Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to add an Olympic title to her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, Gervais and her squad are not only vying for a gold medal but also eyeing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will make its Olympic 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 set to face Panama and Brazil before taking on Japan. The top two teams in the competition will secure Olympic berths, with a provision for a third spot if the United States reaches the gold-medal game, given their host status in Los Angeles.
Despite the upcoming championship being a crucial qualifying event for the Olympics, there are still opportunities through next year’s IFAF continental championship and the final Olympic qualifier series in 2028 for teams that miss out in Germany.
Canada, having secured a spot in the world championship by finishing as a finalist in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship, is considered a strong gold-medal contender. Gervais, hailing from Maskinonge, Que., remains optimistic about facing Mexico, the team that defeated Canada in a weather-impacted match in the previous tournament.
Reflecting on Canada’s success in the sport, Gervais said, “I feel like people are starting to know us. We beat the U.S., and I think people are starting to talk about us more. But for us, we just play our best, and the results will come.”
Apart from her flag football pursuits, Gervais, a 36-year-old veteran player, balances her time as a mother of twins and a full-time healthcare professional. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, support, and self-care to maintain her performance on and off the field, while also mentoring younger players and recognizing the leadership of head coach Rachel Lessard in Canada’s achievements.
Gervais values the team’s chemistry as a key strength, highlighting the significance of unity in both offensive and defensive strategies. While she refrains from looking too far ahead, Gervais remains committed to making a positive impact through her dedication to the sport and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
