Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, aspires to add “Olympian” to her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s national women’s team into the 2026 world championship, the veteran defensive back aims for a gold medal and a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport.
Expressing her excitement, Gervais acknowledged that the prospect of participating in the Olympics was a dream she had never previously considered. With the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicking off in Duesseldorf, Germany, she emphasized the importance of staying healthy and maintaining leadership within her team to secure this dream opportunity.
The tournament features Canada facing Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the initial matches, with the top-two teams securing Olympic berths. Notably, 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 for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Although the world championship presents a crucial opportunity for Olympic qualification, there are subsequent events for teams that do not secure a spot in Germany. Canada, a strong contender for the gold medal, previously reached the final of the IFAF Americas Continental championship in Panama, setting the stage for their current bid for Olympic qualification.
With a bronze medal from the 2025 World Games in China under their belt, Canada enters the world championship as a recognized force in international women’s flag football. Gervais, a key player on the team, emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences and giving their best performance on the field.
Beyond her flag football pursuits, Gervais balances her athletic career with motherhood and a full-time job as an osteopath and kinesiologist. She attributes her resilience and discipline to her role as a mother and emphasizes the significance of rest, proper nutrition, and maintaining a positive mindset to sustain her performance on and off the field.
Gervais also highlights the role of head coach Rachel Lessard in Canada’s success, praising her leadership and values. Despite the talent on the team, Gervais believes that Canada’s strength lies in their chemistry and unity both in offense and defense, setting them apart as a formidable contender in the championship.
Looking ahead, Gervais takes a day-by-day approach, focusing on the present without getting ahead of herself. While she enjoys playing, she sees her continued participation as an opportunity to inspire others and leave a positive impact on the sport and the next generation of players.
