IPA: /ˈmɛdəlɪst/
KK: /ˈmɛdəlɪst/
A person who has won a medal, especially in a competition or event.
The medalist proudly displayed their gold medal at the ceremony.
Medalist → It is formed from "medal" (from Old French *medaille*, meaning a coin or a medal) and "-ist" (meaning a person who). A medalist is a person who has received a medal, typically for achievement in a competition.
Think of someone who has received a 'medal' for their achievements — the '-ist' just means a person. A medalist is someone who has earned a medal.