Robert Irwin disclosed that he sustained a rib injury only hours before the Season 34 finale of Dancing With the Stars. Irwin, age 21, a wildlife photographer and the son of the late conservationist Steve Irwin, is one of five finalists scheduled to perform during Tuesday’s live broadcast.
His professional dance partner, Witney Carson, reported the development in a TikTok video posted on Monday, characterizing the situation as “stressful,” though confirming that Irwin remains expected to compete. Carson explained that adjustments were required for the pair’s freestyle routine, including modifications involving other performers, due to the physical limitations Irwin had been experiencing throughout the week.
In the same video, Carson expressed appreciation for her partnership with Irwin over the course of the season and encouraged viewers to continue supporting them. She stated that both she and Irwin were experiencing physical fatigue as the competition neared its conclusion.
Earlier in the season, Irwin recounted a separate incident involving difficulty breathing after accidentally inhaling confetti during a performance. He later clarified that, although the moment was alarming, it did not constitute an actual medical emergency and was resolved quickly with assistance from Carson.
Despite his rib discomfort, Irwin appeared on Instagram Stories on Tuesday, indicating to viewers that he would proceed with the finale. Filming from what appeared to be rehearsals, he and Carson reflected on their time together in the competition, expressing mutual gratitude for the experience.
Irwin is competing against four other finalists—Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, and Elaine Hendrix—in a three-hour finale. According to prediction platform Kalshi, Irwin currently holds an estimated 49 percent probability of securing the Mirrorball Trophy.
Irwin’s sister, Bindi Irwin, previously participated in Dancing With the Stars and won Season 21 at age 17. In a recent Instagram post, Robert Irwin stated that taking part in the show has been transformative and described reaching the finale as a “bittersweet” opportunity for one final performance with Carson.#newsafro_
