CELEBRATION, Fla. — If you are a fan of the Big Air competition, get used to the names Chris Piacun and his black Lab, Beau. Considered up-and-comers in the sport, Piacun and Beau took home the gold in the Big Air competition on the strength of a dominating final-day performance at the Great Outdoor Games presented by Dodge.

Beau started the day with a personal-best jump of 25 feet, 2 inches to move into the final round. The finals on Sunday pitted Piacun and Beau against Dean Skilman of Lamberville, Mich., and his retriever, Wylie. Beau's first jump of 24 feet, 7 inches during the final round was good enough to seal the victory as Wylie couldn't match that distance in two jumps.

	Chris Piacun and Beau won the Big Air gold medal.

"I was a lot less nervous this time," said Piacun, of Metairie, La., after his second appearance at the Games. "We stayed real focused out there, and we put it all together for this tournament. This is absolutely incredible."

Piacun's path to the finals included a defeat of two-time winners of the Big Air competition and perennial contenders, Mike Jackson and Little Morgan of Shakopee, Minn. In a competition that rewards consistency, Piacun was most happy with his ability to execute a productive jump each round.

"It was a very consistent performance for us," Piacun said. "I would have to say that this is our best performance ever. I just couldn't be happier right now."

Piacun's reward is the medal and the $10,000 prize that comes along with first place, while Beau was to dine on only the finest Sunday night. "He loves filet mignon, and you can be sure he will get it tonight," Piacun said after the competition. "In fact, the whole family will be eating filet tonight."

Although Wylie finished second, Skilman said he was still pleased with the performance. Most important to Skilman is that he won't have to qualify for next year's Games and will compete on the strength of this second-place finish.

"Second place is fine with me," Skilman said. "When you get beat by such amazing jumps, it is hard to be disappointed. Beau showed up, and he was the big dog today."

But in perhaps the best indicator that second place isn't quite as good as first, Skilman said he would be feeding Wylie meat as well: ribeye.

Taking the bronze medal was Robert Barnhill of Folsom, Calif., and his Labrador retriever, Sisko.

Final standings

1. Chris Piacun, Beau — Metairie, La.
2. Dean Skilman, Wylie — Lamberville, Mich.
3. Robert Barnhill, Sisko — Folsom, Calif.
4. Mike Ziler, Gunner Boy — Kingsport, Tenn.
5. Ken Butler, Sly — Tulsa, Okla.
6. Mike Jackson, Little Morgan — Shakopee, Minn.
7. Nadja Palenzuela, Clementine — Pittsfield, Mass.
8. Robert Mallory, Sir Jackson — Austin, Minn.
9. Rob Nygren, Cheyenne — Marinette, Wis.
10. Milt Wilcox, Sparky — Huntington Woods, Mich.
11. Jon Hannegrefs, Harley — Mankato, Minn.
12. Becky Havlinek, Autumn — Manitowoc, Wis.

The Games will be aired on ESPN and ABC Sports July 13-17, 2005. Click here for the broadcast schedule.