Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to fulfill her dream of becoming an Olympian. Leading Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, Gervais 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.
Expressing her excitement, Gervais stated, “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.”
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 in the tournament will secure Olympic berths, while the United States, as the host country, already has a guaranteed spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Canada, a strong contender for the gold medal, earned its spot in the world championship by finishing as the runner-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship. Despite facing Mexico in a weather-halted game, Canada is prepared to face them again in Germany.
With a bronze medal from the 2025 World Games in China, Canada aims to continue its success on the international stage. Gervais, a 36-year-old from Maskinonge, Quebec, emphasizes the importance of hard work and learning from past experiences to ensure a strong performance.
Apart from her athletic pursuits, Gervais balances her football career with motherhood and a full-time job as an osteopath and kinesiologist. She emphasizes the value of resilience, support, and maintaining good health habits to excel on and off the field.
Acknowledging the leadership of head coach Rachel Lessard and the team’s strong chemistry, Gervais believes in the collective strength of the Canadian squad. Taking a day-at-a-time approach, Gervais remains focused on her present journey in flag football while also inspiring the next generation of players.
As she navigates her career, Gervais remains humble, expressing her dedication to the sport and her desire to make a positive impact both on and off the field.