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.
“I’m Not Scared to Sacrifice”: World Champion Skye Blakely Opens Up on Chasing Her Biggest Dreams
Skye Blakely reflects on injuries, missed college experiences and difficult choices that shaped her journey to becoming a world champion.
TikTok’s Biggest Star Visits Youth Olympic Village Ahead of Historic Opening Ceremony in Dakar
Khaby Lame visits Senegal's Youth Olympic Village, shares an emotional message and celebrates Africa's historic moment ahead of Dakar 2026.
AIU Bans Three More Athletes as Ethiopia’s Doping Cases Hit Four in Two Days
Ethiopian athletics faces fresh doping scrutiny as the AIU sanctions four athletes in two days, including Mosisa Siyoum.
23-Year-Old American Stuns Two-Time World Champion With Last-Second Takedown to Claim Historic Gold
Adaugo Nwachukwu stunned 2x world champion with a dramatic final-seconds takedown to claim her first Senior World Championship gold medal.
Masai Russell Says Track & Field Is Better Off Than Portrayed, but Has One Big Problem
Masai Russell believes track and field is thriving, but says fragmented broadcasting makes it harder for fans to follow the sport.
24-Year-Old Long Jumper Among Those Killed in Devastating Train Collision
Spanish long jumper Julieta Gallego was among 69 victims of the train collision near Urda, leaving the athletics community mourning.
Olympic Team Champion Breaks Silence on Last-Minute World Championships Withdrawal
Hezly Rivera opens up about her last-minute World Championships withdrawal, her injury setback, and hopes for a comeback.
26-Year-Old US Track Star Who Trained With Sha’Carri Richardson Announces Early Retirement
Brendon Stewart’s sprinting legacy includes an NCAA title, a USC record, and a decade of dedication that will inspire future athletes.
Collegiate Wrestler Stands Up for US Athlete Facing Racist Abuse After Eye-Poke DQ at Worlds
Riley Bettich defends Morgan Turner after the American athlete faces racist abuse following World Championships disqualification.
21-Year-Old Runner Faces a 3-Year Suspension After Testing Positive for Testosterone
Ethiopian runner Hunde Lechisa has been banned for three years after testing positive for testosterone, losing his career-best result.
“No One Asked for This”: Fans Divided Over Jordan Chiles’ New Documentary Amid Olympic Bronze Medal Controversy
Jordan Chiles’ upcoming documentary sparks mixed fan reactions as controversy over her stripped Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medal continues
USMNT’s Alex Freeman Stands Up for 3-Year-Old Child Removed From Soccer Game
USMNT defender Alex Freeman supports 3-year-old Nevada Pierre after a youth soccer dispute in Florida led to a police response.
