Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to fulfill her dream of becoming an Olympian. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, Gervais is not only eyeing a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut.
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 facing Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the upcoming matches.
The top two finishers in the championship will secure Olympic berths, with a potential third spot for teams if the United States advances to the gold-medal game as the host nation. Failure to secure a spot in Germany will require participation in subsequent qualifying events in the quest for an Olympic berth.
Following their qualification for the world championship by reaching the final of the previous year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship, Canada stands as a strong contender for gold in Germany. Gervais is optimistic about facing Mexico again, reflecting on their previous encounter that was disrupted by severe weather.
In addition to their recent success at the World Games in China, where they secured a bronze medal, Canada’s women’s flag football team aims to maintain their competitive edge in Germany.
Gervais, a 36-year-old from Maskinonge, Que., has been playing flag football for 24 years while balancing her roles as a mother to twins and a healthcare professional. She emphasized the importance of resilience, patience, and self-care in maintaining peak performance on and off the field.
Acknowledging the role of mentorship within the team, Gervais highlighted the significance of positive leadership and team cohesion as crucial factors for success in international competitions.
With a focus on teamwork and unity, Gervais emphasized the strong chemistry within the Canadian team as a key element of their strength in the upcoming championship.
Taking a day-by-day approach to her career, Gervais remains committed to her passion for the sport and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of players both on and off the field.