Chase Budinger and Miles Evans Fall to Norway's Mol and Sorum in Paris Olympic Beach Volleyball Round of 16
In an exhilarating yet challenging campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans' journey in the beach volleyball competition ended in the Round of 16. They were outplayed by Norway's formidable duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, who took the match in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
Mol and Sorum, the defending champions from the Tokyo Games, demonstrated their dominance on the sand, leaving Budinger and Evans to reflect on a journey that saw both triumphs and setbacks. “Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure. 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 type of memories that we'll have,” Budinger shared, emphasizing the unique nature of the Olympic experience.
Journey to Paris
Budinger, who hails from Carlsbad, Calif., and Evans earned their ticket to the Paris Olympics through a rigorous qualification process. In June, their persistence and skill paid off as they climbed the points rankings, securing a spot among the world’s elite beach volleyball teams. The duo began their Olympic campaign with a promising victory over a French pair, igniting hopes for a deep run in the tournament.
However, subsequent matches presented tough challenges. They fell to teams from the Netherlands and Spain in straight sets, making their path to the knockout stages more arduous. Yet, their resilience shone through as they battled past an Australian team in the "lucky losers" round, securing their place in the Round of 16.
A Career Transition
Budinger's journey to the Olympic beach volleyball arena is particularly noteworthy given his previous career as a professional basketball player. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger initially played for the Houston Rockets before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. His career later saw him don the jerseys of the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns before retiring from professional basketball in 2017.
The transition to beach volleyball post-retirement was a significant shift, but it allowed Budinger to continue pursuing excellence in professional sports. Reflecting on the physical demands of beach volleyball, he remarked, "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."
The American Contingent
While Budinger and Evans faced disappointment, there was a glimmer of hope for American beach volleyball in Paris. Another American men's duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, achieved a notable victory, advancing to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their performance keeps American hopes alive for a medal in the men's beach volleyball event.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 Paris Olympics progress, fans can anticipate the next major beach volleyball spectacle on American soil. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are anticipated to be held in the iconic Santa Monica, offering another opportunity for Budinger, Evans, and other aspiring American athletes to compete at the highest level in front of a home crowd. Until then, Budinger and Evans will likely continue to fine-tune their skills on the sand, aiming for future successes and perhaps an even stronger showing in 2028.
Even in defeat, Budinger and Evans' journey to Paris has been an inspiring tale of determination, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of Olympic dreams. Their story is a testament to the spirit of competition and the enduring allure of the Games, no matter the sport.