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They make the least and the most effort on the track (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

athletes

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

'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'the least and the most effort on the track' is the wordplay.
'the least' can be anagrammed to 'ATHLETES'.
Though, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'make' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for athletes that I've seen before include "They train to compete in sports" , "Sports contestants" , "Al, the set is up for the physically skilled" , "Steal the strangely fit people" , "Sporty types" .)

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