American Beach Volleyball Duo's Olympic Journey Ends in Paris
In an intense showdown beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their dreams for the Paris Summer Games come to a close. The duo, who formed a partnership at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, exited after a hard-fought match against the Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
The Americans' path through the tournament had its moments of triumph and heartbreak. Budinger and Evans began their Olympic journey with a victory against France, but subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain placed them in the precarious lucky loser stage. It was here that they faced the might of Norway, ultimately succumbing with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
Despite the defeat, the experience left an indelible mark on both athletes. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected, highlighting the magnitude of the occasion. Evans echoed these sentiments, expressing awe and gratitude for the opportunity: "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."
Chase Budinger's story is particularly remarkable. A former NBA player who spent seven years in the league, Budinger transitioned to beach volleyball and has demonstrated exceptional versatility and athleticism. His journey from the hardwood to the sand did not go unnoticed. Anders Mol, one half of the victorious Norwegian duo, admired Budinger's feat: "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."
Among the many highlights of their Olympic experience was competing in a venue that was nothing short of breathtaking. Playing under the lights of a sparkling Eiffel Tower, before 12,000 passionate fans, created memories that the pair will cherish forever. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger remarked.
The journey to qualify for the Paris Games was anything but easy. Only in the final two weeks of June did Budinger and Evans secure enough points to earn their spot. Their perseverance and determination culminated in a unique and unforgettable experience on one of the world's most famous stages. As their campaign concluded, the duo took a moment to absorb the atmosphere. "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 said, capturing the bittersweet nature of their exit.
Looking forward, the pair has their eyes set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica. Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years old by then, remains optimistic about his future in the sport despite the challenges that come with age. "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 stated.
Evans, too, is motivated by the prospect of competing on home soil. "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," he reflected.
For Budinger and Evans, the Paris Summer Games represented more than just a competition. It was a culmination of years of hard work and a testament to their resilience and passion for beach volleyball. As they look ahead to future opportunities, the memories and experiences of playing under the Eiffel Tower will undoubtedly fuel their drive to succeed.