Great Britain Leads Men's Gymnastics Qualifying at Paris

Great Britain surged ahead in men's gymnastics qualifying with a team score of 256.561, outperforming the United States. The Americans, struggling with high bar and pommel horse issues, finished second. Jake Jarman and Joe Fraser led with top all-around scores, while Max Whitlock boosted his team with a stellar pommel horse routine.

Great Britain surged to an early lead during men's gymnastics qualifying, posting a team total of 256.561 to finish ahead of the United States in the first of three subdivisions Saturday.

The Americans, who finished third at the 2023 world championships ahead of Great Britain, dealt with issues on the high bar and pommel horse to finish second at 253.229.

There is work to be done after the British put on a largely mistake-free clinic across six rotations. Jake Jarman and Joe Fraser posted top all-around scores, while six-time Olympic medalist Max Whitlock provided momentum with an electric pommel horse routine, his signature event.

Whitlock's 15.166 trailed only American Stephen Nedoroscik, a specialist whose 15.200 likely secured him a spot in the event finals. However, the US team's momentum was halted when Brody Malone fell multiple times. Frederick Richard and Paul Juda will represent the Americans in the all-around finals, with Richard being a bronze medalist at the 2023 world championships.

Qualifying continues later today with rivals Japan and China competing. The top eight teams will advance to the finals on Monday.