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 Felt Like a Zoo Animal”: Dancing With the Stars Star Ezra Frech Reflects on Disability as Paralympic Champion
Ezra Frech reflects on growing up with a disability, winning Paralympic gold, and inspiring greater inclusion through sports and television.
Simone Biles’ Ex-Coach Responds to WCC Olympic Alternate Not Being Able to Talk to Her Due to NCAA Rules
Cecile Landi reflects on reconnecting with Joscelyn Roberson after NCAA communication restrictions made their relationship difficult to maintain.
US Olympic Legend Reflects on How Her Coach Shaped the Way She Looked at Sports
US Olympic legend Shawn Johnson reflects on how supportive coaching shaped her career and helped her preserve her love for gymnastics
“Angry and Frustrated”: Mikaela Shiffrin’s World Cup Racer Fiancé Speaks Out After Tragic Crash
Mikaela Shiffrin’s fiancé opens up about his latest injury, frustration, and another difficult setback in his comeback journey.
ASU Offers $1.3 Million to Coach Amid Investigation Into 21-Year-Old Athlete’s Life Support Case
ASU will pay its former hockey coach $1.3 million after a 21-year-old athlete suffered a catastrophic brain injury during a workout.
“How are We Going to Recover”: Olympian Speaks Out Against Track and Field Body Over Schedule
Jaydon Hibbert criticises Diamond League’s hectic schedule, questioning how athletes can recover and deliver better performances.
Inter Miami Boss Reportedly Discussed as Potential Challenger to Gianni Infantino for FIFA Presidency
David Beckham emerges as a potential Infantino challenger amid FIFA leadership tensions and growing calls for greater transparency.
“Discipline Isn’t a Punishment”: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Shares the Biggest Lesson for Her Newborn Daughter
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shares the biggest lesson she hopes to teach newborn daughter through her journey as an athlete and mother.
Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Lionel Messi in New Ballon d’Or Contest Amid Portugal Fallout
Cristiano Ronaldo leads Lionel Messi in a Ballon d’Or fan contest as Wayne Rooney criticises his handling of Portugal’s ongoing fallout.
“Medical Class”: Athlete Jokes as He Flies Back Home on a Stretcher Weeks After Horror Crash
Ronan Augé jokes about his stretcher flight home after a horrific crash left him with multiple fractures and facial paralysis
“I Already Cried”: Skye Blakely Tops U.S. Women in Worlds Qualifying After Hezly Rivera’s Withdrawal
Skye Blakely leads U.S. women in world championships qualifying after Hezly Rivera withdraws with ankle injury.
U.S. Soccer Offers Condolences After Truck Kills Two at Youth Game in Kansas
U.S. Soccer has shared condolences after a truck entered a youth soccer field in Wichita, killing two people and injuring several others.
