Sabrina Gervais, a devoted mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is now eyeing the title of Olympian to add to her impressive resume. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, the experienced defensive back aims not only for a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut in the Olympics.
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 play against Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the initial matches. The top-two finishers will secure Olympic berths, with a possibility for the top-three teams if the United States advances to the gold-medal game as the host nation for the 2028 Olympics.
While the world championship serves as an Olympic qualifier, failing to secure a spot in Germany would entail participating in subsequent events for a chance at Olympic qualification. Canada, a strong contender for the gold medal, earned its place in the world championship by finishing as the runner-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship.
Reflecting on their progress, Gervais remains optimistic about facing Mexico, the team that defeated Canada in the final last year due to adverse weather conditions. She emphasized, “Of course, we’ve been working on improving to play them. Hopefully, we’ll see each other, but we’re ready. We can learn from what happened last year and give our best.”
With Canada already clinching a bronze medal at the 2025 World Games, Gervais acknowledged the team’s increasing recognition and the need to maintain their best performance. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity on both offense and defense for a strong competitive edge.
Beyond her athletic endeavors, Gervais, a 36-year-old from Maskinonge, Que., balances football with her roles as a mother of twins and a healthcare professional. She highlighted the significance of resilience, patience, and a supportive network in managing her commitments while maintaining a healthy lifestyle to sustain her athletic career and mentor younger players.
Crediting head coach Rachel Lessard for Canada’s achievements, Gervais emphasized the coach’s leadership and support, noting the unique aspect of having a woman lead the national team. While Gervais remains focused on the present, she aims to inspire others with her dedication and believes in making a positive impact both on and off the field for the next generation of players.
