Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, the American men's beach volleyball team, saw their 2024 Paris Olympics journey come to an end in the Round of 16. The pair faced a formidable challenge in the defending champions from Norway and fell in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
After the defeat, Chase Budinger reflected on his Olympic experience, drawing parallels between his current career and his past exploits on the basketball court. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger said. "My first couple of matches, stepping onto the court with 12,000 people cheering ... it was just an incredible atmosphere. Playing underneath the lights, underneath the Eiffel Tower, which was sparkling -- you can't replicate these types of memories that we'll have."
Career Transition from Hardwood to Sand
Before Budinger ventured into beach volleyball, he was a professional basketball player. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, he started his career with the Houston Rockets. He was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012, later playing for the Indiana Pacers and the Phoenix Suns before retiring from professional basketball in 2017. The competitive spirit never waned for Budinger, who transitioned into beach volleyball to continue his athletic journey.
Road to Paris Olympics
Qualifying for the Paris Olympics was no small feat for Budinger and Evans. They secured their place in June, ascending the points rankings carefully. Their Olympic campaign began on a high note with a victory over a French duo, providing a taste of triumph on one of the world's grandest stages. However, the competition ramped up quickly. Subsequent matches against teams from the Netherlands and Spain resulted in straight-set losses, which meant it all came down to the "lucky losers" round.
In a high-stakes showdown, Budinger and Evans clinched their spot in the Round of 16 by overcoming an Australian team. Unfortunately, their Olympic dreams were dashed by Mol and Sorum, the gold medalists from the Tokyo Games, who once again showed their superiority on the sand.
A Look at the Future
Reflecting on his future in the sport, Budinger expressed pragmatism about his career longevity. "I'll be old as dirt," he joked, acknowledging the inevitable physical toll competitive sports demand. "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."
American Volleyball's Bright Spots
While Budinger and Evans faced disappointment, there was cause for celebration elsewhere in the American camp. Another U.S. men's beach volleyball duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, delivered an impressive performance by advancing to the quarterfinals. They defeated Italy’s Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028
As the 2024 Olympics draw to a close, thoughts inevitably turn to the future, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon. Anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, the event will provide another opportunity for American athletes to shine on home soil. For Budinger, originally from Carlsbad, California, the LA Games could serve as a fitting stage for another Olympic bid, health permitting.
Whether or not Budinger continues his Olympic pursuits, his journey from the NBA to the sands of Paris stands as a testament to athletic adaptability and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As he and Evans reflect on their Paris campaign, they hold memories that few can replicate—stepping onto an Olympic court with the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background, each serve and spike a new chapter in their storied careers.