American Volleyball Duo Exits Paris Games with Heads Held High
American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans made a notable exit from the Paris Summer Games after a thrilling but challenging journey. The duo's adventure culminated in the "lucky loser" stage, where they faced a formidable Norwegian pair Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The match concluded with Norway claiming victory, scoring 21-16 and 21-14.
The road to this point was paved with highs and lows for Budinger and Evans. Their initial match against France saw them emerge victorious, giving them a promising start. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain placed them in a precarious position. Despite their best efforts, their encounter with Norway marked the end of their Olympic journey.
Chase Budinger is no stranger to the world of professional sports. A former NBA player, Budinger spent seven years in the league before transitioning to beach volleyball. His partnership with Miles Evans began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season—a collaboration driven by a shared goal and determination. Their efforts paid off in the final two weeks of June, just enough to earn them a spot in Paris.
Competing beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower was a unique experience for the pair, one that drew a crowd of 12,000 fans. Playing in such an environment was a memorable highlight for Budinger. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," he reflected. Evans echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the impact of the setting and the occasion. "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," Evans enthused.
The respect Budinger garnered wasn't limited to his moments on the sand. Norwegian player Anders Mol expressed his admiration for Budinger's athletic journey. "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 shared.
Despite their exit, Budinger and Evans took a moment to soak in the atmosphere before departing the venue. "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 recalled. The duo leaves with not just memories, but also lessons and experiences that will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors.
Looking ahead, both athletes have their sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for Santa Monica. Budinger acknowledges the challenge of time but remains optimistic about his prospects. "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 commented. Evans also holds a positive outlook for the future. "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," he affirmed.
For Budinger and Evans, the experience in Paris was more than just a series of matches; it was an opportunity to create indelible memories and elevate their game on an international stage. As they turn their attention to future competitions, the pair will carry with them the resilience and spirit they showcased in Paris. Their journey may have concluded at these Games, but the story of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans in beach volleyball is far from over.