In a memorable yet challenging beach volleyball campaign, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans were eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their journey came to an end at the hands of Norway’s dynamic duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, with the match concluding in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14. For Budinger, a former NBA player who transitioned to beach volleyball, the experience was both humbling and exhilarating.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger reflected. "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 type of memories that we'll have."
Chase Budinger’s sporting journey has been nothing short of fascinating. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, he began his professional basketball career with the Houston Rockets. He later moved to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012, and had stints with the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns before retiring from professional basketball in 2017. The transition to beach volleyball has clearly paid off, exemplified by their qualification for the Paris Olympics in June.
The path to Paris wasn’t straightforward. Budinger and Evans steadily climbed the points rankings to secure their Olympic berth. Their campaign started on a high note with a victory over a French duo, but subsequent defeats by teams from the Netherlands and Spain tested their resolve. Despite these setbacks, they battled through, winning the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team and securing their place in the Round of 16.
Intensity and competition have defined Budinger's athletic endeavors. However, facing Mol and Sorum, the defending champions who clinched gold at the Tokyo Games, was an incomparable challenge. The Norwegian pair once again demonstrated their dominance on the sand, showcasing the skills that have made them formidable opponents in the world of beach volleyball.
As Budinger moves forward, his approach to the rigors of professional sports remains pragmatic. "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, recognizing the physical demands that accompany an elite sporting career even as his love for the game endures.
While Budinger and Evans' journey ended earlier than hoped, another American men’s beach volleyball team made a mark in Paris. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals, triumphing over Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their progress is a bright spot amid the tough competition that the American teams faced in this year’s Olympics.
Chase Budinger hails from Carlsbad, California, a fact that highlights the diverse athletic talent emanating from the region. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, many are already anticipating stellar performances, and Santa Monica is slated to be a key venue for beach volleyball.
As a seasoned athlete who has successfully transitioned from one sport to another, Budinger's resolve and adaptability continue to inspire. Whether on the hard court or the sandy beaches, his dedication to excellence remains evident. The memories forged in Paris, beneath the iconic lights of the Eiffel Tower, will undoubtedly be cherished, standing as a testament to the relentless pursuit of sporting excellence.