Crossword Genius

Flier, best swimmer (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starling

'flier' is the definition.
(starling is a kind of birdanimal)

'best swimmer' is the wordplay.
'best' becomes 'star' (star can mean the best or most excellent).
'swimmer' becomes 'ling' (ling is a type of fish).
'star'+'ling'='STARLING'

(Other definitions for starling that I've seen before include "Slant rig for the strange bird" , "Passerine bird" , "Bird from heavenly body and fish" , "is naturally a good mimic" , "Common songbird" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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