Robert Irwin reflects on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ win a decade after sister Bindi: ‘It exceeded every dream I had’

Robert Irwin Reflects on His Emotional ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Victory

Just hours after being named Season 34 champion of Dancing With the Stars, Robert Irwin took to Instagram to look back on the three-month journey that took him from wildlife warrior to ballroom winner. The 21-year-old conservationist admitted the process had been grueling, but said the result was more meaningful than he ever imagined.

A Heartfelt Thank-You to Witney Carson

Irwin began his post by praising his professional partner, Witney Carson, who guided him through every rehearsal and live performance.

He wrote that the show was “everything I dreamed it would be and so much more,” and credited Carson for giving him the confidence to step so far outside his comfort zone. He called their time together a “leap of faith” that created memories he’ll carry forever.

Carson responded publicly in the comments, saying Irwin represents what Dancing With the Stars is meant to be about: passion, bravery and the willingness to try something totally new in front of millions of viewers. She told him he fully deserved the win and the praise that followed.

Carrying on the Irwin Family Legacy

Robert’s victory adds another chapter to his family’s history with the show. His late father, Steve Irwin, is still beloved worldwide, and Robert has spent his life continuing that legacy through wildlife work. Now, he also shares something special with his older sister.

Bindi Irwin captured the mirrorball trophy back in Season 21 in 2015 with partner Derek Hough. Robert noted in his post that his win came exactly a decade later, and pointed out that Carson herself first won the competition 11 years ago.

“Ten years ago my sister won the mirrorball, and 11 years ago Witney won — this feels like the most special, full circle moment,” he wrote, adding that Bindi inspired him to sign up for the show in the first place.

Gratitude for Fellow Dancers and Fans

Irwin also used the post to shout out the rest of the Season 34 cast. He thanked his fellow celebrity contestants and the full lineup of professional dancers — including Mark Ballas, Emma Slater, Daniella Karagach and Alan Bersten — for pushing and supporting him throughout the season.

Most of all, he saved space to acknowledge the fans at home whose votes, combined with the judges’ scores, determine the outcome each week.

“The love I felt from everyone around America and the world was everything to me,” he wrote, explaining that the outpouring of support kept him and Carson motivated right up to finale night. He said he hoped their routines offered viewers some inspiration, optimism and passion, and described the experience as personally “healing.”

A Season of High Scores and High Stakes

From early on, Irwin emerged as one of the breakout stars of the competition. He regularly landed near the top of the leaderboard and earned his first perfect score in Week 9. Even a rib injury leading into the finale couldn’t stop him from performing.

According to cohost Julianne Hough, the final decision between Irwin and fellow finalist Alix Earle was the closest in the show’s history. Both reportedly received more votes than any contestant had ever garnered before, making Irwin’s win even more dramatic.

Lifting the Mirrorball With Gratitude

In closing his Instagram reflection, Irwin said hoisting the mirrorball trophy felt like a validation of the values he tries to represent — kindness, conservation and resilience.

“I lift this mirrorball trophy with a sense of gratitude that my message and everything I stand for was recognised in that ballroom,” he wrote, adding that the friendships he formed and lessons he learned will stay with him for life.