Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to add “Olympian” to her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s national women’s team into the 2026 world championship, the experienced defensive back is eyeing both a gold medal and a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will make its Olympic debut.
“I never imagined the Olympics before, but now that it’s a possibility, I believe in our chances if I can maintain my health and leadership role,” Gervais expressed. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada set to play against Panama, Brazil, and Japan.
The top two finishers at the championship will secure Olympic berths. However, if the United States reaches the gold medal game, the top three teams will advance due to the U.S. already being guaranteed a spot as the host nation. Failing to secure a berth in Germany would mean participating in subsequent events for a chance at Olympic qualification.
Canada, a strong contender for gold in Germany, earned its spot in the world championship by finishing as runners-up in the previous IFAF Americas Continental championship. Despite a weather-interrupted loss to Mexico, Gervais remains optimistic about facing them again and learning from past experiences.
With a bronze medal from the 2025 World Games in China, Canada enters the championship without the element of surprise. Gervais emphasized the importance of teamwork and staying focused on their performance, especially with growing recognition and expectations surrounding the team.
Aside from her athletic pursuits, Gervais, a flag football player for 24 years, balances her sports career with motherhood and a full-time job as an osteopath and kinesiologist. She emphasizes the role of rest, nutrition, and support in maintaining her physical well-being while also mentoring younger players and working closely with head coach Rachel Lessard.
Gervais emphasizes the team’s chemistry as a key strength, highlighting the significance of unity in both offense and defense. Despite her impressive track record, Gervais remains focused on taking each day as it comes and continues to lead by example, aiming to inspire others on and off the field.