Historical clue formulations

• Competition participant — 2022-05-03
• One in the running — 2021-10-02
• Contest hopeful — 2020-03-25
• Competitor — 2006-12-16
• Runner — 2005-06-25
• Prize seeker — 2001-09-30
• Contest player — 1999-12-26
• Potential prizewinner — 1999-10-17
• Competitor — 1998-12-25
• Contest contestant — 1997-12-29
• One in the running — 1995-01-24
• Competitor — 1994-09-16
• Competitor — 1994-03-29
• Competitive one — 1994-03-05