blue riband

British  

noun

1. Also called (esp US): blue ribbon.  (sometimes capitals) the record for the fastest sea journey between two places, esp (in the 1920s and 30s) for a passenger liner between New York and Southampton

2. 1. the most distinguished achievement in any field

   2. ( as modifier )

      the blue-riband event of the meeting

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Example Sentences

It could have gone the other way, though, because it is mentally tough, especially coming from a blue riband Olympic sport, the 100m, to being called a spare.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2021

We’ll keep you across the new sports as well as the blue riband events.

From The Guardian • Jul. 23, 2021

Having had just two fights in boxing’s blue riband division since stepping up, there remains lingering questions about the Ukrainian’s punch resistance and his ability to trouble the top heavyweights with his power.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2021

In previous Olympics, the men's 100m has been the blue riband event, but not this time.

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2021

By the blue riband alone could the young subject of this 'good sort of man' discern that he was in the presence of majesty.

From The Wits and Beaux of Society Volume 2 by Wharton, Philip