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.
How has the support from the gymnastics community in Austria impacted Vincent Lindpointner’s training and performance?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Rising Star of Gymnastics**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Vincent Lindpointner, a talented young gymnast from Leonding, Austria, who is gearing up for his final appearance as a junior at the upcoming Future Cup in Linz. Vincent, thank you for joining us!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to be here.
**Editor:** You’ve been training nine times a week, dedicating up to 28 hours to gymnastics. What drives your commitment and ambition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s definitely my dream of competing in the Olympics. I’m aiming for 2028 or 2032, and every hour I put in is a step closer to that goal. It’s a tough path with many competitors, but I believe in my potential, especially after winning a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships this year.
**Editor:** That’s impressive! You’ve had success at the Future Cup before, including a team gold last year. What does this competition mean to you?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The Future Cup is special because it brings together the best young gymnasts from around the world. It’s like a mini World Cup! Competing against talented athletes not only helps improve my skills but also motivates me to push my limits.
**Editor:** Speaking of competition, how do you feel about your chances this year in the all-around?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’m feeling confident! I’ve trained hard for this event, and I know what I’m capable of. It’s my last year as a junior, so I really want to make it a memorable one.
**Editor:** You mentioned your ambition and dedication. Are there any particular gymnasts you look up to?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Definitely! I’ve always admired gymnasts like Shinnosuke Oka, especially after seeing him win gold at the Olympics. It’s inspiring to see what’s possible with hard work and determination.
**Editor:** As a local hopeful, how is the gymnastics community in Austria supporting your journey?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The support here is fantastic! My coach, Michal Zoha, is incredibly dedicated, and the performance center has everything we need. Plus, our local gymnastics community really rallies around us during competitions. It motivates me to give my best.
**Editor:** Best of luck in the Future Cup, Vincent! We look forward to seeing all you achieve in the coming years.
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
