Athlete depicted as Roman (7)
I believe the answer is:
oarsman
'athlete' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'depicted as roman' is the wordplay.
'depicted' is an anagram indicator (letters presented or depicted in a new form).
'as'+'roman'='asroman'
'asroman' anagrammed gives 'OARSMAN'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for oarsman that I've seen before include "One in a row" , "A male small boat propeller" , "It's bordered by Libya and France" , "Member of rowing crew" , "One in an eight?" .)