Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai has told the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that she is safe and well.
The athlete, who was believed to be missing for almost three weeks, told the Olympic boss she was safe in a 30 minute video call.
The former doubles world number one had not been seen or heard from since she posted on Chinese social media that the former vice premier Zhang Gaoli had forced her into sex during an on-off relationship over several years.
Ms Peng's post was quickly deleted, and Mr Zhang and the Chinese government have not commented on the allegation.
In a statement, the IOC said: "Today, IOC President Thomas Bach held a video call with three-time Olympian Peng Shuai from China.
"At the beginning of the 30-minute call, Peng Shuai thanked the IOC for its concern about her well-being," adding that "she explained that she is safe and well, living at her home in Beijing, but would like to have her privacy respected at this time".
"That is why she prefers to spend her time with friends and family right now. Nevertheless, she will continue to be involved in tennis, the sport she loves so much."
The statement comes after tennis stars and the United Nations voiced their concerns about Ms Peng's safety.
Official photographs were also released, which showed Ms Peng at a Beijing tennis tournament held on Sunday.
The chair of the IOC Athletes Commission, Emma Terho, also joined the video call.
She said: "I was relieved to see that Peng Shuai was doing fine, which was our main concern.
"She appeared to be relaxed. I offered her our support and to stay in touch at any time of her convenience, which she obviously appreciated."
The statement said the call ended with Mr Bach inviting Ms Peng "for a dinner once he arrives in Beijing next January, which she gladly accepted, and the two agreed to include Emma Terho and Li Lingwei".
Reports have also stated that Ms Peng was seen at a popular restaurant in downtown Beijing last night.
