Sabrina Gervais is a multitasking individual, playing flag football, balancing a career in healthcare, and being a devoted mother. Currently leading Canada’s national women’s team in the 2026 world championship, she aims to secure a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut.
Gervais expressed her excitement, stating that participating in the Olympics would be a dream come true for her. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship is set to kick off in Düsseldorf, Germany, with Canada facing Panama, Brazil, and Japan in the initial matches.
Securing a top-two finish at the championship will guarantee an Olympic berth. However, 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 for the 2028 Games.
Despite the world championship being a crucial Olympic qualifier, there are additional opportunities for qualification. Failure in Germany would lead to participation in the 2028 final Olympic qualifier series after competing in the IFAF continental championship the following year.
Canada’s strong performance in the previous year’s IFAF Americas Continental championship, where they reached the final but were halted by severe weather conditions, indicates their potential as a gold-medal contender in Germany. Gervais remains optimistic about facing Mexico again and is determined to learn from past experiences to achieve the best results.
Canada’s success in winning a bronze medal at the 2025 World Games in China has raised their profile internationally, making them a formidable force in the upcoming championship. Gervais highlighted the importance of teamwork and chemistry, rather than individual talent, in achieving success at the highest level.
Gervais, a seasoned flag football player with 24 years of experience, manages to balance her athletic pursuits with being a mother of twins and a full-time healthcare professional. She emphasized the significance of rest, proper nutrition, and maintaining good sleep habits to sustain her athletic performance.
Mentoring younger players and contributing to the team’s strategies are integral parts of Gervais’s leadership role within the Canadian team. She commended head coach Rachel Lessard for her guidance and values that have contributed to the team’s global achievements.
Taking a day-by-day approach, Gervais remains focused on the present, enjoying her time on the field without getting ahead of herself regarding potential future accomplishments. She believes in the power of determination and showcasing one’s capabilities to inspire others, both on and off the field.