Trailing in fourth place after the first round, Backley launched a throw of 89.95m to set a new Olympic record, but that was still not enough for him to win the elusive gold.

Zelezney responded with 90.17 with his third throw to reclaim the Olympic best and to relegate Backley to second place.

The Czech's third-round throw was delayed by Marion Jones' 100 metre gold medal ceremony, but Zelezny retained his cool and composure to regain the lead. None of the key competitors were able to improve their throws thereafter.

The silver was Backley's third medal in the Olympics following his bronze in Barcelona in 1992 and silver in Atlanta four years ago.

World record holder Zelezny triumphed on both previous occasions and proved too strong today as he responded to Backley taking his Olympic record which he set in Spain.

Backley was understandably disappointed as he spoke immediately after the event.

He said: "I don't know how to feel after that. I performed well and I did exactly what I tried to do.

"I took it to Jan and he responded. He's a true champion.

"I'm obviously disappointed, but in the long run I know I performed well on the biggest day.

"It would have been nice if the record had lasted. I'm just gobsmacked to be honest. I thought 89 metres would be enough, maybe it will be the next time.

Draining

"On my last three throws I felt expended. All my energy was draining, and I felt really flat.

"Jan knew I how I felt - he went through the same thing in 1988 - and said sorry. But I knew I really had a chance - it was the longest competition in my life.

"Now I'll go away and sleep well. I performed the best I could. It's as if I've had my day. It's happened too many times, and I've just got to keep telling myself I can do it.

"Jan's a great competitor and any time it becomes tough he can respond to pressure. When I've trained with him it's been the same. If I'm beating him - throwing the shot, whatever - he'll come back."

But despite missing out on gold himself, Backley still hopes that his British colleagues will triumph.

He said: "It's been a good week so far and it will be a good week. We have lot of gold medal hopes, and I hope that Jonathan, Colin and Denise can come home with gold medals."

Best ever

Zelezny's third consecutive gold confirms his status as the best javelin thrower ever. He was also silver medallist in Seoul in 1988, and world champion in 1993 and 1995.

The world-record holder with 98.48 metres, his best one hundred throws average over 90 metres.

The most recent in a series of shoulder injuries cast doubts over his ability to retain his title in Sydney but he silenced doubters by throwing 89.39 metres with his only effort in Saturday's qualifying.