Crossword Genius

Winner here, champ ultimately surmounting great dislike (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

podium

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

'winner here champ ultimately surmounting' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'great dislike' is the wordplay.
'great' becomes 'p' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'dislike' becomes 'odium' (I've seen this before).
'p'+'odium'='PODIUM'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for podium that I've seen before include "'Dais, pulpit (6)'" , "Conductor's rostrum" , "Lecturer's platform" , "Position of speaker" , "Platform for speaking from" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.