Possible Clues:

• Never W in this
• One who frequently fails (colloq.)
• One who draws the short straw
• One held back by irresolution?
• On reflection one's not quite resolute enough
• Postgame sulker
• Drawer of the short straw
• The hare, in 'The Tortoise and the Hare'
• Failure among close relatives
• Defeated contender