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 does Felix Neumüller plan to make the most of his first Future Cup experience?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller – Future Cup 2023**
**Editor:** Today we’re joined by two promising young gymnasts, Vincent Lindpointner, an 18-year-old who has big dreams of Olympic gold, and Felix Neumüller, a rising star eager to make his debut at the Future Cup. Thanks for joining us, Vincent and Felix!
**Vincent:** Thank you for having us!
**Felix:** It’s great to be here!
**Editor:** Vincent, you’re entering your last year as a junior and have already made a name for yourself with a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. What are your thoughts on this upcoming Future Cup?
**Vincent:** I’m incredibly excited! The Future Cup has been a significant event for me in the past. Competing against such talented athletes from different nations really pushes me. I’m aiming to perform my best in the all-around and hopefully lead our team to victory once again!
**Editor:** That’s a great goal! You’ve been training intensively, almost 28 hours a week. How do you manage the pressure and maintain your focus?
**Vincent:** It can be challenging, but I love gymnastics. The pressure is part of the sport, and I try to channel it into my training. Having supportive coaches like Michal Zoha also makes a huge difference. They help keep me motivated and focused on my long-term goals, especially the Olympics in 2028 or 2032.
**Editor:** Speaking of the Olympics, Felix, you’re just 14 years old and attending the Future Cup for the first time. What are you looking forward to most?
**Felix:** I’m really looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere and competing alongside such accomplished gymnasts. It’s inspiring to see athletes like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock. I want to learn from them and hopefully make a name for myself in the future too!
**Editor:** You seem very optimistic! How do you prepare for competitions like this one?
**Felix:** I focus on my training routines and try to visualize my performances. I believe in putting in the work, but I also remind myself to enjoy the experience. Competing at the Future Cup is exciting, and I want to soak it all in.
**Editor:** It sounds like both of you have incredible goals and dedication. As you head into the Future Cup, what message do you want to send to young gymnasts who look up to you?
**Vincent:** I want to tell them to work hard, stay focused, and never give up on their dreams, no matter how tough it gets.
**Felix:** Absolutely! And enjoy every moment of the journey, because it’s all part of what makes gymnastics so fulfilling.
**Editor:** Well said, gentlemen! Best of luck at the Future Cup and in your future endeavors. We’re sure you’ll both make waves in the gymnastics world!
**Vincent and Felix:** Thank you!
