Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare professional, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to add “Olympian” to her list of achievements. Leading Canada’s women’s national team in the 2026 world championship, Gervais is not only eyeing a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut.
Expressing her aspirations, 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 come true.”
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada facing Panama and Brazil before taking on Japan.
Securing a top-two finish at the championship will guarantee Olympic berths. In the event that the United States reaches the gold-medal game, the top-three teams will advance, given the U.S. already has a spot as the host country for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Canada, a strong contender for gold in Germany, earned its world championship qualification by reaching the final of last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship, where severe weather conditions halted their game against Mexico.
Gervais, aged 36 and hailing from Maskinonge, Que., is optimistic about facing Mexico again in Germany and learning from their previous encounter to give their best performance.
Moreover, Canada’s success at the 2025 World Games in China, where they secured a bronze medal, has put them on the map internationally. Gervais believes that their victories are gaining recognition, especially after defeating the U.S. at the USA Football Summer Series.
Beyond her flag football career, Gervais has balanced motherhood, her professional work as an osteopath and kinesiologist, and mentoring younger players. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, patience, and maintaining good health habits to stay at the top of her game.
Gervais commends head coach Rachel Lessard for Canada’s achievements, highlighting the team’s unity and chemistry as crucial strengths. She takes a day-by-day approach to her career, focusing on enjoying the game and making a positive impact on and off the field.
As she continues her journey in flag football, Gervais remains dedicated to showcasing her capabilities and inspiring the next generation of players with her achievements.
