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.
“It’s Insulting”: Gymnastics Icon Puts College on Blast for Erasing Years’ Long Legacy
Gymnastics icon calls out college after legacy wall erases decades of history, sparking anger among former athletes and calls for restoration.
Olympic Runner Sets Sights on World Record at LA Before Moving to 200m Event
Olympic runner targets 400m world record at LA 2028 before shifting focus to the 200m and eventually the 800m event
Olympian Shares Missing Podium by 0.04 Seconds is Driving Her LA 2028 Mindset
Daryll Neita reveals how missing the Paris 2024 Olympic podium by 0.04 seconds is driving her mindset and preparations for LA 2028.
Olympic Gold Medalist Dies at 60 After Making History for Soviet Gymnastics
1988 Olympic champion Vladimir Gogoladze dies at 60 after making history in Soviet gymnastics and inspiring future athletes.
Runner Dies Mid-Race After Suffering Medical Emergency Despite Life-Saving Efforts
A runner dies after suffering a medical emergency during American half marathon, following several similar fatalities earlier this year.
Former LSU Star Confirms Leaving America After Winning Multiple NCAA Honors
British 400m record holder Amber Anning returns home after seven years in America, beginning a new chapter ahead of LA28.
Two Unexpected ‘Bodyguards’ Make Simone Biles’ Viral Handshake With Jonathan Owens Possible at NFL London Game
Simone Biles shares a playful London game-day moment as two flag football stars jokingly step in as her unexpected security team.
US Runner Recounts How USADA Completely Caught Him Off Guard Before Training
Vinny Mauri recalls the moment USADA arrived at his Planet Fitness gym, where he was preparing for another demanding training session.
Denmark Rival Publicly Denies Supporting Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal Coach’s Controversial Decision
Denmark striker Rasmus Højlund publicly denies viral Cristiano Ronaldo message after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus controversy unfolds
US Athlete Retires at 19 After Lower-Leg Amputation Following Traumatic Soccer Injury
A 19-year-old US soccer athlete retires after a traumatic leg injury led to amputation, ending his 13-year journey in soccer.
Gabby Thomas Takes a Step Outside Track and Field to Empower Girls to Pursue Sports
Gabby Thomas steps beyond track and field, using her voice and experience to empower more girls to discover their potential through sports
US Olympian Explains Being Sidelined From World Team After Return to Elite Gymnastics
US Olympian explains World Team snub after returning from a two-year break and competing against a new generation of young gymnastics talent
