American Beach Volleyball Duo's Paris Journey Ends, Eyes Set on Home Turf in 2028
In a remarkable, albeit brief, appearance at the Paris Summer Games, American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans saw their Olympic journey come to an end during the lucky loser stage, where they were defeated by the formidable Norwegian duo Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. This defeat marked the closure of a campaign that began with high hopes and intense preparations.
An Eventful Road to Paris
For Budinger, a former NBA player who spent seven years dazzling basketball fans, the transition to beach volleyball has been nothing short of extraordinary. Partnering with Evans at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, the duo pushed themselves to their limits, eventually earning enough points to compete in Paris just weeks before the Games commenced in June.
The pairing initially shone brightly, securing a victory against France. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain tempered their progress, setting up the do-or-die match against the Norwegians. Despite their best efforts, Budinger and Evans fell short, with the scores of 21-16 and 21-14 reflecting the caliber of their opponents.
Memorable Moments Beneath the Eiffel Tower
One of the highlights of their campaign was playing under the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, a spectacle witnessed by 12,000 fervent fans. The iconic Parisian landmark provided an unforgettable backdrop, adding a layer of magic to an already intense sporting experience.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," remarked Budinger. The sentiment was shared by Evans, who said, "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."
High Praise and Reflections
Even in defeat, the respect from peers and competitors was palpable. Anders Mol, part of the Norwegian pair that ousted the Americans, expressed his admiration for Budinger, stating, "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."
Reflecting on the experience, Evans shared a poignant moment, "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.'" The sense of finality and appreciation for the memories created under the Parisian lights was evident.
Looking Forward to Los Angeles 2028
As they set their sights on future goals, Budinger and Evans see the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 as a significant milestone. The anticipated beach volleyball venue in Santa Monica is expected to provide a home advantage, something the duo is keenly looking forward to. "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," Evans reflected.
Budinger, who will be nearing 40 years old by the time of the next Olympics, remains optimistic about his physical readiness. "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 remarked.
With the Paris Summer Games now behind them, Budinger and Evans have etched their names into the annals of American beach volleyball history, not just for their performance but for the indomitable spirit they displayed. As the sport's enthusiasts await the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the duo’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to dedication, adaptability, and undying sportsmanship.