Chase Budinger's latest athletic journey in the 2024 Paris Olympics ended in the Round of 16, where he and his beach volleyball partner, Miles Evans, succumbed to Norway’s formidable duo, Anders Mol and Christian Sorum. The match concluded in straight sets, with the defending champions triumphing 21-16, 21-14, but Budinger remains filled with unforgettable memories.
Budinger, who transitioned from professional basketball to beach volleyball, has continually showcased his versatile athletic prowess. Selected in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, Budinger's basketball career spanned successful stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and Phoenix Suns before he retired from the sport in 2017.
This pivot to beach volleyball seemingly reached its zenith as Budinger and Evans clinched a spot in the Paris Olympics by ascending the points rankings. Their campaign began spiritedly, with an early victory over a French duo. However, subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain threatened to end their Olympic dreams prematurely. The duo persevered, notably excelling in the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team, which finally secured their placement in the Round of 16.
Reflecting on his Olympic experience, 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."
Transition from Hardwood to Sand
Budinger's switch from basketball courts to sandy beaches has been nothing short of remarkable. An athlete who excelled under the spotlight of the NBA found similar thrills at the Paris Olympics, a venue basking in the shadow of the iconic Eiffel Tower. His physical prowess and competitive spirit were tested by some of the world's finest beach volleyball talents, including the reigning champions Mol and Sorum, who had previously clinched gold at the Tokyo Games.
A Legacy Continues
Budinger's career trajectory has often been driven by his body's resilience and performance levels. Even now, he remains open to future possibilities, stating, "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." This perspective leaves room for speculation about what might come next for the athlete from Carlsbad, Calif.
The beach volleyball action in Paris also saw contrasting fortunes for another American men's duo. Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh showcased their fortitude by advancing to the quarterfinals with a straight-set victory over Italy’s Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai, winning 21-17, 21-18. Their progress highlights the broader success of the American contingent in this Olympic discipline.
Eyes on 2028
As Budinger and Evans reflect on their Olympic journey in Paris, the excitement begins to build for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, anticipated to be held in the iconic Santa Monica. For American beach volleyball and its athletes, the pursuit of excellence continues, blending the nostalgia of past glories with the promise of future triumphs. Budinger, with his storied background and competitive spirit, symbolizes this intertwined legacy of relentless ambition and athletic evolution.
Ultimately, Chase Budinger's adventure in Paris serves as a testament to his adaptability and enduring passion for sports. While his Round of 16 exit marks the end of this chapter, it undoubtedly underscores the heights achieved and the memories created along the way.