The first to reach sporting conclusions (7)

I believe the answer is:

winners

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'conclusions' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for winners that I've seen before include "25 15 [GOLDMEDALLIST]s" , "Victors" .)

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

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