vice-champion
Almost won it
A vice-champion is the runner-up in a competition—the one who finishes second, just below the champion.
The term is more common in European sports and international competitions than in American English: The team finished as vice-champions in the league.
Also called second place or runner-up.
Competition's silver finisher
- silverLustrous white precious metal
- finalistLast-round participant
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- near-missNarrowly averted incident
consolation · almost · alternate · bridesmaid · penultimate · also-ran
Multi-round competitive event
- contestOrganized competitive event
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- finalsConcluding tests or matches
- matchupScheduled competitive pairing
opponent · bout · showdown · face-off · playoffs · elimination · semifinals · challenger
Expression of high esteem
- honoreeOne being celebrated
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- tributeOffering of respect
- acknowledgmentConfirmation of receipt
laurels · distinction · prestige · standing · certificate · ceremony · award · trophy
Competition award recipient
- athleteSports competitor
- gamesOrganized competitive activities
- competitorOne striving against others
- relayStage-by-stage transmission
boxing · wrestling · judo · taekwondo · fencing · cycling · gymnastics · swimming
Successful completion of aim
- milestoneNotable event marking progress
- successFavorable outcome attained
- featRemarkable act of skill
- attainmentSuccessful reaching of goal
excellence · prowess · breakthrough · personal-best · performance · effort · aspiration · endeavor
runner-up
Competition's silver finisher
near-miss · consolation · almost · alternate · bridesmaid · penultimate · also-ran
tournament
Multi-round competitive event
- contestOrganized competitive event
- rivalryOngoing contest between opponents
- finalsConcluding tests or matches
matchup · opponent · bout · showdown · face-off · playoffs · elimination · semifinals · challenger · contender
accolade
Expression of high esteem
- honoreeOne being celebrated
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- tributeOffering of respect
acknowledgment · laurels · distinction · prestige · standing · certificate · ceremony · award · trophy · ranking
medalist
Competition award recipient
- athleteSports competitor
- gamesOrganized competitive activities
- competitorOne striving against others
relay · boxing · wrestling · judo · taekwondo · fencing · cycling · gymnastics · swimming · tennis
accomplishment
Successful completion of aim
attainment · excellence · prowess · breakthrough · personal-best · performance · effort · aspiration · endeavor
vice-championchampion
Top competitor, or advocate
winner · gold medalist · victor · number one · first place
vice, champion, champions, championship, championships, championed, championing