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 is Vincent Lindpointner’s training routine like as he prepares for competition?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Rising Star of Gymnastics**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Vincent Lindpointner, an 18-year-old gymnast from Leonding, Austria, who has been making waves in the gymnastics community and is preparing for his last Future Cup as a junior. Thanks for joining us, Vincent!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thanks for having me! I’m excited to be here.
**Editor:** You’ve been training intensely at the performance center near the Danube. Can you tell us more about your training routine?
**Vincent:** Absolutely! I train about nine times a week, totaling around 28 hours. It’s a lot of hard work, but I love it. My coach, Michal Zoha, really pushes me to improve every day, which helps me stay focused on my goals.
**Editor:** Speaking of goals, you mentioned that you aspire to compete in the Olympics. What drives that ambition?
**Vincent:** Competing in the Olympics has always been a dream of mine. The idea of representing my country on such a grand stage is incredibly motivating. It’s a tough journey with many competitors, but I believe in my potential. I’m aiming for 2028 or 2032—those are my target years.
**Editor:** You’ve already achieved some remarkable accolades, like your bronze medal at the Junior European Championships on the rings. How did that experience feel?
**Vincent:** Winning that medal was unreal! It was a validation of all the hard work I had put in. Being only the second Austrian to achieve that honor made it even more special. It showed me that I can compete at a high level.
**Editor:** You’re preparing for the Future Cup, one of the most prestigious junior gymnastics competitions. What does this event mean for you, especially since it’s your last as a junior?
**Vincent:** The Future Cup is like a smaller World Cup, and it’s so exciting to compete against other talented gymnasts from different countries. I’ve had great performances here before, including winning gold with my team last year. I’m really looking forward to making a strong showing in the all-around this time.
**Editor:** It sounds like you have a great mindset heading into this competition. Any thoughts on your fellow competitors?
**Vincent:** I respect all of them. They push me to be better, and I know the experience will be invaluable as I continue my career. Each competitor brings something unique to the table.
**Editor:** what advice would you give to young gymnasts looking to follow in your footsteps?
**Vincent:** Stay disciplined and passionate about what you do. It’s essential to set clear goals and work tirelessly towards them, but also to enjoy the process of learning and growing as an athlete.
**Editor:** Wise words, Vincent! Thank you for your time, and best of luck at the Future Cup and beyond. We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!
**Vincent:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to what’s to come!
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