Crossword Genius

Backing for each swimmer in disgrace (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reproach

'disgrace' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'backing for each swimmer' is the wordplay.
'backing for' is a reversal indicator.
'each' becomes 'per'.
'swimmer' becomes 'roach' (roach is a kind of fish**).
'per' reversed gives 'rep'.
'rep'+'roach'='REPROACH'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for reproach that I've seen before include "Scold(ing)" , "Chide" , "Express disapproval or disappointment" , "approval? Just the opposite" , "criticise" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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