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.
Tragedy Strikes Detroit Marathon as Promising Runner Dies at 25
Tragedy strikes Detroit Marathon as promising runner Grace Nolan dies at 25, leaving behind a legacy of athletic success and medical ambition
“Not About the Olympic Games”: Jordan Chiles Makes it Clear Why She’s Returning to LA 2028
Jordan Chiles reveals why she's returning for LA28, focusing on untapped potential rather than medals or redemption.
“Inexperience Played a Factor”: Team USA Coach Explains America’s Worst World Championships Finish in 20 Years After Missing Olympic Berth
Team USA coach reflects on costly mistakes after World Championships finish raises concerns about securing Olympic qualification for LA 2028.
“Desperate for Funding”: Coach Sounds Alarm Over Deteriorating Track Amid Financial Troubles
Cornwall AC’s ageing track raises concerns as funding struggles threaten training opportunities for future athletes,
“You Made My Year”: Simone Biles fangirls Over Michelle Obama Giving the Olympic Legend a Shoutout
Simone Biles fangirls over Michelle Obama’s praise as the 29-year-old weighs an LA28 comeback amid age concerns and family plans
“I Didn’t Want to Live”: Olympian Shares Vulnerable Truth Amid Family Feud
Ryan Lochte opens up about mental health and online bullying after defending fiancée amid public feud with ex-wife Kayla Rae Reid.
“I Felt Like a Zoo Animal”: Dancing With the Stars Star Ezra Frech Reflects on Disability as Paralympic Champion
Ezra Frech reflects on growing up with a disability, winning Paralympic gold, and inspiring greater inclusion through sports and television.
Simone Biles’ Ex-Coach Responds to WCC Olympic Alternate Not Being Able to Talk to Her Due to NCAA Rules
Cecile Landi reflects on reconnecting with Joscelyn Roberson after NCAA communication restrictions made their relationship difficult to maintain.
US Olympic Legend Reflects on How Her Coach Shaped the Way She Looked at Sports
US Olympic legend Shawn Johnson reflects on how supportive coaching shaped her career and helped her preserve her love for gymnastics
“Angry and Frustrated”: Mikaela Shiffrin’s World Cup Racer Fiancé Speaks Out After Tragic Crash
Mikaela Shiffrin’s fiancé opens up about his latest injury, frustration, and another difficult setback in his comeback journey.
ASU Offers $1.3 Million to Coach Amid Investigation Into 21-Year-Old Athlete’s Life Support Case
ASU will pay its former hockey coach $1.3 million after a 21-year-old athlete suffered a catastrophic brain injury during a workout.
“How are We Going to Recover”: Olympian Speaks Out Against Track and Field Body Over Schedule
Jaydon Hibbert criticises Diamond League’s hectic schedule, questioning how athletes can recover and deliver better performances.
