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.
17-Year-Old National Record Holder Eyes LA 2028 Olympic Dream With Grandfather as Coach
17-year-old national record holder pursues LA 2028 Olympic dream with grandfather's guidance after years of rifle shooting success
Olympic Champion Finishes 10th in Shocking Return to Figure Skating After Gold Win
Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov finishes 10th at the Grand Prix de France months after winning gold, as falls derail his comeback.
US Olympic Legend Brutally Trolled Online Over Return to Gymnastics in New Role
Laurie Hernandez faces online backlash over her NBC gymnastics commentary, with fans questioning her skills despite Olympic success.
Viral 3-Year-Old’s Soccer Controversy Takes New Turn After Father’s Livestream Claim
A viral soccer controversy involving a 3-year-old takes a new turn as an livestreaming claim raises questions about what happened.
Hall of Fame Coach Who Shaped Olympic Careers for 6 Decades Passes Away at 89
Hall of Fame coach Frank Gagliano, who guided generations of runners and helped shape Olympic careers over six decades, has died at 89.
“Feel Kind of Odd”: Simone Biles Admits to Nerves After Cheering for Team USA and Rivals
Simone Biles shares her nerves while cheering for Team USA and rivals at the 2026 World Championships, as questions grow about LA28.
“I Want to Do it Again”: Mikaela Shiffrin’s Fiancé Aleksander Kilde Speaks Out on Injury Ruining Ski Comeback
Mikaela Shiffrin’s fiancé, Aleksander Aamodt Kilde, opens up about his latest injury setback and hopes of returning to skiing.
“Nail in the Coffin”: Olympians Call Out Kenya’s Doping Crisis Over Fair Competition
Olympians and elite runners react to Peres Jepchirchir’s suspension, demanding tougher penalties as Kenya’s doping cases raise fresh concerns
Medical Evidence Helps Olympic Runner-Up Overturn 4-Year Doping Ban
New medical evidence helps Koki Ikeda overturn his four-year doping ban, reopening his career and hopes of competing at LA28.
Cristiano Ronaldo Publicly Humiliated by Fans Over Celebrating 982nd False Goal
Cristiano Ronaldo faces fan backlash after celebrating 982nd goal for Al-Nassr, reigniting debate over his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
NCAA Gymnast Shocks Olympic Champion to End America’s Bad Luck at World Championships
Skye Blakely stuns Kaylia Nemour to win world all-around gold, giving America a bright spot after a disappointing team championship.
Details of Olympic Champion’s Shocking Doping Suspension Reveal Hurdles Faced by Testing Officers
Peres Jepchirchir’s doping suspension raises questions after reports of a two-hour delay during testing officers’ visit to her Kenyan home.