Olympics Writer
Maleeha Shakeel is a Senior Olympic Sports Writer at EssentiallySports, known for covering some of the biggest moments in global sport. From the World Athletics Championships 2023 to the Paris Olympics 2024 and the Winter Cup 2025, she has reported live on events that define sporting history. Her coverage has also been cited by Olympics.com on its official platform.
Whether breaking developments in real time, such as her widely-followed live blog on Jordan Chiles’ medal revocation, or crafting feature stories that explore the mental and emotional journeys of athletes, Maleehah’s work blends accuracy, clarity, and storytelling flair to resonate with fans worldwide.
As part of EssentiallySports’ Journalistic Excellence Program, an in-house initiative to hone advanced reporting, editorial strategy, and audience-focused writing, she has developed a distinct voice that focuses on people, pressure, and pivotal moments. From chronicling Sha’Carri Richardson’s sprints to capturing Letsile Tebogo’s rise, her reporting offers readers insight beyond the scoreboard.
Olympic Champion Enters a Full Media Blackout Following Embarrassing Losses in Recent Races
Olympic champion Adam Peaty faces a "major career crisis" as a media blackout follows painful defeats and growing questions about his future.
“Sobbed for Three Hours”: Olympic Champion Recounts Horrific Heartbreak at US Nationals
Missy Franklin opens up about devastating 2016 Olympic Trials heartbreak that nearly forced her to walk away from swimming.
Furious Track and Field Coach Calls Out Diamond League Over Massive Error
Pete Julian calls out Diamond League after Zurich 800m points twist leaves athletes and coaches questioning the official standings.
Fastest 200m Woman Alive Calls it Quits With 2026 Season Following Hamstring Injury and Late Coach’s Grief
Shericka Jackson ends her 2026 season after another injury setback, with the Jamaican sprinter also navigating the loss of her longtime coach.
Sha’Carri Richardson’s Cryptic Message Leads Fans to Believe Huge Track Career Change is Coming
Sha’Carri Richardson’s cryptic message sparks training camp speculation as fans wonder if the sprint star is preparing to leave Star Athletics.
Jordan Chiles Finally Confirms LA Olympics Bid Amid New UCLA Student Coach Announcement
Jordan Chiles confirms LA 2028 Olympic comeback after UCLA names her student coach, one day before revealing her Olympic plans
Africa’s Fastest Man Misses Diamond League Final for Second Straight Year Due to Injury
Ferdinand Omanyala suffers another heartbreak as injury rules Africa’s fastest man out of Diamond League Final in Brussels.
51-Year-Old Gymnastics Legend Qualifies for World Championships Only to Turn Down the Spot
51-year-old gymnastics legend earns World Championships spot before making a surprising decision to turn down her place.
Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Chiles Takes Up New Role at UCLA Gymnastics
Jordan Chiles returns to UCLA as a student coach five months after ending her collegiate career, while her LA28 Olympic ambitions remain open.
Two-Time Olympic Champion Accuses National Swimming Federation of Pocketing Interest on Delayed Prize Money
Tatjana Smith demands answers after swimming federation allegedly kept interest on her $35,000 World Championships prize money
Sha’Carri Richardson’s Path Clears in Brussels as World Champion and Her Biggest Rival Sit Out
Sha’Carri Richardson gets a major opportunity in Brussels as she looks to end her season on a high before a potential rematch with a familiar rival.
Hours After Lionel Messi’s Retirement, Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Strong Message on His Career
Cristiano Ronaldo appears to take a slight dig at Lionel Messi’s retirement with cryptic “Keep pushing” training post.
