Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and experienced flag football player, is aiming to add “Olympian” to her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s national women’s team in the 2026 world championship, Gervais and her team are not only striving for a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut.
Expressing her excitement, Gervais stated, “It would be realizing a dream I would’ve never dreamt before.” The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada facing Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the initial matches.
The top two teams will secure Olympic berths, with the possibility of a third team advancing if the United States reaches the gold-medal game. Failure to secure a spot in Germany will lead to participation in subsequent qualifying events for the 2028 Olympics.
Canada, a strong contender for the gold in Germany, earned its world championship qualification by finishing as runners-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship. Gervais is optimistic about facing Mexico, the team that defeated Canada in the previous championship shortened due to severe weather.
With extensive experience in flag football spanning 24 years, Gervais balances her sporting career with motherhood and a full-time job. She emphasizes the importance of rest, proper nutrition, and staying positive to maintain peak performance. Gervais also plays a mentoring role for younger Canadian players.
Acknowledging the team’s success to head coach Rachel Lessard’s leadership and emphasizing the importance of team chemistry, Gervais believes in the collective strength of the Canadian team in Germany. She remains focused on the present, enjoying the sport day by day and aiming to inspire others through her dedication and achievements.