Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old son of late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin and younger brother of former Dancing With the Stars champion Bindi Irwin, faced an unexpected hurdle on the dance floor during the season 34 finale. Despite suffering a rib injury while practicing his quickstep routine to Jet's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl?", he refused to let it slow him down.
"I've been dealing with rib pain because the intercostal muscles of the ribs are under a lot of tension," he shared in a video package during the Nov. 25 episode, explaining how the dance required a precise control of that part of his body. "It's been getting worse progressively."
Despite the pain, Robert and his pro partner Witney Carson delivered a stunning performance that left judge Derek Hough, who chose the dance for the duo, raving. "It was crisp and clean," he said. "The frame was strong. Your movement across that floor was fantastic."
But before their big dance, Robert was certainly feeling the toll of his injury. As Witney shared in a Nov. 24 TikTok video, "We’re kind of falling apart right now." "Robert’s ribs have been killing him," she continued, adding that she had to change some things in their routine to accommodate his injury. "It’s just honestly been the most stressful part because this is just getting it all together. It’s gonna take some time and we’re gonna have to run it a lot."
That's why she and Robert stayed up late to rehearse, with Witney noting, "Last night, we stayed until the studio closed down. They had to kick us out at 9 p.m."
On the morning of the finale, Robert surprised Witney with a bouquet of roses and a sweet handwritten note. "You have taught me lessons that I'll take with me for the rest of my life," read the Australian's letter, which Witney shared on her Instagram Story. "And while it is coming to an end, you've got me in your corner forever. We Irwins tend to stick around!" Robert added, "Always remember: When in doubt—send it."
