By Humberto Viera
19 Jul 2024, 14:37 PM EDT
Former NBA basketball player Chase Budinger will achieve a unique feat by qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics in a sport other than the one he played for more than 7 years.
Budinger, who played seven seasons in the NBA for teams such as the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns, became the first player in history to go from the NBA to beach volleyball and compete in the Olympic Games, Infobae reported.
The 38-year-old athlete from California began his sports career in volleyball and basketball in high school. Despite excelling in both sports, Budinger decided to focus on basketball, where he was selected in the NBA Draft in 2009.
After a successful career in the NBA, Budinger decided to hang up his basketball boots in 2017 and return to his volleyball roots. In 2018, he made his debut on the AVP Tour and, together with his partner Miles Evans, has positioned himself at number 13 in the world rankings in beach volleyball.
Budinger’s qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics is a historic milestone that demonstrates his versatility and dedication as an athlete. His case joins that of American Keith Erickson, who also played in the NBA and competed in indoor volleyball at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Budinger and Evans will take on the world’s best beach volleyball players at Paris 2024, seeking Olympic glory in a discipline that runs from July 27 to August 10.
Budinger’s story is an inspiring example that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and achieve excellence in different areas. His journey demonstrates that passion, hard work and perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievements.
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