PARIS — Brody Malone, who came back from a horrific leg injury to win his third U.S. championship in June, fell twice on high bar and once on pommel horse to scuttle his chances of returning to the all-around finals as the United States finished behind Great Britain in men’s gymnastics qualifying.

Great Britain posted a team total of 256.561 in the first of three subdivisions Saturday. The Americans, who finished third at the 2023 world championships ahead of Great Britain, were at 253.229.

The U.S. arrived in Paris believing it had a legitimate chance to medal in the team competition for the first time since earning a bronze in Beijing 16 years ago.

There is work to be done after the British put on a largely mistake-free clinic across six rotations. Jake Jarman (84.897) and Joe Fraser (84.666) posted the top all-around scores and six-time Olympic medalist Max Whitlock provided a jolt with an electric pommel horse routine — his signature event — that left the 31-year-old looking relieved.

Whitlock’s 15.166 trailed only American Stephen Nedoroscik, a specialist whose 15.200 likely earned him a spot in the event finals and gave his teammates some early momentum.

Frederick Richard and Paul Juda will now represent the Americans in the all-around. While Richard, who earned bronze in the all-around at the 2023 world championships, was expected to advance, Juda’s performance is a bit of a surprise.

The 23-year-old Juda, who unabashedly broke down in tears after being named to the five-man Olympic squad, thrust his arms into the air after his dismount on floor exercise. His all-around total of 82.865 was fourth among early qualifiers, trailing only Richard (83.498), Jarman and Fraser.

Qualifying continues later Saturday, with longtime rivals and gold medal favorites Japan and China competing in the second of three subdivisions. The top eight team finishers advance to the team finals on Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.