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.
Olivia Dunne Joins Olympic Champion Alysa Liu in Business Magazine Feature
Olivia Dunne joins Olympic champion Alysa Liu in Bloomberg Businessweek's feature celebrating the growing business power of women's sports.
US Olympic Committee Eyes Multi-Billion-Dollar Deal Ahead of LA 2028
US Olympic Committee explores a multi-billion-dollar investment deal to secure Team USA's financial future ahead of LA 2028.
Lindsey Vonn Promises to Move On From Olympic Crash Ahead of Ninth Surgery
Lindsey Vonn shares an emotional recovery update, reveals her ninth surgery, and discusses the possibility of returning to competitive skiing.
24-Year-Old Former College Athlete Dies After Collapsing Near Finish Line of First NYC Marathon
Former Bucknell field hockey player Rachel Apa, 24, dies after collapsing during her first New York City Marathon.
Canada Denies Entry Visas to Russian Athletes as 6 Nations Refuse to Play Russia Following CAS Ruling
Canada blocks Russian athletes from national representation at the 2027 World Juniors as six European nations refuse to play Russia.
National Team Coach Refuses to Let Wrestlers Compete in American Promotion After Poor Performances
Khadzhimurat Gatsalov takes a stance against RAF participation after criticizing wrestlers' preparation and World Championships performances.
Olympian Reveals How Overcoming Alcoholism Led Her to Chase a New Sporting Dream 16 Years After Her Olympic Debut
Shanaze Reade opens up about overcoming alcoholism and finding a new sporting purpose through boxing, 16 years after her Olympic debut.
US Olympic Champion Speaks About Her Experience With Arrested Gymnastics Doctor
Shawn Johnson opens up about her experience with arrested former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar and explains how her coach protected her.
Former New York Marathon Champion Exposes Poor Athletics Conditions in Kenya Amid Doping Drama
Abdi Nageeye highlights how poor track facilities in Kenya's Rift Valley affected his speed training and New York Marathon performance.
Former Olympic Sprinter Swaps Track for Rugby After World Athletics Rules Affect Her Career
Former Olympic sprinter leaves athletics for rugby after World Athletics regulations affect her career and future on the track.
“Never Give Up”: Teen Refugee Athlete Targets LA28 After Youth Olympics Medal Hopes Fall Short
Refugee judoka Arno Yafunga sets his sights on LA28 after finishing fifth at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, inspired by his journey.
Olympian Puts Decathlon on Hold to Focus on Long Jump Ahead of LA28
Simon Ehammer puts his decathlon career on hold to focus on long jump as he chases Olympic gold at LA28 in 2028.
