Robert Irwin is sharing how he powered through a painful rib injury during the “Dancing with the Stars” finale. The wildlife conservationist, who won season 34 with pro partner Witney Carson, revealed that he was hurting in the hours leading up to his final dances.
“We’re getting there,” he said during a Wednesday visit to “Good Morning America.” “It’s painful, but, you know, no pain, no gain.”
DisneyIrwin said he and Carson agreed they needed to finish the competition strong. “We wanted to push through,” he added.
“Witney was amazing at changing up some of the moves that we had to do in there. We had to change on the fly, but our last dance — that freestyle — was a way to say thank you to everybody who’d been on that journey.”
Why Irwin Refused to Let the Injury Hold Him Back
Irwin said he wanted their final performance to reflect gratitude rather than discomfort. “It was the way to just say we’re so grateful for this experience,” he shared. “And honestly, I’ll heal up! Mate, I catch crocs. I’m used to it. It’s all good!”
Before the finale, Carson revealed in a TikTok video that both she and Irwin were “kind of falling apart,” forcing her to make last-minute adjustments to the choreography. On “GMA,” she explained what changed. “I get tossed by the guys and Robert usually catches me,” she said. “And there was one time that we did it and it just killed his ribs, so I took it out. Obviously, his health is my number-one priority.”
Irwin smiled and said, “She’s my big sister, you know?” Carson added, “I have a sense of protectiveness forever now!”
How the Injury Affected His Breathing and Performance
The “GMA” hosts noted that rib injuries can make even simple breathing painful. Irwin agreed with a laugh. “Breathe air? Yeah,” he said. “But it’s all good. I’ll be right. It’ll be right.”
DisneyHe added that adrenaline carried him through the live finale. “I didn’t even realize there was an issue until the end because the adrenaline, the passion, and the fun of it all — it overrides anything, honestly,” he said.
“It is literally the greatest thing I think I’ve ever gotten to be part of, and I’m just so, so happy.”
Irwin is now the second member of his family to win the Mirrorball Trophy. His sister, Bindi Irwin, claimed the title in season 21 with Derek Hough.
DisneyTheir mother, Terri Irwin, and Bindi, along with her husband Chandler Powell, were in the audience cheering him on throughout the night.
What’s Next for the Wildlife Warrior After His DWTS Win
DisneyIrwin said he hoped to bring a touch of his “khaki, wildlife warrior” spirit to the ballroom throughout the season, and it seems he may have even convinced his partner to join him on an adventure.
“I tell you what: Witney’s gonna be catching crocs with me in a minute,” he joked. “Honestly, she’s onboard, mate!”
For now, the hit trophy-winning duo is savoring their Mirrorball victory as Irwin turns his attention to healing and taking in the joy of one of the biggest moments of his career.
He was just great
I prayed he felt bo pain during the dances. To God be the glory
What a wonderful family.
The close bonds they share should be a reminder to everyone that Family comes first.
I am in awe of this one in a million family.
So happy to see that Robert Irwin and Whitney won the “Dancing with the stars” trophy. He and Whitney worked so hard especially with his rib injury. So ooo happy for both of them.