyes set on future opportunities, Budinger and Evans are already contemplating the Los Angeles Olympics slated for 2028. The beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica, a location that excites the duo.
Evans remained optimistic about another Olympic run: "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."
By 2028, Budinger will be approaching 40 years old, yet he remains committed to evaluating his physical readiness year by year. "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 concluded, highlighting his enduring dedication to the sport.
As they reflect on their Paris journey, Budinger and Evans have not only showcased their athletic prowess but have also earned admiration and inspiration from both fans and fellow athletes. Their resolve and passion continue to fuel their ambitions as they look forward to future challenges on the sandy courts.