Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and experienced flag football player, is aiming to fulfill her Olympic aspiration by leading Canada’s national women’s team in the 2026 world championship. The team’s goal is not only to compete for a gold medal but also to secure a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will make its Olympic debut.
Gervais expressed her excitement about the opportunity, stating that participating in the Olympics was a dream she had never imagined before. As a veteran defensive back, she highlighted the importance of staying healthy and being a guiding force for her team to increase their chances of success.
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship commences in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada scheduled to face Panama and Brazil before meeting Japan in their upcoming matches. The top-two finishers in the championship will earn Olympic berths, with a possible extension to the top-three teams if the United States advances to the gold-medal game as the host nation.
Failure to secure a spot in the Olympics during the current event will require teams to participate in subsequent qualifying tournaments, including the IFAF continental championship and the final Olympic qualifier series in 2028. Canada, a strong contender for the gold medal, earned its place in the world championship by finishing as a runner-up in the previous year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship.
Gervais, a 36-year-old from Maskinonge, Quebec, emphasized the team’s readiness to face Mexico, recalling their last encounter that was cut short due to severe weather conditions. With a bronze medal from the 2025 World Games in China under their belt, Canada is no longer an unknown entity in international women’s flag football.
Gervais, who has been actively involved in flag football for over two decades, manages her football commitments alongside being a mother to twins and working in the healthcare field. She highlighted the importance of resilience, patience, and a strong support system in balancing her various roles. Additionally, Gervais emphasized the significance of rest, proper nutrition, and mentorship in maintaining her performance on and off the field.
Gervais praised the team’s head coach, Rachel Lessard, for her leadership and values that have contributed to Canada’s success in the sport. She emphasized the team’s chemistry and unity as their key strengths in the upcoming championship, underscoring the importance of working together both on offense and defense.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Gervais remains focused on taking each day as it comes and is not yet contemplating her retirement or the possibility of winning an Olympic medal. She stressed the importance of enjoying the game, making a positive impact, and inspiring the next generation through her continued dedication to flag football.