Under the illuminated Eiffel Tower, American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans gave a spirited performance at the Paris Summer Games. Despite their valiant efforts, the pair exited the tournament after facing a formidable Norwegian team comprising Anders Mol and Christian Sorum in the lucky loser stage.
A Rollercoaster Journey
The path to Paris for Budinger and Evans was marked by both triumph and heartache. They started strong, capturing victory against France in their initial match. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain pushed them into a precarious position. The encounter with the Norwegian team saw them succumb with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
The match beneath the Eiffel Tower, attended by 12,000 enthusiastic fans, epitomized the peak of their current journey. For Budinger, a former NBA player with seven years under his belt, this experience stood out as one of the highlights of his athletic career. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," he remarked.
From Hardwood to Sand
Chase Budinger's transition from the NBA to beach volleyball is a testament to his athletic prowess and determination. Despite the stark differences between basketball and beach volleyball, Budinger adapted remarkably well. Norwegian player Anders Mol expressed his admiration, saying, "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."
Budinger and Evans' partnership began at the onset of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Their persistent efforts eventually earned them enough points to compete in Paris, securing their spot only in the final two weeks of June before the Games began.
Moments to Cherish
For Miles Evans, the Olympic experience surpassed all expectations. "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," he exclaimed.
The duo took moments to soak in the unique atmosphere, aware of the lasting impact of their experience. "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 shared.
Despite their short-lived stint in Paris, the memories forged under the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower left an indelible mark. Reflecting on the experience, Budinger added, "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have."
Looking Ahead
As they set their sights on future aspirations, Budinger and Evans are already eyeing the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. The iconic Santa Monica beach stands as the prospective venue for the beach volleyball events. This setting, mixed with the anticipated support of a home crowd, fuels their ambition for another shot at Olympic glory.
Evans is optimistic about what lies ahead. "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 noted. Meanwhile, Budinger, who will be nearing 40 by then, remains cautiously optimistic about his physical condition. "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 stated.
In conclusion, their journey at the Paris Games might have ended sooner than they hoped, but the foundation for future success and unforgettable memories has been solidified. With determination in their hearts and an unwavering spirit, Budinger and Evans remain poised for what the future holds in their beach volleyball careers.