Crossword Genius

Close up of a swimmer (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

seal

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

'close up' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a swimmer' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'sel' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for seal that I've seen before include "Amphibious sea animal or kind of stamp" , "marine creature" , "Close tightly - mammal" , "Ratify" , "Sea-dweller can produce a wax impression" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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