Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and experienced flag football player, is aiming to achieve Olympic participation in addition to her diverse background. As the seasoned defensive back leads Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, their goal extends beyond a gold medal to securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport.
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 come true.”
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship commences in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada set to face Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the initial matches. The top-two teams from the championship will earn Olympic berths, with a third spot available if the United States reaches the gold-medal game as the host country.
Despite this, failing to secure an Olympic berth in Germany would necessitate participation in subsequent qualifying events in 2027 and 2028. Canada, a strong contender for gold in the current championship, earned its spot by finishing as the runner-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship in Panama.
Reflecting on the upcoming competition, Gervais expressed optimism about facing Mexico, the previous championship victors, and the potential for a better outcome this time. She emphasized the team’s focus on improvement and learning from past experiences to give their best performance.
With previous success at the 2025 World Games, where Canada clinched a bronze medal, Gervais acknowledged the growing recognition of their team’s capabilities. Despite the increased attention, she emphasized the team’s commitment to playing their best and letting the results speak for themselves.
Beyond her achievements in flag football, Gervais, a 24-year flag football veteran and national team member, balances her athletic pursuits with motherhood and a full-time career as an osteopath and kinesiologist. She credits her support system, good sleep habits, and nutrition for sustaining her physical well-being and ability to mentor younger players.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of head coach Rachel Lessard in Canada’s success, Gervais praised her leadership and values that have contributed to the team’s cohesion and performance. Emphasizing the team’s chemistry as a critical asset, Gervais highlighted the importance of unity on both offense and defense at the competitive level.
While Gervais remains focused on the present and enjoys her time on the field, she refrains from contemplating future milestones such as an Olympic medal. Instead, she prioritizes taking each day as it comes and aims to make a positive impact, both on and off the field, for the benefit of the upcoming generation.