CELEBRATION, Fla. — Late Thursday evening, Brian Bartow of Grants Pass, Ore., set a new Great Outdoor Games record for the fastest 65-foot Speed Climb at the Great Outdoor Games at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Bartow, 26, beat long-time competitor Wade Stewart of British Columbia.

Bartow and Stewart have gotten to know each other extraordinarily well through speed climbing over the years. The two have squared off against one another six times in the finals of the Great Outdoor Games event.

But this year, for the fourth time in five years, Bartow took the gold.

Bartow shook off the memory of last year's loss to Stewart and took the top prize in record-setting fashion. Bartow's time of 12.6 seconds set a new Games record in the contest, according to officials. He bested Stewart's record of 13.171 that was set last year. His previous record in the event was 13.21 seconds, captured in the 2003 final round.

Bartow claims that his familiarity with Stewart played a big part in his victory.

"Knowing how he climbs really helps. We've raced so many times it's not even funny. I know that I can't beat him unless I get a good start up the pole. His bound down the pole is so good. He can catch me on the way down if I don't have a good lead," Bartow said.

Bartow pinned his success on a good start that helped him keep his lead as he leapt his way down to victory. He finished only tenths of a second ahead of Stewart.

Bartow received a $10,000 check for his win in the three runs. He says his winnings will allow him to continue at the University of Oregon for another year.

This is Stewart's seventh medal in the event. He has two golds, three silvers and a bronze.

In the consolation run, youthful Cassidy Sheer of Hayward, Wis., overcame veteran Guy German with an impressive run of 13.5 seconds. Cassidy, just 24 years old, is considered an up-and-coming athlete in the sport. German, 51, of Columbus, Neb., hinted at retirement at last year's event after receiving the bronze medal but returned again for the 2005 Games. He still holds the world record for fastest time in the 100-foot Speed Climb.

Final standings
1. Brian Bartow, Grants Pass, Ore.
2. Wade Stewart, Parksville, British Columbia, Canada
3. Cassidy Scheer, Hayward, Wisc.
4. Guy German, Columbus, Neb.
5. Sean Duffy, Ashland, Wisc.
6. Brandon Hintz, Seabeck, Wash.
7. Dustin Beckwith, Hayward, Wisc.
8. Tony Bush, Kalispell, Mont.

Results (By Round)

Final Round

Brian Bartow 12.600 def Wade Stewart 13.500

Consolation Round

Cassidy Scheer 13.520 def Guy German 14.440

Semi-Final Round

Wade Stewart 13.100 def Cassidy Scheer 13.350
Brian Bartow 13.560 def Guy German 14.130

Quarter-Final Round

Wade Stewart 13.840 def Tony Bush 18.160
Cassidy Scheer 14.050 def Dustin Beckwith 17.350
Brian Bartow 13.830 def Sean Duffy 14.800
Guy German 14.880 def Brandon Hintz 15.730

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