After delving into our archives to find our recent article featuring maths teacher, Geoff Underwood (OH Staff 1958-1993), it drew our attention to the mention of a former student who went on to play table tennis for England.  Within the Teacher Feature, which was written in 2001, it refers to Geoff accomplishing a major feat in 1968, when he coached a Hymers College team containing Tony Clayton (OH 1962-69), who became an England International, to win the England Schools' table-tennis title.

With Hymers College more known for its rugby, we contacted Tony's family to learn more. His wife Sanja got back to us, on behalf of Tony, who is now in his seventies, with advanced dementia.

Update: Sadly, since writing this article, Tony passed away peacefully in his care home on 1st June 2024, surrounded by his family.  He is remembered on Our Fondly Remembered Page.

Tony was an England International, representing England on 40 occasions including in the Commonwealth and World Championships. His biggest achievement was a Commonwealth Gold medal in the team event in Singapore in 1971. He also won a silver medal at the same event in the mixed doubles. I don't believe that Hull has had an England International male table tennis player before or since Tony.

In 1971, whilst Tony was playing in the World Table Tennis Championships in Japan, the English table tennis team, of which Tony was a member, received an unexpected invitation to tour  China and play against the Chinese National Team for a period of two weeks directly following the world championships in Japan. This was known as ping pong diplomacy and an incredible experience. Following the return visit of the Chinese team to England, England and Chinese team members received an invitation to meet the Prime Minister, Edward Heath, at 10 Downing Street. It received a lot of media attention at the time!

Tony was a runner up in the England National Championships in 1971, with some of his best wins in this tournament.

After Hymers College, Tony went to Liverpool University and is in their Hall of Fame as an amazing table tennis player!  He continued to play table tennis competitively until about 4 years ago, and has won our club championships in Bournemouth on 12 occasions and was ranked number 1 player in England in the over 60s category.

We kept up table tennis until a few months ago.  He absolutely loved it; he has forgotten how to do many things but as soon as he has a bat in his hand he is off, with that determined look on his face!  I think that table tennis played a massive part in slowing down Tony's decline. Better than any drug treatment that he received!

Tony used to talk about Hymers College a lot and always with most fond memories and how he was always allowed to play table tennis instead of rugby! I do remember him mentioning Mr. Underwood, but unfortunately I can't recall specific memories.

He absolutely adored his time at Hymers College and Hull remained his favorite place on earth.

Searching through our Digital Archives, we found references to Tony's table tennis successes in The Hymerian, for which he was awarded half-colours during his time at school.

1965 Hymerian

1968 Hymerian

1969 Hymerian

1971 Hymerian

Related Articles:

• Fondly Remembered: Tony Clayton, OH 1962-69
• Obituary: Tony Clayton, member of Ping Pong Diplomacy tour and so much more (External Site)
• Teacher Feature from the Archives: Geoff Underwood, 1958-1993
• Tony Clayton obituary: table tennis player on ‘ping pong diplomacy’ trip (The Times - External Site)