CELEBRATION, Fla — In the history of Big Air events, only a handful of dogs have hit the 24-foot mark. At the Great Outdoor Games in Celebration, Fla., an unknown rookie named Sisko from California easily hit that mark in the qualifying round. In the quarterfinals, the four-year-old Pointer-Labrador mix beat his personal best by three inches.

Once an underdog to compete at any level, now Sisko is the favorite for Games gold.

When Sisko was just 14-months old, he suffered a broken femur and barely survived being run over by a car. His recovery was a long one but owner Robert Barnhill patiently nursed him back to health. He raised Sisko as a hunting dog to point upland birds and retrieve waterfowl.

It wasn't until January 2005 that the pair began entering dog-jumping competitions. These events are just starting to gain popularity on the West coast. "I hadn't ever heard of it until I saw it on ESPN last summer," Barnhill said. Within four months of their first competition, Sisko's average jump distance increased from 18 to 22 feet.

"It all depends on the quality of the toss I give him," said Barnhill following the 24-foot, 3-inch jump. "I'm always working on improving my toss, and as I figure it out, he'll just keep jumping farther and farther."

The world record stands at 26 feet, 6 inches and was set by a black Labrador named Little Morgan.

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

This article on the Great Outdoor Games 2005 Web site is brought to you by the editors of Field & Stream and Outdoor Life. For more information, visit www.fieldandstream.com and www.outdoorlife.com.