Sabrina Gervais, a dedicated mother, healthcare professional, and experienced flag football player, is aiming to include “Olympian” in her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s national women’s team in the 2026 world championship, Gervais and her team are not only eyeing a gold medal but also a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will make its debut on the grand stage.
Expressing her excitement, Gervais mentioned, “It would be realizing a dream I would’ve never dreamt before. I never thought about the Olympics, but now that I’m still in the loop, I think the chances are good if I can stay healthy and continue to be a leader for my team. That would definitely be a dream come true.”
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada set to face Panama and Brazil before a matchup against Japan. The top-two teams at the championship will secure Olympic berths, with a provision for a third spot if the United States reaches the gold-medal game as the host nation already has a guaranteed place in Los Angeles.
Although the world championship is a crucial qualifier, failing to secure a spot in Germany would mean participating in subsequent events for a chance at the Olympics. Canada, having qualified for the world championship by finishing as runner-up in the previous IFAF Americas Continental championship, is viewed as a strong contender for gold in the upcoming competition.
Gervais, a 36-year-old from Maskinonge, Que., remains optimistic about Canada’s prospects, especially against Mexico, with whom they had a weather-affected encounter in the previous championship. Reflecting on their bronze medal win at the 2025 World Games in China, Gervais acknowledged the growing recognition of the Canadian team and emphasized the importance of focusing on their performance.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Gervais, who has been playing flag football for 24 years, balances her sporting career with motherhood and a full-time role as an osteopath and kinesiologist. Noting the support she receives, Gervais highlighted the significance of maintaining good health habits and passing on her experience to younger players to enhance team performance.
Acknowledging the leadership of head coach Rachel Lessard in Canada’s success, Gervais emphasized the team’s unity and chemistry as their key strengths. Taking a day-by-day approach, Gervais remains focused on enjoying the sport without getting ahead of herself, aiming to inspire others with her dedication and positive mindset.