Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to include “Olympian” in her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s national women’s team into the 2026 world championship, the experienced defensive back is not only eyeing a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut in the Olympics.
“It would be fulfilling a dream I never thought of before,” Gervais expressed. “The Olympics never crossed my mind, but now that it’s a possibility, I believe in my chances if I can maintain my health and continue guiding my team.”
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada set to compete against Panama, Brazil, and Japan. The top two finishers will secure Olympic berths, with a chance for a third team if the United States advances to the gold-medal game as the host country has an automatic spot in the Los Angeles Games.
Canada, a strong contender for gold in Germany, earned its place in the world championship by finishing as a runner-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship. Despite a weather-interrupted loss to Mexico in the final, Gervais remains hopeful for a better outcome this time.
With over two decades of experience in flag football, juggling her sports career with motherhood and a full-time healthcare profession, Gervais emphasizes the importance of resilience, patience, and self-care. She also plays a crucial role in mentoring young Canadian players and attributes much of the team’s success to head coach Rachel Lessard’s leadership and values.
Gervais stresses the significance of teamwork and chemistry over individual talent, highlighting Canada’s unity on both offense and defense as their primary strength. While she hasn’t set a timeline for her playing career or dwelled on Olympic aspirations, Gervais remains committed to making a positive impact on and off the field, inspiring the next generation with her dedication and determination.