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.
“You Look Like Catwoman”: Keely Hodgekinson’s Coach Shares First Reaction to Iconic Nike Speed Suit
Keely Hodgkinson’s coach reveals her honest first reaction to the runner’s bold Nike speed suit and the story behind its debut
Clayton Young Shares Emotional Confession After Racing Chicago Marathon Against Medical Advice
Clayton Young opens up about faith, his hamstring injury and the emotional decision to race the Chicago Marathon despite medical concerns
Russian Official Slams Government for Denying World Champion Chance to Defend Gold Medal
Russian official slams Netherlands as world champion Angelina Melnikova loses chance to defend her gold medal at World Championships
Olympic Gold Medalist Fights to Save Her Home as Demolition Threatens Her Future
Olympic gold medalist Linda Thom faces losing her Ottawa home after 51 years as a proposed demolition threatens her community and future.
2-Time Olympic Champion Makes Return to Gymnastics After 7 Years Absence
Aliya Mustafina returns to the World Championships as a coach, revisiting the arena where she won her first world all-around title.
Mikaela Shiffrin’s Fiancé Tears Achilles in Training Crash Just Days Before World Cup Season
Mikaela Shiffrin’s fiancé Aleksander Aamodt Kilde ruptures his Achilles tendon in Chile, days before the new World Cup season begins.
Olympic Champion Hezly Rivera Once Again Faces Injury Concern Ahead of World Championships Debut
Hezly Rivera faces fresh ankle concerns ahead of her World Championships debut after missing the 2025 event, with her sights set on LA28.
Olympic Champion Shares Heartwarming Life Update After Long Absence From the Track
Athing Mu announces her pregnancy after a long absence from racing, raising questions about her return and hopes for the LA28 Olympics.
WorldTour Team Vows Independent Probe After 71 Insiders Allege “Culture of Fear”
Team Picnic PostNL launches an independent investigation after 71 current and former riders and staff allege a culture of fear.
25-Year-Old Influencer Dies After Collapsing Just 500 Meters From the Half-Marathon Finish Line
South Korean running influencer Yoo Ji-won, 25, dies after collapsing 500 metres from a half-marathon finish line.
ITA Apologizes to Athlete Tested for Doping Hours After Her Mother’s Death
The ITA apologizes to Valentina Cavallar after a doping test hours after her mother’s death raises concerns over testing procedures.
2-Time Grand Prix Winner Suspended Over Alleged Banned Substance in Competing Horse
Two-time Grand Prix winner Nick Benterman provisionally suspended over alleged banned substance found in his competition horse
