Robert Irwin Battles Injury Before DWTS Season 34 Victory

BREAKING: Robert Irwin has revealed he suffered a significant injury just before winning the latest season of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) on November 25, 2025. The Australian conservationist opened up about his worsening rib pain ahead of the highly anticipated finale, giving fans a glimpse into the challenges he faced during this grueling competition.

In a candid statement, Irwin disclosed that his rib injuries were progressively intensifying, stating, “I’ve been dealing with rib pain because the intercostal muscles of the ribs are under a lot of tension.” The urgency of his situation was clear, as he noted that the pain had been “getting worse progressively.”

Irwin’s dance partner, Witney Carson, also addressed the physical toll their rigorous training took on both of them in a recent TikTok video. She emphasized the physically demanding nature of their 11-week journey, saying, “My body is feeling it. Robert’s body is feeling it. We’re like, kind of falling apart right now.” Carson confirmed that adjustments were necessary for their final performance due to Irwin’s condition.

“Robert’s ribs have been killing him,” Carson explained, hinting at more revelations to come during their performance. “I do have to, like, change some things that involve other dancers and involve other guys.”

Despite the adversity, Irwin and Carson delivered an outstanding performance that earned them perfect scores from the judges. Their finale included three breathtaking routines: a high-energy dance to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet, a lively cha-cha to “Cake by the Ocean” by DNCE, and a versatile freestyle to “Black & Gold” by Sam Sparro and “The Nights” by Avicii.

The DWTS 34 finale not only showcased their skill but also highlighted the resilience of the duo in the face of injury. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing how Irwin’s injury may impact their future performances and whether he will be able to recover fully.

As the DWTS season wraps up, viewers are left with the emotional weight of Irwin’s battle and the thrill of his triumph. Stay tuned for further updates on Robert Irwin’s recovery and potential future appearances.