Robert Irwin has sent his fanbase into a frenzy by sharing a nostalgic behind-the-scenes clip from his triumphant run on Dancing With The Stars US. The 22-year-old reality TV star posted the throwback on TikTok this week, offering a fresh glimpse of the fitness and stamina that propelled him to Mirrorball glory.
Viral TikTok Throwback Showcases Athletic Prowess
The clip, filmed during pre-show rehearsals, features Irwin mastering a notoriously difficult move popularised by veteran dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy. Dressed in a striking red, matador-style costume, Irwin is seen dropping to the floor mid-routine and gliding forward effortlessly on his knees, his arms slicing through the air with precision.
In the caption accompanying the footage, Irwin wrote: 'Little did I know this pre-show warm-up outtake would suddenly become very current. Val, you are the knee walk GOAT.' The video, which shows other contestants and crew in the background, quickly amassed a flood of admiring comments from followers.
Fan Reaction and Family Legacy
Fans were quick to express their awe and delight at Irwin's display of athleticism. One social media user quipped 'Christmas came early,' while another added, 'You were amazing. I miss you every week.' Further praise included declarations of 'King behaviour' and notes that the video made hearts skip a beat.
This victory continues an Irwin family tradition, with Robert's sister, Bindi Irwin, having won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy herself back in 2015. Robert and his professional partner Witney Carson emerged victorious last month in a suspenseful finale, beating out a competitive field that included influencer Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles.
Pushing Through Pain: The Rib Injury Revelation
The win did not come without a significant physical challenge. Last month, during an appearance on Good Morning America, Irwin spoke out about the rib injury that nearly derailed his performance in the final stages of the competition.
When asked by co-host Michael Strahan about pushing through the pain, Irwin admitted, 'It's painful. But no pain, no gain. It's all good!' He was quick to credit Witney Carson for adeptly adapting their routines to accommodate his injury. 'Witney was amazing in changing up some of the moves that we had to do,' he said, describing their last dance as a thank you to everyone on the journey.
Brushing off concerns about breathing difficulties with a classic Australian 'Yeah, but it's all good. It'll be right,' Irwin likened the experience to his wildlife work, stating he was used to such maladies from catching crocodiles.
