The 2022 edition of the World Athletics Champions is currently underway in Eugene, Oregon. With the women’s 100m and men’s 110m hurdles wrapping on Sunday, the day was full of ups and downs for the fans.

The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Devon Allen was disqualified from the 110m hurdles finals because of a false start, which caused much outrage among fans. Here’s what happened at the race.

Devon Allen disqualified from the event with a small margin

The World Athletics rules state that a runner’s reaction time to the gun should fall beyond the 0.1-second mark. Otherwise, they are out of the race. For Devon Allen, his reaction fell into the 0.1-second threshold by one-thousandth of a second. The athlete reacted in 0.099 seconds, which led to his disqualification. 

The smallest possible margin ruining his chance on the world stage was unacceptable to fans who called for a protocol overhaul by World Athletics. Despite pleading his case with multiple officials, Devon couldn’t participate in the race. Compatriots Grant Holloway and Trey Cunningham took a 1-2 finish.

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The event was a possible podium sweep for America had Allen participated. In the semifinal heat, he clocked in at 13.09 seconds and came in second. In June, he set the fastest time in the event this season, bagging a 12.84 second finish at the New York Grand Prix. The three-time US champion has already participated in the Olympics twice, though he failed to medal at the finals both times.

“Punished for Being Too Fast”: US Star Devon Allen’s Shocking Disqualification Leaves Sports World Furious at IAAF

Allen’s reaction to the disqualification

After the race, Devon Allen wrote a congratulatory tweet for his teammates. “Great job to my boys @Flaamingoo_ and @TreyCunningham 🙌🏽 1,2 in the hurdles! US back on top!” he said. He also told the reporters that he positively didn’t start before the gun and that it’s a shame he had to sit out the finals.

“When I was flagged, I was very surprised. That was also part of the frustration because I know for a fact I didn’t react until I heard the gun. To be 1/1000th too quick—I know I’m quick, but that kind of sucks,” he explained.

But the footballer took the result in good spirit, despite his disappointment. “Track and field is so difficult because you train the whole year for one competition that lasts 12, 13 seconds, and that’s that,” said the 27-year-old. “I’ll learn from it, and I’ll make sure I just react not as fast next time.”

In other news, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce led the Jamaican sweep in the women’s 100m final. This is her 5th gold medal in the same event; an unprecedented feat in World Championships history.

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