noun

a person who has surpassed all rivals in a sporting contest or other competition.

a champion hurdler

winner,title-holder,defending champion,gold medallist,prizewinner,cup winner,victor,conqueror,victor ludorum,titlist,champ,top dog,number one

verb

vigorously support or defend the cause of.

he championed the rights of the working class and the poor

advocate,promote,plead for,hold a torch for,defend,protect,uphold,support,back,espouse,ally oneself with,stand behind,stand up for,take someone’s part,campaign for,lobby for,fight for,battle for,crusade for,take up the cudgels for,propose,sponsor,vouch for,second,stick up for,throw one’s weight behind,plug

adjective

excellent.

‘Thank ye, lad,’ the farmer said. ‘That’s champion.’