Sabrina Gervais, a mother, healthcare worker, and seasoned flag football player, is aiming to add “Olympian” to her list of achievements. As the experienced defensive back leads Canada’s national women’s team into the 2026 world championship, the goal is not only to secure a gold medal but also a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut on the Olympic stage.
Reflecting on the possibility of participating in the Olympics, Gervais expressed, “It would be realizing a dream I would’ve never dreamt before.” The 36-year-old athlete from Maskinonge, Quebec, emphasized the importance of staying healthy and maintaining her leadership role within the team to increase their chances of success.
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship is set to kick off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada scheduled to compete against Panama and Brazil before facing Japan. The top two teams from the championship will secure Olympic berths, while a top-three placement will be guaranteed if the United States reaches the gold-medal game due to their host status for the 2028 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 in Panama. Despite a weather-interrupted final against Mexico resulting in a loss, Gervais remains optimistic about Canada’s chances in Germany and is eager for a potential rematch with Mexico.
Gervais, who has been playing flag football for 24 years and is a key figure in the national team, acknowledges the importance of balancing her athletic career with motherhood and a full-time profession 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 consistent training in maintaining peak performance.
As a mentor to younger players, Gervais focuses on fostering a positive team environment and supporting her teammates both on and off the field. She credits head coach Rachel Lessard for Canada’s achievements and highlights the team’s chemistry as a crucial factor in their success.
Looking ahead, Gervais adopts a day-by-day approach to her athletic career, emphasizing the enjoyment she derives from the sport and the opportunity to inspire others through her dedication and perseverance. She remains focused on making a positive impact, both as a player and a role model, for the next generation of athletes.