Norwegian Duo Ends American Journey in Paris Summer Games
The journey of American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans came to a bittersweet end at the Paris Summer Games. Their Olympic debut, while marked with memorable moments, ultimately saw them exit the competition at the hands of the Norwegian team of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum.
After an initial victory against France, Budinger and Evans faced tough competition in the subsequent matches. They were unable to overcome teams from the Netherlands and Spain, leading to a decisive showdown in the lucky loser stage against Norway. Though they fought valiantly, the scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of the Norwegians sealed their fate.
The Parisian backdrop offered a breathtaking stage for these athletes. Beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower, the matchup drew an impressive crowd of 12,000 fans, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. "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, reflecting the sentiment of the extraordinary setting.
For Chase Budinger, transitioning from the NBA to Olympic beach volleyball is a journey filled with both challenge and triumph. A former professional basketball player with a seven-year NBA career, Budinger's move to beach volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable. His partner, Miles Evans, shared in the excitement of the experience, saying, "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." Such words underscore the significance of their Olympic campaign, despite its premature conclusion.
Their partnership began at the inception of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, and their resolve paid off as they secured a spot in Paris in the final two weeks leading up to the Games. Although their quest for a medal ended sooner than hoped, the respect and camaraderie among competitors stood out. Norway's Anders Mol expressed admiration for Budinger's athletic journey, 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."
The emotions were palpable as Budinger and Evans took in one last look at their Olympic surroundings. Evans encapsulated the moment poignantly: "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 memories from Paris are set to linger, casting a long shadow over their sports careers.
Looking ahead, both players have their sights set on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball matches are slated for Santa Monica. The anticipation of competing on home soil offers a new horizon. Evans is optimistic, sharing, "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." The prospect of another Olympic journey has kindled a lasting motivation for the duo.
Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years old by the next Olympics, remains pragmatic about his athletic future. He reflected candidly on the challenges ahead: "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."
The Paris Summer Games may not have ended with medals for Budinger and Evans, but their experience has been an enriching chapter in their athletic careers. From their determined qualification run to facing world-class competitors under the Parisian night sky, the duo's unwavering spirit and camaraderie shone through. With eyes now set on Los Angeles, their journey continues, filled with hope and the promise of new memories.