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Benchwarmers - The tales of the substitutes

We celebrate the athletes who rarely step foot on the pitch

We celebrate the athletes who rarely step foot on the pitch - only ever cross the white line to bring on drinks - and some who are able to lead the race but never reach the finishing line.

It's the tales of the substitutes, the 12th players, the bib wearers and the pace setters.

Lee James chats to England cricketer Jack Leach, former Netherlands and Tottenham keeper Michel Vorm and Olympic 800m runner Jenny Meadows on benchwarmers.

Photo: Mark Wood of England on 12th man duties (Credit: Getty images)

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49 minutes

Podcast