Robert Irwin was crowned the Season 34 champion of Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday night. The win didn’t come easy for the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist — it’s been three months of constant work.

Less than a day after the live three-hour-long finale, Irwin took to Instagram to reflect on his Dancing With the Stars journey. Irwin first thanked his dance partner, Witney Carson, for her support and guidance throughout the competition.

“This was everything I dreamed it would be and so much more, and Witney, you are the reason I could take this leap of faith and create memories that will last a lifetime,” he wrote.

Carson commented on Irwin’s Instagram post, writing, “You embody what Dancing With The Stars is ALL ABOUT. The passion, the courage, the strength to try something out of your comfort zone in front of millions … I hope you know how much you deserve this moment and all the praise that comes with it. I’m beyond proud my buddy. Love you always.”

Irwin, the son of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, isn’t the first from his family to win the coveted mirror ball trophy: His older sister, Bindi, won Season 21 of Dancing With the Stars in 2015 with her dance partner, Derek Hough.

“10 years ago my sister won the mirrorball, and 11 years ago Witney won — this feels like the most special, full circle moment,” Irwin wrote. “Bindi, you inspired me to embark on this adventure, and I have you to thank for setting me on the course to take this remarkable journey.”

The Wildlife Warriors founder went on to thank his fellow contestants as well as the Season 34 roster of professional dancers, which includes Mark Ballas, Emma Slater, Daniella Karagach and Alan Bersten, before spotlighting his fans for their continued support. The reality TV dance competition revolves around votes from at-home viewers, mixed with scores from judges.

“The love I felt from everyone around America and the world was everything to me, it kept us going week after week,” he wrote. “Thank you for letting us tell stories through our dances and allowing us to bring you on this journey, I hope it could help you find inspiration and a sense of positivity and passion. It certainly was a healing experience for me.”

Early in the competition, Irwin emerged as a fan favorite. Consistently at the top of the leaderboard, Irwin nabbed his first perfect score in the show’s ninth week and pushed through a rib injury ahead of the finale. Crowning the Season 34 winner, according to cohost Julianne Hough, was no easy feat — Irwin and fellow finalist Alix Earle received more votes than anyone had ever received on the show, and it was the tightest call in Dancing With the Stars history.

“I lift this mirrorball trophy with a sense of gratitude that my message and everything I stand for was recognised in that ballroom,” Irwin wrote on Instagram. “The lessons I learned and friendships that I have formed will be part of me forever.”