Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Exit Paris Summer Games Amidst Grace and Grit
American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans concluded their inspiring journey at the Paris Summer Games, exiting at the lucky loser stage after a thrilling match against the formidable Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. Despite their elimination, the pair left an indelible mark on the tournament and plan to roar back for more.
The initial triumph against France in their opening match hinted at a promising campaign. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain tested their resolve. In their final bout against Norway, Mol and Sorum displayed impeccable prowess, winning with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
"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 significance of his Olympic endeavor. For the 35-year-old former NBA player, this journey from basketball courts to beach volleyball sands has been nothing short of remarkable.
Budinger, who spent seven years dazzling on NBA courts, partnered with Evans at the onset of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Their collaboration bore fruit in the final weeks of June, securing them enough points to compete in the Paris Games. The grounds beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, where they played before a spirited crowd of 12,000 fans, added a unique spectacle to their narrative.
Evans echoed Budinger’s sentiments on the unparalleled experience. "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." The duo took a moment to soak in the grandeur, knowing the rarity of such an opportunity. "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 added, encapsulating the emotional gravity of the moment.
The Norwegian victors too had high praise for Budinger. "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 expressed, acknowledging the unique pathway Budinger ventured.
Both Budinger and Evans are not resting on their laurels. Their eyes are set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for the iconic shores of Santa Monica. Evans is already looking forward, saying, "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."
Budinger, approaching 40 hours by the 2028 Olympics, remains hopeful yet pragmatic about his future. "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." His determination to push the limits of his athleticism stands testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
The Paris Summer Games may have seen their exit, but for Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, the journey is far from over. With heartfelt memories and lessons learned, they stand as beacons of inspiration, symbolizing resilience, adaptability, and the undying spirit of sportsmanship.