Under the enchanting lights of the Eiffel Tower, American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans experienced an electrifying yet bittersweet journey at the Paris Summer Games. The pair, who began their partnership at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season, showcased their impressive skills but ultimately bowed out in the lucky loser stage after a string of challenging matches.
An NBA Star on the Sand
Chase Budinger, a former NBA player with a seven-year career on the hardwood, transitioned to the gritty sands of beach volleyball, a feat that garnered respect from competitors and fans alike. "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," remarked Norwegian opponent Anders Mol. "It's really cool. I have so much respect for that journey."
The Budinger-Evans duo earned their spot in Paris in the final stretch of the qualifying rounds, collecting crucial points in the final two weeks of June before the Games. This momentum carried them into their initial match against France, where they clinched a victory, setting a promising tone.
Facing Formidable Foes
However, their Olympic dreams encountered turbulence against tougher opposition. They faced defeats at the hands of the Netherlands and Spain, which set them up for a showdown against the Norwegian pair of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum in the lucky loser stage. The match was intense and hard-fought, yet Mol and Sorum prevailed with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
"Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," reflected Budinger. Despite the loss, the experience of competing beneath one of the world's most iconic landmarks left an indelible mark on both players. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger continued.
Memories Amidst the Magic
Miles Evans echoed this sentiment, expressing a deep appreciation for the Olympic stage. "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 said. The atmosphere was electric, with 12,000 fans in attendance, amplifying the intensity and emotion of the competition.
Before departing the court, Evans and Budinger took a moment to absorb their surroundings. "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. Such reflections underscore the human element of sports - the fleeting, yet profound, moments that players cherish beyond victories and defeats.
Eyes on the Future
Looking ahead, Budinger and Evans are already casting their sights on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball venue is planned for the iconic Santa Monica. While Budinger will be approaching 40 years old by then, he remains optimistic. "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.
The duo's journey in Paris may have ended sooner than hoped, but the memories and experiences forged in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower will endure. "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," concluded Evans.
For Budinger and Evans, the Paris Summer Games represented not just a competition but a milestone in their athletic careers. Their journey from NBA arenas and qualification scrambles to the grandeur of the Olympics underlines the dedication and spirit inherent in the pursuit of athletic excellence. As they continue to train and aspire for future Olympic glory, their Parisian adventure will undoubtedly serve as both a motivating memory and a cherished souvenir of their sporting lives.