The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word HURDLING
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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More clues leading to the result HURDLING
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "negotiating obstacles" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case negotiating obstacles = hurdling.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HURDLING mean?
HURDLING verb- To jump over something while running.
- To compete in the track and field events of hurdles (e.g. high hurdles).
- To overcome an obstacle.
- To hedge, cover, make, or enclose with hurdles.
- A track and field running event where the runners have to jump over a number of hurdles.
- Hurdles collectively; frames of twigs, etc. for enclosing land