Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to include “Olympian” in her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s women’s national team at the 2026 world championship, the veteran defensive back is not only eyeing a gold medal but also a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut on the Olympic stage.
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 kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada set to face Panama and Brazil before meeting Japan. The top-two teams will secure Olympic berths, while the United States already has a spot as the host nation.
Canada, a strong contender for gold in Germany, qualified for the world championship after finishing as runners-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship. Gervais, hailing from Maskinonge, Que., hopes for a rematch with Mexico, aiming for a full game this time around.
With Canada having clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 World Games in China, Gervais acknowledges that their team is gaining recognition. Despite the growing attention, she emphasized the importance of focusing on their performance and letting the results speak for themselves.
Beyond her love for flag football, Gervais, a 24-year flag football veteran and a key member of the national team, balances her athletic career with motherhood and a full-time job as an osteopath and kinesiologist. She highlighted the role of resilience, patience, and support in maintaining her fitness and well-being.
Gervais remains committed to mentoring younger players and attributes Canada’s success to the leadership of head coach Rachel Lessard. Emphasizing the team’s chemistry and unity, she believes these factors are crucial for their strength on both offense and defense.
Taking a day-by-day approach, Gervais remains focused on the present, enjoying her time on the field while inspiring others with her dedication and determination. She believes in making a positive impact, both on and off the field, for the new generation of players.