“As I have stated from the beginning, I remain concerned about Peng Shuai’s health and safety and that the allegation of sexual assault is being censored and swept under the rug.”
Now, the International Olympic Committee has confirmed that President Thomas Bach spoke to the former singles world No 14 in a half-hour video call on Sunday (November 21), shortly after Peng was seen at a Chinese youth tennis tournament.
In a statement on Sunday, the IOC wrote: “At the beginning of the 30-minute call, Peng Shuai thanked the IOC for its concern about her well-being. 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.”
Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, Emma Terho was also in the call, and 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.”