Just a month ago, Robert Irwin was sharing a flashback photo of himself clutching big sister Bindi’s mirror ball trophy at her grand final performance on US Dancing With The Stars a decade ago, perhaps dreaming it might just be him one day.
Today, he dances in his own grand final.
MORE: Robert’s sad fortune left by Steve Irwin
Hours before taking to the dancefloor one last time, Robert took a moment to send a sweet note to his dance partner Witney Carson, who shared the handwritten words on Instagram.
“I admire your courage as you balance a truly impressive workload while being a fantastic mum, and your determination and kindness even under huge pressure is inspiring,” it reads.
“You have taught me lessons that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. I feel blessed to know the Carson/McAllister’s and while it is coming to an end, you’ve got me in your corner forever. We Irwin’s tend to stick around! Sorry bud, I’m hard to get rid of. … Always remember: When in doubt – send it.”
MORE: Robert Irwin’s net wealth revealed
As Aussies gets behind our beloved larrikin, Robert heads into the final with one minor setback – a rib injury.
Witney confirmed the news on TikTok, sharing that their bodies are “falling apart” just hours before they take on three dances for the finale.
“Today at [camera] blocking is a little stressful because we just have to make the freestyle all come together,” she shared.
“Robert’s ribs have been killing him and more will be revealed on Tuesday and you guys can get a better idea of what we’ve been dealing with all week.”
Still, there’s nothing that a couple of lucky charms can’t fix for our Wildlife Warrior-turned dancer.
Shortly after making the grand final, Robert took to social media to share two special items he always wears on show day that give him good luck – a gold ring and a ratty blue shirt that once belonged to his late father Steve Irwin.
In a video shared on Instagram, Robert talked through two items he wears on show day that give him a bit of extra luck.
“These two things are a way to keep me close to home and what’s most important to me… this ring and this shirt,” he said in the footage.
“I wanted to start with the shirt. This is my dad’s shirt,” he explained.
“I like that it still looks and feels like him. Each one of the tears, and the holes, the missing buttons, tells a different story. And this shirt definitely saw a lot. I guess it’s a good example of how dad lived his life.”
A second video then shows the wildlife warrior talk through the meaning of his gold ring – a set of keys to his childhood home he found while cleaning his dad’s office and had melted down into the special piece of jewellery. Engraved in it is “1638,” the address of the home on Steve Irwin Way located in Australia Zoo.
“It’s the most beautiful experience, and in some way, I want him part of it,” Robert shared.
“Because this experience has truly changed my life and I know I wouldn’t be here without him and his legacy that I get to continue.”
A day before her little brother’s big night, Bindi, who made a surprise appearance during Robert’s Foxtrot performance, shared a sweet tribute to her sweet sibling. She too referenced Robert being there when she won the grand final with Derek Hough in 2015.
“Robert, 10 years ago you cheered for me as Derek and I took the @dancingwiththestars mirrorball home. Tomorrow, it’s your turn. No matter what, always know how proud I am of you and how lucky I feel to be your sister,” she shared.
Mum Terri, also took some time to share a tribute video for Robert ahead of his final dance, which featured candid footage of Robert with Steve.
“Robert, when you dance for the final time tomorrow, I will be holding a lifetime of love in my heart. You were the boy full of wonder and adventure, with such compassion for every creature. Your father’s son,” she wrote.
“This journey of dance will shape your life forever. Treasure this day always.”
We’re not crying…
