Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to add “Olympian” to her list of accomplishments. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, Gervais and her team are not only eyeing a gold medal but also a chance to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will make its Olympic debut.
Expressing her excitement, Gervais stated, “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 is set to kick off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada set to face Panama and Brazil before taking on Japan. The top two teams will secure Olympic berths, with a possibility for the third team if the United States reaches the gold-medal game, given their automatic qualification as the host nation.
Canada, having secured a spot at the world championship by finishing as runners-up in the previous year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship, is considered a strong contender for the gold in Germany. Despite a bronze medal win at the 2025 World Games in China, Gervais and her team are focused on their upcoming challenges and are eager to continue their success on the global stage.
With over 24 years of experience in flag football, Gervais, balancing her roles as a mother, healthcare practitioner, and athlete, emphasizes the importance of resilience, support, and self-care in maintaining peak performance. Mentoring younger players and emphasizing teamwork and camaraderie, Gervais acknowledges the critical role of teamwork and chemistry in their success.
Taking a day-at-a-time approach, Gervais remains grounded and focused on the present, enjoying her time on the field while inspiring others through her dedication and passion for the sport. Her ultimate goal is to make a positive impact, both on and off the field, showcasing the power of determination and teamwork to achieve one’s dreams.
