Any team that goes all the way in a Swatch–FIVB World Tour event deserves the utmost of respect and that’s just what Dutch duo Rebekka Kadijk and Marrit Leenstra have been receiving from opponents and fans alike since they surprised all concerned by claiming gold at the 2003 Chinese Open in Lianyungang.

As the rain continued to dampen the tournament sands following the Netherlands’ win, a rain soaked and delighted Kadijk enthused: "I've never heard the Dutch national anthem being played for us before so that was a special moment, especially for my mum as it has always been her dream," she said.

The Dutch girls’ main asset is their versatility. Where most teams have a tall player dominating at the net while their smaller, more agile teammate takes care of the backcourt, Kadijk and Leenstra differ. They are both of a similar stature and build and both equally proficient on the spike or the dig.

While Kadijk has plenty of World Tour experience, making her debut in 1997 playing with Debora Schoon Kadijk, Leenstra, a FIVB Women’s Athletes Representative, has only been on the World Tour since teaming up with Kadijk. Their record since 2001 has been improving year on year up to that first World Tour triumph last season and the prospects of even better things to come in 2004 look very good.