Sabrina Gervais, a dedicated mother, healthcare professional, and experienced flag football player, is now aiming to add an Olympic achievement to her impressive list of accomplishments. As the seasoned defensive back captains Canada’s national women’s team at the 2026 world championship, the focus is not only on pursuing a gold medal but also securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport.
Expressing her aspirations, Gervais shared, “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 set to face Panama and Brazil before taking on Japan. The top two finishers in the championship will secure coveted Olympic berths, with a potential third spot opening up if the United States advances to the gold medal game as the host nation.
While the world championship serves as a crucial Olympic qualifier, failing to secure a spot in Germany would necessitate participation in subsequent events, including the IFAF continental championship and the final Olympic qualifier series in 2028.
Canada emerges as a strong contender for gold in Germany, having earned a place in the world championship by finishing as runners-up in last year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship in Panama. Despite a weather-induced premature end to the final against Mexico, Gervais remains optimistic about facing Mexico again and delivering a stronger performance this time.
Reflecting on Canada’s bronze medal win at the 2025 World Games in China, Gervais acknowledged the growing recognition of the team’s capabilities, particularly following their victory over the U.S. in the USA Football Summer Series. She emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and performance to achieve desired results.
Apart from her athletic pursuits, Gervais, with 24 years of flag football experience, balances her sporting commitments with motherhood and a professional career in healthcare. She attributes her resilience and discipline to her roles as a mother and emphasizes the significance of self-care, proper rest, and nutrition in sustaining her athletic performance.
In addition to her on-field contributions, Gervais actively mentors younger players, emphasizing the importance of positivity, teamwork, and strategic collaboration. She credits head coach Rachel Lessard for Canada’s global success and values the support and guidance provided by having a female coach leading the national team.
Gervais attributes Canada’s strength not just to individual talent but to the cohesive chemistry within the team, highlighting the importance of unity and teamwork in achieving success at the highest level of competition. While Gervais remains focused on the present, taking each day as it comes, she finds fulfillment in inspiring others through her actions and believes in the potential to make a lasting impact both on and off the field.