Atharv Phadke

Atharv Phadke is a Senior Olympics Journalist and Content Head for the division at EssentiallySports, known for his in-depth interviews and sweeping features that capture the soul of sport. A former international swimmer boasting over 300 medals, Atharv draws on his competitive roots to fuse journalistic precision with an athlete’s empathy and insight. With a master’s degree in journalism and over five years of on-ground experience, he leads the ES Olympics division with a balance of Newsroom vision and competitive drive. He was at the helm of EssentiallySports’ dynamic Paris 2024 Olympics coverage, curating stories in collaboration with the on-ground team. His research helped in capturing both the thrill of victory and the humanity at the heart of competition. Throughout his career, Atharv has engaged in exclusive conversations with sporting icons such as Anita Alvarez, Joe Choong, Griffin Colapinto, Ezra Frech, Jim “The Shark” Dreyer, and Amouranth, providing audiences with rare, intimate glimpses into their worlds. His standout coverage includes a deeply personal conversation with Noah Lyles, where the world champion opened up about his bond with his mother and the emotions behind his journey. Atharv also led EssentiallySports' Paralympics coverage, and has been at the helm of Essentially Athletics, our dedicated track and field newsletter with a mission to change traditional storytelling and celebrate the sport.