Chase Budinger's Olympic Journey Culminates in Paris
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw former NBA player Chase Budinger and partner Miles Evans face a formidable challenge in the beach volleyball competition. Despite their efforts and previous successes, the duo's Olympic run ended in the Round of 16. The defending champions from Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, displayed their dominance by defeating Budinger and Evans in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14.
Budinger's transition from basketball to beach volleyball has been anything but conventional. A second-round pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger began his professional basketball career with the Houston Rockets. He later played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before retiring from professional basketball in 2017.
The journey to the Paris Olympics was marked by determination and resilience. Budinger and Evans secured their spot with an impressive ascent in the points rankings, culminating in a qualification win in June. Reflecting on the atmosphere of the event, Budinger shared, "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."
Their Olympic campaign started on a high note with a victory over a French duo. However, subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain set them back. The duo's persistence paid off as they triumphed in the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team, securing their spot in the Round of 16.
Chase Budinger's versatility and athleticism have set him apart in two distinct sports fields. Originating from Carlsbad, California, his career trajectory serves as an inspiration. Reflecting on his athletic journey and prospects, Budinger commented, "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."
While Budinger and Evans' journey in Paris concluded earlier than hoped, the performance of another American men's beach volleyball duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, offered a silver lining. Partain and Benesh advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18.
Looking ahead, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics promises to be another exciting chapter for American beach volleyball. With the event anticipated to be held in Santa Monica, the home soil advantage could offer a unique opportunity for American athletes to shine once again.
Chase Budinger and Miles Evans' run at the 2024 Paris Olympics may have ended in the Round of 16, but their perseverance and dedication left an indelible mark. Budinger's dual-sport legacy continues to inspire, and as he contemplates the future, the memories of Paris will undoubtedly remain a highlight of his remarkable athletic career.