Robert Irwin Wins The DWTS Mirrorball Trophy

Big congrats to Robert Irwin and his pro partner Witney Carson on taking home the Dancing with the Stars mirrorball trophy last night.

Not only did he throw down some serious dancing, but in an interview with Good Morning America he shared that he was coping with a rib injury heading into the finals.

I’ve posted during this season how impressed I am at Robert’s incredible natural ability. Not just learning the routines, but executing them on a really high level.

A lot of the time, seeing the non-pros just dance the steps cleanly accounts for a good amount of praise. But the dynamics Robert brings to the floor – hitting a pose sharply, then softening it with some breath – are really impressive.

And I can’t say enough about Witney’s choreography throughout the season. Not only was it stylish and visually engaging, but she knew how to pull the best out of Robert.

This was Carson’s second DWTS win. The first time was in season 19 (when she was just 19-years-old) with Alfonso Ribeiro, who now co-hosts the show. She said it felt “a lot different” this time around.

You can watch his finale freestyle below.

The wildlife conservationist isn’t done his dancing shoes just yet. Robert has been announced as one of the celebrities who will join the DWTS pros on tour this winter and spring.

I met Robert earlier this year at a “Steve Irwin Day” event here in Las Vegas. Congenial and impressively comfortable in his own skin, I could tell he was going to be a force to reckon with on DWTS.