Robert Irwin Follows Sister’s Footsteps 10 Years After ‘DWTS’ Win

The Mirrorball trophy has found another place in the Irwin family as Robert Irwin brings home the coveted award ten years after his older sister.

The only son of conservationists Steve and Terri Irwin emerged victorious on season 34 of “Dancing With The Stars,” an achievement he and his sister, Bindi Irwin, couldn’t stop raving about.

Robert Irwin competed on the dance show with professional dancer Witney Carson, facing 11 weeks of rigorous training. In 2015, his older sister participated in the competition with Derek Hough, winning the program’s season 21.

Following in Bindi’s footsteps meant more to Robert than fans might expect because he saw it as a way of continuing their late father’s legacy. The conservationist opened up about the significance of winning “DWTS” ten years after his older sibling in a backstage interview following his victory.

Robert explained that watching Bindi earn the Mirrorball trophy during the show’s season 21 lived rent-free in his head because it was an opportunity to spotlight the Irwin family’s conservation work, their Australia Zoo, and the Wildlife Warriors charity.

“It’s about making the world a better place. And when I watched her lift that Mirrorball, I saw her lifting that message,” Robert told PEOPLE. “To follow in those footsteps and to do the same has meant everything to me. This has absolutely changed my life,” he raved.

Robert wasn’t alone in his feelings, as Bindi echoed similar sentiments about watching him follow in her footsteps. She shared multiple posts about her brother’s victory on Instagram, including a picture of them posing with the Mirrorball trophies.

“TWO MIRRORBALLS NOW CALL AUSTRALIA ZOO HOME!!!! Congratulations and all the love in the world to @robertirwinphotography and @witneycarson. What. A. Night,” Bindi raved in the post’s caption.

The media personality also shared a video of herself hugging Robert, who couldn’t hold back his tears following the announcement of his victory. Bindi penned a heartfelt message to her brother in the caption, noting that words couldn’t describe how proud she was of his accomplishment.

Bindi’s comments were filled with congratulations, as fans applauded her and Robert for their achievements. “WE ARE ALL CRYING TEARS OF JOY FOR YOU!!!” an Instagram user declared. Another echoed similar sentiments, claiming the late Steve would be proud of his “incredibly talented family.”

Someone claimed Robert deserved to win because he “put his heart and soul into all his dances.” A fan agreed, labeling the victory “a well-deserved win.” The positive comments continued, with more IG users applauding Bindi and Robert for always supporting each other.

“Love you both. What a beautiful shared moment and experience for a beautiful family,” entertainment reporter Lauren Zima added. A fan claimed the Irwins were their preferred version of the royal family, while a fellow supporter dubbed them “National treasures” that must be protected at all costs.

When Robert earned the Mirrorball trophy on Tuesday, November 25, his sister and mom joined him on stage to celebrate the achievement. Naturally, having the whole family together made Steve’s absence all the more glaring.

While speaking to Access Hollywood, Robert shared his thoughts on his late father’s possible reaction to his accomplishment. He believed the beloved Crocodile Hunter would have dropped his signature word, “Crikey!”

Robert also reflected on his participation in “DWTS,” revealing that his victory had been a 10-year dream thanks to Bindi. “When she lifted that trophy, she lifted the message that we represent, the conservation legacy, the legacy of my dad, and to keep that going is the honor of my lifetime,” he shared.