Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is setting her sights on becoming an Olympian. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, Gervais aims not only for a gold medal but also for a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut in the Olympics.
Expressing her excitement, Gervais shared, “It would be fulfilling a dream I never thought possible. The Olympics never crossed my mind, but now that it’s a possibility, I believe in our chances if we stay healthy and I continue to lead my 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 facing Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the initial matches. The top two teams will secure Olympic berths, with a third spot opening up if the United States reaches the gold-medal game due to their host status in Los Angeles.
Although the world championship is not the final Olympic qualifier, failing to secure a spot in Germany would require participation in subsequent events. Canada, a strong contender for the gold, earned its world championship berth by finishing as runners-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship, where adverse weather conditions halted their final against Mexico.
Looking ahead to the competition, Gervais remains optimistic about facing Mexico again, saying, “We’ve been working on improving our game against them. We are prepared and ready to give our best performance, learning from our past experiences.”
Canada’s success in flag football was evident in winning a bronze medal at the 2025 World Games in China, signaling their emergence on the international stage. With increased recognition, Gervais acknowledged, “We are gaining visibility, especially after defeating the U.S. recently. Our focus remains on playing our best and letting the results speak for themselves.”
Beyond her sporting achievements, Gervais, a 24-year flag football veteran, balances her athletic pursuits with motherhood and a full-time career as an osteopath and kinesiologist. Drawing strength from her experiences, she emphasized the importance of resilience, support systems, proper rest, and nutrition in maintaining peak performance.
Acting as a mentor to younger players, Gervais emphasized the significance of positivity, teamwork, and strategic guidance on the field. She credited head coach Rachel Lessard for instilling strong values and providing unwavering support to the team, highlighting the unique leadership she brings as a woman in a male-dominated field.
While talent is essential, Gervais believes that Canada’s strength lies in their team chemistry, emphasizing the unity and cohesion necessary for success at the highest level of competition. As for her future plans, Gervais remains focused on the present, enjoying each day on the field and inspiring others to pursue their aspirations through dedication and hard work.