Robert Irwin Injury Update After DWTS Win: What He Said About Dancing Through Rib Pain?

Robert Irwin is opening up about the painful rib injury he pushed through during the Dancing with the Stars season 34 finale. The wildlife conservationist, who won season 34 with professional partner Witney Carson, revealed that he was hurting in the hours before his final dances. He shared how he managed the pain and why he refused to let the injury hold him back.

Robert Irwin Shares How Bad The Rib Injury Felt

Irwin spoke about the injury during a Wednesday appearance on Good Morning America. He admitted that he was still recovering. “We’re getting there,” he said. “It’s painful, but, you know, no pain, no gain.”

He explained that the discomfort was there leading into the finale night. Despite that, he and Carson agreed they had to finish strong. Their focus stayed on the competition and on giving fans a memorable performance.

Irwin said their mindset was simple. “We wanted to push through,” he shared. He praised Carson for helping him adjust to the injury in real time.

“Witney was amazing at changing up some of the moves that we had to do in there,” he said. “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.” The final routine was built around gratitude more than pain.

Irwin stressed that he did not want the injury to overshadow the experience. “It was the way to just say we’re so grateful for this experience,” he said of their freestyle. He kept a light tone when talking about recovery.

“And honestly, I’ll heal up! Mate, I catch crocs. I’m used to it. It’s all good!” he joked. His upbeat attitude showed that he sees the pain as temporary compared to the joy of the season.

Before the finale, Carson revealed in a TikTok video that both she and Irwin were “kind of falling apart.” That forced her to make last minute changes to their choreography. On Good Morning America, she detailed one key adjustment.

“I get tossed by the guys and Robert usually catches me,” Carson 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 as he described their bond. “She’s my big sister, you know?” he said. Carson added, “I have a sense of protectiveness forever now!” Their partnership clearly extended beyond the dance floor.

Rib Injury Made Even Breathing Hurt

The Good Morning America hosts pointed out that rib injuries can make even simple breathing painful. Irwin agreed and kept his sense of humor. “Breathe air? Yeah,” he laughed. “But it’s all good. I’ll be right. It’ll be right.”

He said that adrenaline helped him get 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 explained. For him, the excitement of the show was stronger than the pain in his ribs.

Looking back on the season, Irwin did not focus on the injury. Instead, he focused on the experience. “It is literally the greatest thing I think I’ve ever gotten to be part of, and I’m just so, so happy,” he said.

His win also marked a special moment for his family. Irwin became the second member of the Irwin family to claim the Mirrorball Trophy. His sister, Bindi Irwin, previously won in season 21 with Derek Hough.

The Irwin Family’s Reaction To His Win

Irwin’s mother, Terri Irwin, and his sister, Bindi, were in the audience during the finale. Bindi attended with her husband Chandler Powell. They were seen cheering him on throughout the night.

The support in the ballroom made the victory even more emotional. The Mirrorball win added a new chapter to the Irwin family’s history with the show. It also highlighted how proud they are of Robert’s journey.

Irwin said he hoped he brought his “khaki, wildlife warrior” spirit to the ballroom all season long. He also hinted that his world and Carson’s world might collide in a fun way soon. “I tell you what: Witney’s gonna be catching crocs with me in a minute,” he joked. “Honestly, she’s onboard, mate!”

For now, Irwin and Carson are enjoying their Mirrorball victory. He is focused on healing his ribs and taking in the joy of what they accomplished together. The injury may have made the finale painful, but his words make it clear that the experience was worth every step.