American Beach Volleyball Duo Reflects on Paris Experience
With high hopes and a fighting spirit, American beach volleyball players Chase Budinger and Miles Evans left a lasting impression at the Paris Summer Games, despite their exit in the lucky loser stage. Their journey was marked by notable highs and challenging lows, ultimately falling short against top-tier competition.
The American pair began their Olympic campaign with a strong victory over France, instilling hope for a deep run. However, subsequent losses to the Netherlands and Spain put them in a precarious position. Their fate was sealed when they faced the formidable Norwegian duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, in the lucky loser stage, losing decisively with scores of 21-16 and 21-14.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, Budinger, a former NBA player, expressed a deep sense of pride. "Playing in the Olympics, playing in this venue, will definitely be up there with some of my greatest basketball moments, for sure," Budinger stated. His transition from the hardwood to the sand is noteworthy, as he spent seven years in the NBA before embarking on his beach volleyball journey.
Evans, equally elated, shared his enthusiasm about the unique atmosphere in Paris. "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. The electric ambiance beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower, with a crowd of 12,000 fans cheering, created an unforgettable experience for the duo.
The partnership between Budinger and Evans began at the start of the two-year Olympic qualifying season. Their road to Paris was not an easy one, earning enough points to qualify only in the final two weeks of June before the Games. This achievement speaks volumes about their determination and commitment to the sport.
Norwegian player Anders Mol, who played a role in ending their Paris quest, offered high praise for Budinger's athleticism and versatility. "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," Mol commented.
For Budinger and Evans, the memories from Paris will be cherished for years to come. Evans poignantly described a moment of reflection they shared. "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 said. The sentiment highlights the significance of their Olympic experience, one that transcends the realm of athletic competition.
Looking towards the future, the duo has set their sights on the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, where the beach volleyball venue will be staged in Santa Monica. Budinger, who will be approaching 40 years old by then, remains 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 shared.
For now, the memories and experiences from Paris stand as a testament to their dedication and passion for the sport. Evans summed up their aspirations perfectly: "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."
The legacy of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering love for competition. As they prepare for future challenges, their story continues to inspire athletes across different disciplines, proving that with determination and hard work, the boundaries of what is possible can always be pushed further.