As the 2024 Paris Olympics continues to captivate sports enthusiasts globally, the beach volleyball competition has been nothing short of spectacular. Among the notable stories is that of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, who battled valiantly before being eliminated in the Round of 16. Their journey culminated in a defeat at the hands of Norway's defending champions, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, in straight sets, 21-16 and 21-14.
From Hardwood to Sand
Chase Budinger's presence on the Olympic sand courts is a testament to his versatility and athleticism. Initially making his mark on the basketball court, Budinger was drafted in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. His basketball career also saw him don the jerseys of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns. After retiring from professional basketball in 2017, Budinger transitioned to beach volleyball, a move that surprised many but showcased his multifaceted athletic abilities.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected on his Olympic experience. "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."
Olympic Journey
Budinger and Evans secured their spot at the Paris Olympics in June, having climbed the points rankings with determination and grit. Their campaign commenced with a promising victory over a French duo, setting high hopes for the team. However, they faced tough challenges ahead, losing straight-set matches to teams from the Netherlands and Spain, thereby setting the stage for a crucial "lucky losers" round.
The American duo demonstrated resilience, emerging victorious against an Australian team to advance to the Round of 16. Unfortunately, their journey ended when pitted against Mol and Sorum, who clinched gold at the Tokyo Games and are among the sport's elite.
Challenging the Best
The match against the Norwegian champions showcased Budinger and Evans' tenacity. Despite their efforts, Mol and Sorum displayed their dominance, securing victory in straight sets. The loss pinned an end to Budinger and Evans' Olympic run, but not without earning them respect and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Another highlight for American beach volleyball at the Paris Games was the performance of Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh. The duo showcased their prowess by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in the quarterfinals, winning in straight sets, 21-17 and 21-18, thus continuing the American presence in the competition.
Looking Ahead
While the 2024 Paris Olympics did not see Budinger and Evans reaching the medal rounds, the experience was invaluable. "I'll be old as dirt," joked Budinger, when asked about his future. "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."
As the world turns its eyes to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to take place in the picturesque setting of Santa Monica, the future looks promising for American beach volleyball. With talents like Budinger, Evans, Partain, and Benesh showcasing their skills on the world stage, there’s no doubt that the sport is in good hands.
From Carlsbad, Calif. to the grand sand courts underneath the Eiffel Tower, Chase Budinger's remarkable transition from NBA hardwoods to Olympic sands serves as an inspirational testament to the power of perseverance and passion in sports.