Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to add an Olympic achievement to her impressive list of accomplishments. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, Gervais and her squad are not only eyeing a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, which will feature flag football’s Olympic debut.
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 mix, I believe the chances are good if I can maintain my health and continue to lead my team. That would certainly 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 from the tournament will secure Olympic berths, with a possibility of the top three advancing if the United States reaches the gold-medal game as the host nation.
Although the world championship is a crucial qualifying event for the Olympics, teams failing to secure a spot will have additional chances through future tournaments. Canada, a strong contender for gold in Germany, earned its place in the competition after finishing as runners-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship.
Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, Gervais, a 36-year-old from Maskinonge, Que., expressed her optimism, saying, “Of course, we’ve been working on improving to play them. Hopefully, we’ll see each other and be prepared. We can learn from last year’s experiences and give our best effort.”
In addition to the world championship, Canada also claimed a bronze medal at the 2025 World Games in China, marking their first international women’s flag football accolade. Gervais acknowledged that their success has garnered attention, especially after defeating the U.S. in a recent match, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their performance to achieve positive outcomes.
Beyond her dedication to flag football, Gervais, a 24-year veteran in the sport and a national team stalwart, balances her athletic pursuits with motherhood and a full-time career as an osteopath and kinesiologist. She highlighted the significance of resilience, support from her network, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to sustain her competitive edge and serve as a mentor to younger players.
Gervais praised head coach Rachel Lessard for her leadership and values, underscoring the team’s unity and chemistry as essential strengths. Looking ahead, Gervais remains focused on the present, taking a day-by-day approach and emphasizing the impact she can make, both on and off the field, for the benefit of the next generation.