Budinger and Evans Bow Out in Round of 16 at Paris Olympics
Chase Budinger and Miles Evans' journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics came to an end in the Round of 16. Facing an uphill battle against the formidable Norwegian duo of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, the American pair succumbed in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
For Budinger, the transition from the hardwood to the sandy courts has been remarkable. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, he began his professional basketball career with the Houston Rockets and later played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before retiring in 2017. His pivot to beach volleyball has been met with both challenges and triumphs, culminating in qualifying for the Olympic games this past June.
Budinger and Evans made their mark early in the tournament with a victory against a French duo, but subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain put them on shaky ground. The pair persevered through the "lucky losers" round, defeating an Australian team and securing their spot in the Round of 16.
The formidable Mol and Sorum, who won gold in the Tokyo Games, proved too strong a barrier for the Americans. The straight-set loss, 21-16, 21-14, highlighted the gulf in experience and skill at this elite level of competition.
A New Chapter in a Celebrated Career
Reflecting on the Olympic experience, Budinger spoke with a sense of awe and accomplishment. "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 types of memories that we'll have," he said.
Born in Carlsbad, Calif., Budinger’s athletic journey has been nothing short of diverse. From professional basketball courts to Olympic beach volleyball venues, his career paths have showcased his ability to adapt and thrive in distinct environments.
When asked about his future, Budinger stated, "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." This hints at the possibility of Budinger’s continued presence in professional sports, though he remains non-committal about long-term plans.
Another American Duo Shines
Elsewhere in the competition, the American spirit remained alive. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their performance offers a glimmer of hope and a sense of continuity for American fans rooting for success on the sands of Paris.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles
The success and participation of American athletes in international competitions offer a promising prelude to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to be held in Santa Monica. With the home advantage, American teams will undoubtedly aim to capitalize on this opportunity to showcase their talents on the world's biggest stage.
The Paris Olympics might not have ended with a medal for Budinger and Evans, but their journey remains a testament to their resilience and the competitive spirit intrinsic to the Olympic ethos. As one chapter closes, the prospects of future endeavors and competitions continue to inspire athletes and fans alike.