Obituary: Christian Small

Christian Small was a popular member of his athletics team

A recent trip to Africa had inspired Christian Small to change his name to Njoya Diawara-Small.

He felt this was a better reflection of his character because Njoya Diawara means "strong in spirit".

This was a quality he had in abundance.

The 28-year-old's drive and determination had ensured his hurdling talent never went to waste, and in May he won gold in the Middlesex County Championship.

How much further his dedication would have taken him will never be known.

On 7 July, he left his flat in Walthamstow, east London, at 0800 BST on his way to work in Holborn, in advertising sales, but never arrived.

Njoya, man of great spirit and determination, we will always love and remember you Sheila, Christian's mother Mother's tribute in full Cherishing son's memory

His route would have involved changing to the Piccadilly Line either at Finsbury Park or King's Cross.

Fears for his safety grew that day and Christian's sister Tameka, 21, was joined by his friends and his parents in pinning up posters around London.

But the news they had been dreading came when his death was confirmed.

Mr Small's trip to West Africa, in which he researched his family origins, was a journey of self-discovery, of body, heart and mind.

Great Source

His mother Sheila said any anger felt over the loss of her son should not deflect them from his aspirations, such as educating young people about Africa or campaigning for fair trade and debt relief.

She said: "Christian, you return now to that Great Source from which we have all come.

"Though you will live forever in our hearts and minds and be with us in spirit, your body now returns to the earth, you voice becomes one with the wind, your tears one with the rain, your laughter one with the waves.

The 28-year-old recently visited west Africa

"Christian, we celebrate your life, a flame that lighted the way and touched many with its warmth, so short-lived and yet brilliant.

"Njoya, man of great spirit and determination, we will always love and remember you."

Flatmate Vanessa Walters, writing in the Guardian, said: "We grew up together. Always slightly too serious for his years, he was thoughtful and earnest - initiating house debates on anything from Live 8 to gay black Tory Derek Laud in Big Brother."

Mr Small joined Enfield and Haringey Athletic Club last year and progressed very quickly.

His coach, Eric Brees, said he was a popular member of the team.

His last competition was the London Inter-Club Challenge on 2 July at the New River Stadium in Haringey, where he finished second in the 110-metre hurdles.

When he was reported missing, some of his clubmates were too upset to compete.

And others who knew him are still digesting the news.

Darren Ferguson said: "Christian, I am devastated to see your name on the list of people who have lost their lives.

"I know we hadn't seen each other for many years since we were at school together, but I am still feeling for you and your family.

"I hope to see you again someday, on the other side."