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.
Jordan Chiles Can Regain Olympic Bronze as CAS Delay Puts Ana Bărbosu Case in Doubt
Jordan Chiles' Olympic bronze case returns to CAS as unpaid fees delay proceedings, creating fresh uncertainty around Ana Bărbosu's medal.
French Team Doctor Provides Encouraging Update on Léon Marchand’s Injury Recovery
French team doctor shares encouraging update on Léon Marchand’s injury recovery ahead of European Championships return hopes.
Cooper Lutkenhaus Reveals the Lesson That Changed His Racing Mindset Ahead of Prefontaine Classic
Cooper Lutkenhaus explains how embracing pain, gaining elite experience, and overcoming fear transformed his racing mindset.
World Record Holder Takes Bold NCAA Decision to Focus on American Legacy
World record holder Ja'Kobe Tharp leaves the NCAA track despite eligibility remaining, with a bigger goal driving his decision.
“[Simone Biles] Was Wrong”: Riley Gaines and MyKayla Skinner Celebrate After SCOTUS Ruling
Riley Gaines and MyKayla Skinner revive their feud with Simone Biles after a major Supreme Court ruling on women's sports.
Ex-Olympic Champion Erases 18-Year-Old American Record to Become Second Best to Usain Bolt
2021 Olympic champion stuns the track world with a 9.67 wind-assisted sprint, becoming the second fastest man ever, only behind Usain Bolt.
“I’m Being Punished”: Track Star Exposes How NCAA is Being Used Against Her to Win Gold Country
Lauren Roy opens up about missing the Commonwealth Games after NCAA commitments conflicted with Athletics NI selection requirements.
Olympic Track Star Jailed in USA for 27 Months Facing Deportation
Olympic track star Godson Oghenebrume sentenced to 27 months in U.S. prison and now faces possible deportation.
U.S. Double Olympic Champion Files $385,000 Lawsuit Against Ex-Girlfriend Over Games Memorabilia
US double Olympic champion sues ex-girlfriend seeking $385,000 over missing Olympic memorabilia and personal items tied to career
Junior World Champions Start GoFundMe After 4-Year Funds Empty Out With No Way to Go Back Home
After four years away from home, world junior medalists turn to GoFundMe to keep their childhood skating dream alive.
19-Year-Old Track Athlete Deleted Instagram to Successfully Beat Olympic Champion
Charlotte Henrich deleted Instagram before racing Olympic Champion Keely Hodgkinson, then delivered a breakout 400m run at UK Championships.
Olympic Champion to Replace Queen Elizabeth for Unusual National Honor
Kirani James receives a rare regional honor, marking a powerful recognition of a champion whose journey reshaped Grenada’s sporting pride.
