Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to add “Olympian” to her list of achievements. As the veteran defensive back, Gervais leads Canada’s national women’s team in the 2026 world championship, where they not only seek a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, featuring flag football for the first time.
Expressing her aspirations, 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, Brazil, and Japan in the initial matches. The top two teams in the championship will secure Olympic berths, with a provision for a third spot if the United States reaches the gold-medal game as the host nation.
Canada, a strong contender for gold in Germany, earned its world championship qualification by finishing as runners-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship. Despite facing Mexico in a weather-interrupted final, Canada remains optimistic about their performance in the upcoming championship.
Gervais, hailing from Maskinonge, Quebec, is eager for a rematch with Mexico and hopes for a full game this time. Reflecting on their bronze medal win at the 2025 World Games in China, Gervais acknowledged that Canada’s success has put them on the radar, particularly after defeating the U.S. in a recent match.
Apart from her athletic pursuits, Gervais, who has been playing flag football for 24 years, balances her sports career with motherhood and a full-time job as an osteopath and kinesiologist. She emphasizes the importance of a support system, good sleep habits, and nutrition in maintaining her physical well-being.
Gervais also plays a crucial role in mentoring younger players and attributes much of Canada’s success to head coach Rachel Lessard’s leadership and values. She believes that Canada’s strength lies not just in individual talent but in the team’s unity and chemistry on the field.
While Gervais remains focused on taking her career one day at a time, she acknowledges the impact she can make on and off the field, inspiring the new generation with her dedication and accomplishments.