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.
Billionaire Pushes Away 12th Failed Attempt to Tend to Emotional Jockey at Kentucky Derby
A brutal neck finish caps another Derby heartbreak as emotion spills over between owner and jockey at Churchill Downs
Jamaicans Get One Over America With New Record at World Relays
Jamaica sets new mixed 4x100m record at World Relays, edging USA in a landmark race filled with historic sprinting action
How Much Prize Money Will Golden Tempo and the First Woman Kentucky Derby Winner Get?
Golden Tempo's trainer makes Kentucky Derby history and here's exactly how much cash they're taking home after the landmark win.
Russian Participation Challenged as World Aquatics Receives Formal Request
European Aquatics seeks a delay of the World Aquatics rule allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes’ return with flags, anthems, and uniforms.
Elaine Thompson-Herah Opens Up About Her Approach to Recovery as She Eyes Return From Achilles Injury
Elaine Thompson-Herah returns after injury, speaks on recovery journey, mindset, 2026 season comeback, and rebuilding form.
Alysa Liu Recalls Scary Experience Where Amber Glenn Came To Her Rescue
Alysa Liu recalls a scary moment when Amber Glenn stepped in and protected her during a tense situation in Japan.
Despite Passing 37 Years Ago, Secretariat’s Bloodline Dominates the 2026 Kentucky Derby
Secretariat’s legacy still shapes the 2026 Kentucky Derby, with most contenders tracing back to his powerful bloodline across generations.
Lindsey Vonn Talks Skiing Future As She Denies Dad’s Plea To Retirement After Horrifying Fall
Lindsey Vonn continues her recovery and hints at a return despite her father’s plea after a severe Olympic crash & a long rehab.
Connor McDavid Finally Loses It After 1st-Round Exit, Throws Oilers Under the Bus
Connor McDavid’s blunt postgame comments spark debate after Oilers’ early playoff exit and another frustrating end to a promising season
$10.5 Million Gamble Fuels Bob Baffert’s Long-Term Kentucky Derby Hopes
Bob Baffert’s $10.5 million colt can turn a high-risk purchase into a powerful new path toward another Kentucky Derby victory.
Olympic Champion Takes Dig at American Training Before Leaving for Home Country
Olympic champion questions US training setup before returning to Dublin to rebuild form for Los Angeles 2028 goals.
Fan Speculation Grows After Arkansas Coaching Change Follows US Olympic Alternate’s Exit
Rumors rise as Arkansas gymnastics faces coaching change following US Olympic alternate Joscelyn Roberson’s transfer portal exit.
