American beach volleyball duo Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, who made an impressive run at the Paris Summer Games, saw their Olympic journey come to an end. The dynamic team faced the formidable Norwegian pair Anders Mol and Christian Sorum in the lucky loser stage, bowing out with set scores of 21-16 and 21-14 in favor of Norway. This defeat marked the conclusion of their spirited campaign, which began with high hopes and memorable moments.
A Bold Beginning
Budinger, a former NBA player who enjoyed a seven-year career in professional basketball, and Evans forged their partnership at the onset of the Olympic qualifying season. With determination and synergy, they amassed the necessary points to earn a spot in Paris, achieving this feat in the final stretch of June, mere weeks before the Games began. Their initial victory against the French team spurred optimism, but subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain placed them in a precarious position heading into the match against the formidable Norwegians.
The stage for their final showdown was set beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower, a spectacle that drew a crowd of 12,000 fervent fans. Reflecting on the experience, Budinger expressed, "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure." Indeed, the grandeur of the setting and the significance of the occasion were not lost on the former NBA star.
Challenges and Triumphs
Their journey through the Olympic qualifiers was as much about personal growth as it was about athletic prowess. "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 remarked, encapsulating the duo's sentiments regarding their Olympic adventure. For Budinger, the transition from the NBA's hardwood courts to beach volleyball's sandy arenas is a testament to his versatility and athleticism, a fact not lost on their opponents.
"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," praised Anders Mol, Mol's words underscoring the unique and arduous path Budinger has navigated.
Memories and Reflections
The match under the Eiffel Tower was more than a competitive event—it was a defining moment filled with shared memories and poignant reflections. "Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling – you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have," Budinger noted. For Evans, the experience was equally profound. "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,'" he shared, emphasizing the emotional weight of the encounter.
While their journey in Paris ended sooner than hoped, their sights are already set on the horizon ahead. Both athletes expressed enthusiasm for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where they envision competing in Santa Monica. "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," Evans declared, his optimism and determination evident.
As Budinger reflects on his athletic career and future prospects, he remains pragmatic yet hopeful. "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 acknowledged, highlighting the balancing act every athlete must perform as they advance in age.
The journey of Budinger and Evans in Paris stands as a remarkable chapter in their athletic careers, punctuated by moments of joy, challenge, and camaraderie. With their eyes set on future competitions and the lessons of the current Games in their hearts, they embody the spirit of perseverance and the enduring allure of the Olympic dream.