On the last day, it was a battle between two stalwarts of old Europe. So many events of these Games have beaten to the sound of home drums or were simply obliterated by America's inevitable medal sweep. But as the great stadium fell silent sports fever was still pulsing in a dark old corner of Darling Harbour. The volleyball centre is situated behind an old Sunday market spot and as hundreds of families strolled in the sun, Yugoslavia and Russia leaped and blocked for glory.

The teams that met on the very first day in the preliminary round were the last two standing, battling for gold. Yugoslavia's rise as a power in volleyball has startled the traditionally powerful nations. In Atlanta four years ago they came from nothing to claim a bronze medal and two years ago were runners-up in the world champions.

Although they came into the Olympics with a ranking of six, many countries were expecting them to make a serious run at gold this time. So it went.

After their defeat of the highly-regarded Italians in the semi-final, the Yugoslavs came into this final with unshakeable momentum. They have few individual stars but play with unyielding support for one another, epitomised by the central dynamic, the Gribic brothers, who are cult figures in the sport.

After losing the first set narrowly (2225), the Russian's conviction seemed to ebb with every play and although they stayed with their opponents, it was the Yugoslavs that made the inspiring plays. The moment that broke their spirit occurred in the third set when Vladimir Gribic, the team's emotional force, went chasing a lost and dropping ball. Sprinting at full tilt towards the advertising boarding, he got a fist to the ball in mid air and sent it looping back towards his team-mates. Two touches later, the ball was set for a smash and it was Gribic that came thundering back into court to sent the ball bulleting beyond the Russians for a point. That put Yugoslavia up 16-12 and from the service Djula Mester blocked the Russian return, creating a gap that would never be closed.

The Yugoslav fans scattered around the gloomy indoor theatre had begun celebrating before their team had even reached match point. And there were no near shocks. The Yusoglavs had five match points and took gold on their second attempt. "People have been fighting for the gold for the past 3,000 years in Olympics. I feel it was a very good goal for us and it is hard to know what is in the future now after winning gold," said Zoran Gajic, the Yugoslav head coach.

They were among the last of the 2000 Olympians to receive their medals but they celebrated euphorically, showering their fans with shorts, Tee-shirts and boots. All around them, there was a sense of closure. Most of the TV screens, after showing two weeks of round the clock sport, were blank. Catering staff were washing down the tables for the last time. As with so many of the indoor venues, the seats were mostly vacant by the time the athletes returned for ceremony. Spirits weren't dampened though.

"I think I will be the happiest man in the world when I return to my country," declared Nikola Gribic.

Those blessed few were uttering similar statements all across the city. The Yugolslavs hung around the court for an age and then disappeared, clutching gold.