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 Vincent prepare mentally for competing in high-pressure events like the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Rising Star in Gymnastics Ahead of the Future Cup**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Vincent Lindpointner, an 18-year-old gymnast from Leonding, Austria. Vincent is gearing up for his last appearance as a junior at the Future Cup, where he aims to showcase his talents. Thank you for joining us, Vincent!
**Vincent:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to be here.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned that your ultimate goal is to compete in the Olympics, ideally in 2028 or 2032. What steps are you taking to achieve that dream?
**Vincent:** I train nine times a week, totaling around 28 hours. It’s a rigorous schedule, but I love what I do. Every session with Coach Michal Zoha is focused, and I’m always looking to improve. I know the competition for Olympic spots is fierce, but I believe in my preparation and potential.
**Editor:** You’ve already had notable achievements, such as winning a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. What does that experience mean to you?
**Vincent:** Winning that medal was a pivotal moment for me. Being just the second Austrian to achieve that was overwhelming! It showed me that hard work pays off and it motivates me to push even harder. Success on that level helps build confidence, which is essential for bigger competitions.
**Editor:** The Future Cup is billed as “a small World Cup.” What are you looking forward to most at this year’s competition?
**Vincent:** It’s such an honor to compete alongside amazing talents from all over the world. This will be my last year as a junior, so I want to make it memorable. I’ve performed well in the past, winning gold with the team last year, and I’m aiming for a strong performance in the all-around this time.
**Editor:** As a local athlete, what does it mean to you to represent Austria at the Future Cup?
**Vincent:** It means a lot! Competing at home gives me an extra boost of motivation. I want to make my friends, family, and coaches proud. Plus, seeing young talent from 21 nations here inspires me even more to improve and strive for greatness in our sport.
**Editor:** do you have any message for aspiring gymnasts watching you compete?
**Vincent:** Absolutely! Whether you’re a beginner or have been training for years, stay dedicated to your goals. Gymnastics requires patience and determination, but if you put in the work, you can achieve great things. Believe in yourself, and don’t be afraid to dream big!
**Editor:** Thank you, Vincent, for your insights and encouragement. Best of luck at the Future Cup!
**Vincent:** Thank you! I appreciate it.