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.
World Gymnastics Finally Addresses World Champion’s Visa Decision Keeping Her Away From Gold Medal
World Gymnastics finally responds to visa refusal keeping Angelina Melnikova from competing for another world title in Rotterdam
Government That Denied Visa to World Champion Breaks Silence Over Controversial Decision
Dutch government breaks silence after denying visas to world champion and two Russian gymnasts ahead of world championships
Olympic Champion Confirms Illness During Training to Withdraw From New York Race
Olympic champion Sifan Hassan withdraws from New York City Marathon after illness disrupts her training and preparation for the race
Despite Serving Four-Year Doping Ban, 48-Year-Old Cyclist Wins Bronze at World Championships
Tom Danielson returns from doping suspensions to claim bronze in the men's 45–49 category at the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships
Plans for Statue of Track and Field Legend Responsible for Many Olympic Champs in Motion
Plans advance for statue honouring Stephen Francis, the legendary coach behind multiple Olympic champions and Jamaica’s sprinting success
Veteran NBC Commentator Sends Serious Message to Americans Ahead of LA Olympics
Veteran NBC commentator reminds Americans why Olympic athletes’ stories matter as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Games
4th-Place Finish Kenyan Runner Faces Doping Suspension Following Prohibited Substance Check
Kenyan marathoner faces provisional suspension in an AIU anti-doping case involving his Athlete Biological Passport.
Defending World Champion Denied Visa by Host Country Ahead of World Championships
Reigning world champion has been denied a visa by the Netherlands, casting doubt on her participation in the 2026 World Championships.
Most Decorated US Olympic Skateboarder Confirms LA Return for Special Reason
Nyjah Huston reveals why competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics holds special meaning beyond another medal.
Jordan Chiles Makes it Clear Why She’s Back to Challenge for LA Olympics Spot
Jordan Chiles opens up about her decision to return to elite gymnastics, her changed mindset, and her motivation to pursue LA28.
Masai Russell’s Rival Reveals Ignoring Achilles Injury Warning Signs Before Devastating Setback
Masai Russell’s rival opens up about the Achilles injury that ended her season, revealing the warning signs she ignored before the race.
Cyclist Dropped from National Team at Worlds Amid Misconduct Investigation
27-year-old Olympic medallist faces an uncertain future after being dropped from the World Championships amid a misconduct investigation.
