American sprinter and NFL wide receiver disqualified from race after false start that was .001 seconds too quick

• American sprinter Devon Allen was disqualified from the finals of the men's 110m hurdles for a false start at World Championships.
• Allen ran off the block .099 seconds after the gun — runners have to wait until .1 seconds after the gun.

Devon Allen missed a shot at a world championship gold medal for a false start that was barely perceptible.

At Track and Field World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday, the 27-year-old sprinter was disqualified from the finals of the men's 110-meter hurdles for jumping off the block just .001 seconds too quick. Rules and regulations allow racers leave their blocks .1 seconds after the gun; sensors at the starting line logged Allen's reaction time at .099 seconds.

Allen, who is also a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, was in disbelief. His reaction time in the semifinal was .101 seconds, safe by one-thousandth of a second.

A replay on NBC of the start showed that Allen's lead was barely perceptible.

The .1 seconds threshold was established, based on the theory that any movement quicker would be indicative of an athlete anticipating the gun, rather than reacting it. The number is somewhat arbitrary, though backed by some science, but the IAAF's own commissioned study from 2009 suggested lowering the limit to .080 or .085 seconds.

After the race, Allen expressed frustration over the disqualification.

"Track and field is so difficult because you train the whole year for one competition that lasts 12 seconds or 13 seconds, and that's that," Allen told reporters. "It's kind of like your identity is based all on that one competition. It's just frustrating, but it happens."

Allen said he didn't expect leeway from officials over the start, but he questioned whether the technology in the sensors was 100% accurate.

"I know for a fact that I did not false start," Allen said. "I didn't react until I heard the gun.

"I'll learn from it and make sure I react not as fast next time," Allen added with a laugh.

American sprinter Grant Holloway took home gold in the 110m hurdles with a time of 13.03 seconds.

Watch Allen's false start below: