A champion is the winner of a competition or the best person or team in a sport or contest. It can also mean someone who strongly supports or defends a cause or another person.
From Old French 'champion' meaning 'warrior, combatant', from Late Latin 'campio' meaning 'fighter in the field', from 'campus' meaning 'field'. Champions were originally those who fought on behalf of others.
Before it meant 'winner', a champion was literally a field fighter who battled for someone else’s cause. So when you 'champion' an idea today, you’re stepping into a very old role: the person who fights on behalf of something bigger.
Historically, “champion” in English and related languages often referred to male combatants or sportsmen, reflecting male‑dominated arenas like jousting and early professional sport. Over time, the term broadened to include advocates and winners of any gender, but older media and records often implicitly defaulted to men unless “women’s champion” was specified.
Use “champion” as a gender‑neutral noun or verb, and avoid unnecessary gender marking unless context requires it (e.g., specific competition categories).
["winner","title holder","advocate","supporter","proponent"]
When discussing champions in science, sport, or activism, be explicit in naming women and non‑binary champions whose achievements were historically under‑reported.
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