Sabrina Gervais, a dedicated mother, healthcare professional, and experienced flag football player, is aiming to add the title of Olympian to her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the upcoming 2026 world championship, Gervais and her team are not only eyeing a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut in the Olympics.
Expressing her excitement, Gervais shared, “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.”
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicks off this Thursday in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada scheduled to face Panama and Brazil before taking on Japan on Friday.
Securing a top-two finish at the world championship will guarantee an Olympic berth. However, if the United States reaches the gold-medal game, the top-three teams will advance, given the Americans’ automatic qualification as the host nation for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
While Germany marks an important qualifying event, failing to secure a spot there would require Canada to participate in subsequent competitions for a chance at the Olympics. Canada’s strong performance in the previous year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship, where they reached the final but lost to Mexico due to severe weather conditions, positions them as a formidable contender in Germany.
Reflecting on their progress, Gervais, hailing from Maskinonge, Que., expressed hope for a rematch with Mexico and a full game this time, stating, “Of course, we’ve been working on improving to play them. Hopefully, we’ll see each other, but we’re ready. We can just learn from what happened last year and do our best.”
Canada’s success in winning a bronze medal at the 2025 World Games in China has garnered attention, eliminating the element of surprise for their opponents in Germany. Gervais acknowledged the increased recognition, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their performance to achieve desired outcomes.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Gervais, a 36-year-old veteran in flag football, balances her responsibilities as a mother of twins and a full-time healthcare professional. She attributes her resilience and discipline to her family’s support, emphasizing the significance of maintaining good health habits to sustain her athletic career and mentor younger players.
Acknowledging the crucial role of head coach Rachel Lessard in Canada’s achievements, Gervais highlighted the team’s chemistry as a key strength, emphasizing the importance of unity in both offensive and defensive strategies.
Looking ahead, Gervais remains focused on the present, taking a day-by-day approach to her career without setting specific long-term goals. She values the opportunity to inspire others through her dedication and believes in the impact she can make on and off the field for the upcoming generation.