Chase Budinger, a former NBA player, and Miles Evans found themselves facing tough competition in the lucky loser stage of beach volleyball in Paris. Despite starting their Summer Games journey with a victory over France, the American duo fell short against the Netherlands and Spain. Their hopes of reaching the round of 16 depended on a win against Norway’s Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, the defending gold medalists from Tokyo. Unfortunately, Budinger and Evans were defeated 21-16, 21-14, marking the end of their Olympic run.
Reflecting on their Olympic experience, Budinger expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious stage. As a former high school basketball and volleyball standout who transitioned to a successful NBA career before venturing into beach volleyball, Budinger highlighted the unique atmosphere of the Olympics. Playing under the lights near the sparkling Eiffel Tower, surrounded by a cheering crowd of 12,000 spectators, Budinger described the experience as incomparable to any other in his athletic career.
Budinger and Evans’ partnership in beach volleyball was a longshot from the beginning. It wasn’t until the final two weeks of the two-year Olympic qualifying season that they secured their spot in Paris. Despite the odds against them, the duo proved their resilience and determination. Norwegian player Mol commended Budinger for his versatility, transitioning from the NBA to beach volleyball at an elite level. The journey from professional basketball to Olympic beach volleyball is a testament to Budinger’s athletic prowess and dedication.
As Budinger and Evans bid farewell to the sand in Paris, they reflected on the highs and lows of their Olympic journey. Standing together one last time before departing, they soaked in the magnitude of the moment. Evans expressed his awe at the experience, describing it as the coolest thing he had ever done in his life. The duo hopes to qualify for the 2028 Olympics, aiming to create more lasting memories on the Olympic stage. Despite the added pressure of representing their country, Budinger and Evans remain hopeful for future opportunities in beach volleyball.
If Budinger and Evans make a return to the 2028 Games, they will have the advantage of competing on home soil in Los Angeles. With the beach volleyball venue in Santa Monica, situated conveniently between Budinger’s hometown in Carlsbad and Evans’ in Santa Barbara, the American duo could potentially have the support of a home crowd. While Budinger acknowledges the challenges of aging in a physically demanding sport like beach volleyball, he remains optimistic about his ability to continue competing at a high level. The prospect of representing the United States once again on the Olympic stage remains a driving force for Budinger and Evans.
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