Chase Budinger's Multifaceted Sports Journey Hits Paris
Chase Budinger's diverse athletic career has taken him from the hardwood courts of the NBA to the sands of beach volleyball, culminating in a memorable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite a valiant effort, Budinger and partner Miles Evans saw their Olympic campaign end in the Round of 16.
A Tough Draw in Paris
Budinger and Evans faced the formidable Norwegian duo of Anders Mol and Christian Sorum, the defending champions who claimed gold in the Tokyo Games. The Norwegians showcased why they are the world's best, defeating the American pair in straight sets, 21-16, 21-14. The match underscored the high level of competition at the Olympics and marked the end of Budinger and Evans's spirited run.
Prior to their elimination, Budinger and Evans began their Olympic journey with a victory over a French duo, fueling hopes of a deep tournament run. However, they faced setbacks with subsequent losses to teams from the Netherlands and Spain, both in straight sets. Demonstrating resilience, they won the "lucky losers" round against an Australian team to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
From NBA to Beach Volleyball
Budinger's path to the Olympics is a testament to his athletic versatility. 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 NBA career also saw him suiting up for the Indiana Pacers and the Phoenix Suns. In 2017, he retired from professional basketball, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in beach volleyball.
Reflecting on his experience at the Paris Olympics, Budinger expressed profound appreciation for the event. "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," he shared.
A Grueling Road to Qualification
Qualifying for the Paris Olympics was no small feat for Budinger and Evans. They secured their spot in June after ascending the points rankings, a challenging process that requires consistent performance against elite competition. Their perseverance paid off, allowing them to compete on the world stage and create unforgettable moments.
Budinger, who hails from Carlsbad, California, appears optimistic about his future in the sport. "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 said, hinting at the possibility of continuing his beach volleyball career.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles
The anticipation is already building for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which are expected to be held in Santa Monica. This presents another potential opportunity for Budinger and Evans, and perhaps a chance for redemption on home soil. For now, their focus remains on refining their game and staying competitive on the international circuit.
Meanwhile, American beach volleyball continues to thrive. Another men's duo, Miles Partain and Andrew Benesh, advanced to the quarterfinals in Paris by defeating Italy's Samuele Cottafava and Paolo Nicolai in straight sets, 21-17, 21-18. Their success highlights the depth of talent in American beach volleyball, providing hope for future Olympic success.
Budinger’s journey from an NBA player to an Olympian in beach volleyball is a remarkable one. While the Paris Olympics may not have ended with a podium finish, the experience and memories garnered will surely stay with Budinger and Evans. They remain an inspiring example of athletic dedication and the pursuit of excellence across different sports. As they return home, the lessons learned in Paris will undoubtedly serve as motivation for future competitions. The road to Santa Monica in 2028 may well start now, with eyes firmly set on achieving greatness on the sands of California.