The problem with this reflex is that the athlete usually tries to make up for the late start by putting in greater effort immediately. Hardly ever do you see them approach the race as if they hadn’t started badly. Even with a good start sprint performance can vary and PR’s can be bettered so the athlete should just run a normal race. Nothing like a cool head in a crisis!
PS the Oeshitt reflex transcends beyond sprinting but manifests in many other aspects of life.