Crossword Genius

Negotiator concealing energy is leading athlete (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pacemaker

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

'athlete' is the definition.
(I know that pacemaker is a type of athlete)

'negotiator concealing energy is leading' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'energy' could be 'ke' (K.E. is an example) and 'ke' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pacemaker that I've seen before include "Implanted device to control the heartbeat" , "Device to regulate the heartbeat" , "Device inserted into chest to stimulate heart" , "the first in race" , "Cardiac device" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app