As a competitor, we’re told, is getting there (7)
I believe the answer is:
arrival
'we're told is getting there' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'as a competitor' is the wordplay.
'as' becomes 'ar' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a competitor' becomes 'rival' (synonyms).
'ar'+'rival'='ARRIVAL'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for arrival that I've seen before include "Entry" , "Coming - comer" , "Attainment of destination" , "Act of coming" , "Advent" .)