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.
Olympic Silver Medalist Handed 21-Month Ban After Dangerous Driving Conviction
Tomoru Honda receives a 21-month swimming suspension following a dangerous driving conviction, putting his LA 2028 Olympic hopes at risk.
Cristiano Ronaldo Fans Mock Lionel Messi for Staying Silent on Legend’s Retirement
Lionel Messi faces criticism from Cristiano Ronaldo fans for not publicly reacting to the Portuguese star's retirement announcement.
Bo Bassett Follows World Title With Dominant NCAA Debut Against #1 Wrestler in America
Bo Bassett follows his Senior World Championship victory with a 13-9 NCAA debut win over No. 1 Luke Stanich.
FIFA Rejects Leandro Paredes’ Appeal But Reduces Ban for Another Argentine Ahead of CAS Battle
FIFA upholds Leandro Paredes' ban but reduces Nahuel Molina's suspension as Argentina's federation prepares to take the dispute to CAS.
NCAA Wins Legal Case to Deny Fifth Year of Eligibility to 2022 Student-Athletes
The NCAA has won its appeal, as the court rejected a bid by 2022 student-athletes for another season of eligibility.
Olympian Reveals Car Accident That Left Him Fighting for Recovery Amid 13-Month Break
David Johnston reveals how a serious car accident left him with a concussion during his 13-month swimming absence.
CAS Clarifies Russia’s Reinstatement as France Withdraws From World Championship
CAS defends its decision to reinstate Russian hockey teams as France withdraws from an upcoming para-hockey championship.
“I’m Tougher and Stronger Mentally”: Ilia Malinin Opens Up on Olympic Heartbreak Ahead of Skate America Return
Ilia Malinin reflects on Olympic struggles, mental growth and renewed focus before Skate America return scheduled on November 15.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Reveals Her Career Choice Outside Athletics
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opens up about her passion for fashion while keeping her sights on the LA 2028 Olympics.
“Stop Playing Opossum”: Noah Lyles Hits Back After 200m Olympic Champion’s Teasing Warning Ahead of 2027 Season
Noah Lyles mocks Letsile Tebogo after the Botswana star warns him ahead of their anticipated 2027 sprint rivalry.
“Take These Pills to Look Normal”: Retired World Champion Exposes Figure Skating’s Dark Reality
Retired world champion Elizaveta Tuktamysheva reveals her past laxative use and the weight pressure facing female figure skaters.
“I Needed Him”: Portugal Coach Reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Retirement Decision as Lawyer Drops Bombshell
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus reacts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement as his lawyer reveals a possible reason behind the decision.