Crossword Genius

Admired decoration in this clue on prize-winner (8,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

victoria cross

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'admired decoration' is the definition.
'Victoria Cross' can be an answer for 'decoration' (Victoria Cross is an example). I'm not sure about the 'admired' bit.

'this clue on prize-winner' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'winner' could be 'victor' (synonyms) and 'victor' is present in the answer.
'this clue' could be 'across' (I've seen this before) and 'across' is present in the answer.
A single letter 'i' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for victoria cross that I've seen before include "epitome of bravery" , "Highest British military decoration for gallantry" , "award" , "Military medal" , "VC in full" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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