Robert Clarence Irwin, Australian wildlife photographer, and the son of late conservationist Steve Irwin, has won the finals of ‘Dancing With The Stars’ (DWTS) Season 34.
Robert will take home the show’s Mirrorball trophy alongside his professional partner, Witney Carson, after a season that saw some of the highest voting numbers in the program’s history.
While 21-year-old Robert has been a beloved member this season, here’s all that you need to know about him.
Who is Robert Irwin?
Robert works extensively at the Australia Zoo, which was founded by his grandparents and expanded by his parents. Following in the footsteps of his father Steve, who was famously known as the ‘Crocodile Hunter’, Robert has been recognised for his passionate advocacy for wildlife conservation.
He has received multiple accolades, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award in 2020 and has been a finalist in the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition several times, as per multiple reports.
DWTS: Robert’s sister won the same title 10 years back
Robert’s sister Bindi had bagged the same title in 2015 at the age of 17. “To follow in [Bindi’s] footsteps and to do the same has meant everything to me…This has absolutely changed my life,” he told People after the show’s finale.
Robert also told the outlet that Bindi winning the award with her ‘DWTS’ partner, Derek Hough was special because it allowed their family to inform the public about their conservation work, charity and the Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors.
Robert competed in the finals despite a rib injury
Robert competed in the final despite having a rib injury, alongside fellow finalists Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles.
“I’ve been dealing with rib pain; it’s been getting progressively worse…If I pull something in the quickstep, I can’t do the instant dance, I can’t do the freestyle. But if I push any harder, my body’s going to break,” Irwin had said pre-performance, with him and Witney having to adapt some of their choreography.
What’s next for Robert?
Robert told E! News’ Will Marfuggi that he would now head to New York and South Africa for filming of another show before returning home.