Sabrina Gervais, a mother, health-care professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to fulfill her aspiration of becoming an Olympian. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, Gervais and her team are not only eyeing a gold medal but also a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut in the Olympics.
“It would be fulfilling a dream I never thought of before,” Gervais expressed. “The Olympics never crossed my mind, but now that it’s a possibility, I believe in our chances if I maintain my health and leadership for the team. It would truly be a dream come true.”
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada set to compete against Panama, Brazil, and Japan. The top two teams will secure Olympic berths, or top three if the United States reaches the gold-medal game as the host nation has an automatic spot.
While the world championship serves as an Olympic qualifying event, missing out would entail participating in subsequent qualifiers. Canada, a strong contender for gold, earned its spot in Germany by reaching the final of the previous IFAF Americas Continental championship, where they claimed a bronze medal at the 2025 World Games in China.
Gervais, a veteran player hailing from Maskinonge, Que., is optimistic about facing Mexico in Germany, aiming for a complete game this time. Despite their previous encounters, Gervais believes in their team’s preparedness and ability to learn from past experiences to give their best performance.
Beyond her dedication to flag football, Gervais, with 24 years of experience in the sport, balances her roles as a mother of twins and a full-time health professional. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, patience, and self-care in maintaining her physical and mental well-being to continue supporting and mentoring younger Canadian players.
Acknowledging the crucial role of head coach Rachel Lessard in Canada’s success, Gervais highlights the team’s cohesive chemistry as their strength in the upcoming tournament. She stresses the significance of unity on both offense and defense to solidify their performance.
As for her future in the sport, Gervais approaches it one day at a time, focusing on enjoying the game and making a positive impact on and off the field. She remains committed to showcasing her capabilities and inspiring the new generation with her dedication and achievements.