Nicolas Vansteenberghe, a former Florida High School Swimmer, received his mother’s stern scolding on Friday’s episode of Love Island for having an intimate relationship in public.
He had at least two intimate scenes with his former partner, Cierra Ortega, on different occasions.
Former high school swimmer Nicolas Vansteenberghe has made a splash in an entirely different arena.
He was part of the cast of the latest season of Love Island USA, trading swim lanes for the villa as he competes for love. He was crowned the runner-up alongside Olandria Carthen on Day 32.
Before stepping into the spotlight, Nicolas was a standout swimmer in Jacksonville, Florida.
He trained with Loggerhead Aquatics and swam for Bartram Trail High School, where he helped lead his team to a runner-up finish at the Florida 3A State Championships.
Individually, he placed 11th in the 100 backstroke and 13th in the 200 IM as a senior. He also contributed to top-eight finishes in both the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays.
Several of his former teammates went on to compete in collegiate swimming, including Jack VanDeusen, who represented the University of Florida. Meanwhile, Nicolas pursued a degree in nursing at Florida Atlantic University.
Since graduating, he has balanced work as a model and caterer while building his social media presence.
Nicolas Vansteenberghe Receives Mom’s Stern Scolding On Love Island
Love Island USA star Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe was criticized by his mother after his steamy moments on the show were broadcast for millions to see.
During Friday’s episode, family members visited the Fiji villa, and Nic’s mom didn’t hold back her disapproval.
Nic’s mom scolding him abt having sex in the villa 😭 #loveislandusa pic.twitter.com/VNw89Aop0w
— sheba ᡣ𐭩 (@st4rdolls) July 12, 2025
She gave a stern scolding referencing his on-camera intimacy with former partner Cierra Ortega.
His sister also joined in, teasing, “We’ve seen you in the sheets. We’ve caught the night cameras,” as seen in a TikTok clip from the episode.
Nic had been intimate with Ortega under the covers on at least two occasions, when several fellow Islanders were sleeping nearby.
When confronted, he sheepishly replied, “Oh, sorry about that,” but defended himself, insisting it wasn’t in public before brushing it off with, “We move on from that.“
Despite the scolding, the former Florida High School Swimmer was thrilled to have his mom and sister visit the villa.
I’ve had so many days where, like, it’s been low times, and I think about my parents and my mom and my sister and my dad. I just have a family who I’m so grateful for and who loves me no matter what and lets me be me. And it’s such an amazing feeling.
Nicolas Vansteenberghe
Furthermore, Ortega was unexpectedly removed from the villa last Sunday for personal reasons. Her exit followed backlash after her past use of an anti-Asian slur resurfaced online.
I am deeply, truly, honestly so sorry. I had no idea that the word held as much pain as much harm, and came with the history that it did or I never would have used it.
Cierra Ortega
If you want to know that you are heard and that I’m sorry and that I will move differently, I promise you, that’s what will happen.
Nicolas Vansteenberghe’s Mother Approves Of His New Love Island Pairing With Olandria Carthen
Since his former partner Cierra Ortega left Love Island USA, Nicolas Vansteenberghe has been coupled up with fellow Islander Olandria Carthen, and his mother couldn’t be happier.
During Friday’s episode, his mom shared that she had been rooting for the new pair from the start.
Olandria & her mom together are hoot. I ❣️ their vibe. O's mom said she wasn't sure at first but she is now. O tells her mom she really likes Nic.
— Miss D is bonobochick on bsky + tumblr too 📚 📺 (@bonobochick) July 12, 2025
Nic's mom really likes O for him; says he lights up around Olandria and she can see O at the dinner table with them. #LoveIslandUSA pic.twitter.com/HtaCBkRVHi
Nic’s mom even expressed her excitement in a TikTok video back in June, saying she sensed an instant spark between her son and Carthen.
I felt like they had this passionate thing between them. I like her because she’s got a good head on her shoulders and she’s very authentic. She’s solid. And she’s beautiful. Jesus, I’m so jealous of her body.
Nicolas Vansteenberghe’s mom
The Alabama-born nurse made a strong impression, and Nic’s mother got to share her approval in person during the latest episode.
Their connection lasts beyond the villa, and they were crowned the runner-up on Day 32.
Whilst we have a little break from the villa drama, please meet the mom to the meatball 🍝 and the rest of the fam that helped create this little gem of Man 💎
Nicolas Vansteenberghe
In Case You Didn’t Know
- 25-year-old Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe was born on March 15, 2001, in Miami, Florida.
- He began modeling with Next Model Management and has been signed with DT and has worked with Guess.
- He was in a relationship with fellow model Devon Christenson in 2020, but later, they separated.
