Crossword Genius

Small seal picked up young swimmer (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cygnet

'young swimmer' is the definition.
(a young swan)

'small seal picked up' is the wordplay.
'small seal' becomes 'signet' (I've seen this before).
'picked up' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue.
'signet' sounds like 'CYGNET'.

(Other definitions for cygnet that I've seen before include "Young aquatic bird" , "Baby swan (ugly duckling?)" , "one seen swimming near pen" , "Young water-bird" , "Little swan" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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