Sabrina Gervais, a mother, health-care professional, and seasoned flag football player, is eyeing an Olympic journey as she leads Canada’s national women’s team into the 2026 world championship. The team aims not just for a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut in the Olympics.
Gervais expressed her excitement, saying participating in the Olympics would fulfill a dream she never thought possible before. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship kicks off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada set to compete against Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the initial matches.
The top-two finishers in the championship will secure Olympic berths. If the United States reaches the gold-medal game, the top-three teams will advance due to the U.S. already securing a spot as the host nation. Failing to qualify in Germany would mean participating in further qualifiers in the coming years.
Canada, a strong contender for the gold in Germany, earned its world championship spot by finishing as the runner-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship. Gervais, hailing from Maskinonge, Que., is optimistic about facing Mexico again, aiming to play a full game this time.
The Canadian team claimed a bronze medal at the 2025 World Games in China, establishing its presence on the international flag football stage. Gervais highlighted the team’s growing recognition and emphasized the importance of playing their best to achieve results.
Apart from her sporting commitments, Gervais, a 24-year flag football veteran, balances her roles as a mother of twins and a full-time health professional. She emphasized the significance of resilience, support systems, and self-care in maintaining peak performance on and off the field.
Gervais emphasized the importance of teamwork and chemistry in Canada’s success, giving credit to head coach Rachel Lessard for her leadership and values. She stressed the team’s unity as a key factor in their strength on both offense and defense.
Looking ahead, Gervais maintains a day-to-day approach, focusing on enjoying the game and making a positive impact on and off the field. She remains committed to showcasing her capabilities and inspiring the next generation of players.