Shinnosuke Oka, this year’s Olympic champion with Japan’s team and on the parallel bars, has already been here in the past, as has the Briton Max Whitlock, who also has two gold medals at home. For 20 years now, many of the world’s best young gymnasts have come together to compete at the Future Cup in the TipsArena in Linz. “It’s like a small World Cup,” says Upper Austria’s association boss Helmut Kranzlmüller, not without pride. It was he who came up with the idea for it in 2004, on the 22nd/23rd. The competition, which has grown over the years, will enter its 19th edition in November, with talent from 21 nations expected this time. But the local hopefuls don’t need to hide either.
A few kilometers further down at the winter harbor near the Danube, the gymnasts have had their base camp for several years. And when Vincent Lindpointner doesn’t have something to learn during his high school year, he spends his time here in the performance center under the supervision of national coach Michal Zoha. Much time. Nine times a week, up to 28 hours, to be exact, as the 18-year-old from Leonding explains. And he approaches it every day with great ambition. “My big goal is the Olympics in 2028 or 2032 at the latest,” he says. A thoroughly ambitious and difficult undertaking in an absolutely world sport in which there are many contenders for only a few qualifying places. But the determined Lindpointner has enormous potential, as the Junior European Championships bronze medal on the rings he won this year underlines. Only one Austrian in history had achieved this before him. And at the Future Cup – this year is his last as a junior – Lindpointner has often had a big appearance in the past, won gold with the team in 2022 and is expecting a lot again this year in the supreme discipline of the all-around.
Felix Neumüller is four years younger than him and the Mühlviertler also wants to go far in gymnastics. The anticipation for his first Future Cup is great. “It’s just a cool competition because so many top people come here,” says the young talent.
– What are Vincent Lindpointner’s main goals as he prepares for the Future Cup in Linz?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Aspiring Olympic Gymnast**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Vincent. You’re gearing up for the Future Cup in Linz, which is a significant event for you as it’s your last competition as a junior. How are you feeling about it?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thanks for having me! I’m feeling excited and a bit nervous, to be honest. The Future Cup is a fantastic competition, and it’s an honor to compete alongside so many talented gymnasts from around the world. It’s a great opportunity to showcase what I’ve been working on during my time at the performance center.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had an impressive run, especially with your bronze at the Junior European Championships this year. How do you think that experience will help you at the Future Cup?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Absolutely! Winning that medal gave me a confidence boost and reaffirmed that I can compete at a high level. I’ll be drawing from that experience and trying to stay focused. The competition will be tough, but I’m prepared to give it my all.
**Interviewer:** The Future Cup has been called “like a small World Cup” by Helmut Kranzlmüller. With gymnasts from 21 nations participating, what does it mean to you to be a part of such a prestigious event?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s incredibly motivating! Competing against such diverse and skilled athletes pushes me to improve. I want to learn from them and, of course, bring my best performance to the mat. Being compared to a World Cup is a big deal, and it inspires me to aim even higher.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, you have ambitions for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032. What steps are you taking now to achieve that goal?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Right now, I’m training intensely. I spend about 28 hours a week in the gym, focusing on technique, strength, and flexibility. Having Michal Zoha as my coach has been invaluable. He helps me refine my skills and build the mental toughness needed for elite competition. Each day is a step closer to my Olympic dream!
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you have a solid plan. Lastly, what advice would you give to young gymnasts who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’d say stay dedicated and patient. Gymnastics requires a lot of hard work and perseverance. Celebrate small victories along the way and never be afraid to set ambitious goals. Consistency and passion will take you far!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Vincent, for sharing your journey with us. We wish you all the best at the Future Cup and in your quest for the Olympics!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
