This 9-Year-Old Swim Champ Did an Amazing Thing for an Ill Competitor
Joshua Zuchowski, 9, and Reese Branzell, 10, are fierce competitors when it comes to swimming, but there's no rivalry between them. In fact, these top swimmers from Jupiter, FL are such close friends, Josh dedicated his most recent win to his sick friend.
In early November, the boy was diagnosed with a bacterial infection in his hip. He spiked a fever and spent nine days in the hospital getting antibiotics through an IV. He was sent home to heal, but after developing a blood clot, he was hospitalized again.
"Two and a half, three years ago we met this kid at all these meets," said Reese's father, Derrick Branzell. "They befriended each other and pushed each other in a good competitive way. It didn't matter who won, they just kind of clicked."
Josh and Reese are always ranked first and second at all their swim meets. The two are such good swimmers, they're both on track to compete for one of the top spots in the junior Olympics this Spring.
The day Reese was finally allowed to go home again, Josh was participating in the Santa Claus Swim Invitational and had no idea the extent of his friends' medical woes.
Josh ended up winning five gold medals and the high-point trophy. That's an incredible feat for a 9-year-old, but what's even more extraordinary is what he did with his awards.
Josh gave his trophy to Reese's swim coach with a card. The note read, "I am so sorry that you have not been feeling well. Get well soon. So we can get back to battling in the pool. I have looked up to you since I was seven. You were an inspiration for me wanting to swim fast. I would rather get second with you at the meet than win with you absent. I won this trophy for you today. I hope to see (you) back in the pool. Your friend, Josh."
"He's a very sentimental, old soul. He could barely get the words out without crying," said Josh's dad, Jonathan Zuchowski.
"I thought that was amazing that he worked so hard, and he got a well-earned trophy and then decided to pass it on to me," Reese said. "I think we just got a closer friendship after he did that."
His dad added, "These kids have the respect that true adult athletes have that you wouldn't expect kids to understand."
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