Climber securing a fast time is the object of admiration (9)
I believe the answer is:
valentine
'the object of admiration' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'climber securing a fast time' is the wordplay.
'climber' becomes 'vine' (climbing plant).
'securing' indicates putting letters inside.
'fast time' becomes 'lent' (a period of fasting).
'a'+'lent'='alent'
'vine' placed around 'alent' is 'VALENTINE'.
'is' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for valentine that I've seen before include "Message for February 14" , "February lover" , "Anonymous love token from an admirer" , "Card to sweetheart" , "A loving greeting card sent on February 14th" .)