Robert Irwin follows in his sister’s footsteps 10 years after ‘DWTS’ victory

The Mirrorball Trophy has found another place in the Irwin family as Robert Irwin won the coveted prize ten years after her older sister.

The only son of environmentalists Steve and Terri Irwin emerged victorious on season 34 of “Dancing With The Stars,” a feat he and his sister, Bindi Irwincouldn’t stop raving.

Robert Irwin took part in the dance show with professional dancer Witney Carson, facing 11 weeks of rigorous training. In 2015, her older sister competed with Derek Hough, winning season 21 of the program.

Following in Bindi’s footsteps meant more to Robert than fans might imagine, as he saw it as a way to continue their late father’s legacy. The conservationist explained the significance of winning “DWTS” ten years after his older brother in a backstage interview following his win.

Robert explained that watching Bindi win the Mirrorball Trophy during season 21 of the show was living rent-free in his head because it was an opportunity to shine a light on the conservation work of the Irwin family, their Australia Zoo and the Wildlife Warriors charity.

“It’s about making the world a better place. And when I saw her hold up that disco ball, I saw her carrying that message,” Robert told PEOPLE. “Following in those footsteps and doing the same has meant everything to me. It has absolutely changed my life,” he said.

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

“TWO MIRROR BALLS NOW CALL AUSTRALIA ZOO HOME!!!! Congratulations and all the love in the world to @robertirwinphotography and @witneycarson. What. One. Night,” Bindi said in the caption of the post.

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

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

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

“I love you both. What a beautiful moment and experience shared for a beautiful family,” entertainment reporter Lauren Zima added. One fan claimed the Irwins were their favorite version of the royal family, while another supporter dubbed them “national treasures” who must be protected at all costs.

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

While speaking to Access Hollywood, Robert shared his thoughts on his late father’s possible reaction to his accomplishment. He thought the beloved crocodile hunter would have dropped his signature line, “Crikey!”

Robert also reflected on his participation on “DWTS,” revealing that his victory was a 10-year dream thanks to Bindi. “When she lifted that trophy, she carried the message that we represent, the legacy of conservation, the legacy of my father, and to continue that is the honor of my life,” he shared.