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 training strategies does Vincent Lindpointner employ to prepare for major gymnastics competitions like the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Aspiring Gymnast**
**Editor (E):** Thank you for joining us, Vincent. You’ve been training hard at the performance center near the Danube. Can you tell us a bit about your daily routine and what it takes to prepare for competitions like the Future Cup?
**Vincent Lindpointner (V):** Thank you for having me! My routine is quite intense. I train nine times a week, totaling around 28 hours. This includes everything from strength training to skill development. It’s all about pushing my limits and refining my techniques. I’m under the guidance of my national coach, Michal Zoha, who really helps me focus on my goals.
**E:** That sounds rigorous! You’ve had quite a successful year, winning a bronze at the Junior European Championships. How does that achievement motivate you moving forward?
**V:** Winning the bronze was incredible; it’s been a huge confidence booster for me! It shows that hard work pays off. It motivates me even more to keep pushing toward my ultimate goal — qualifying for the Olympics, either in 2028 or 2032. That’s the dream.
**E:** The Future Cup is a significant event for young gymnasts. What are your expectations for this competition, especially since it’s your last year as a junior?
**V:** I’m really looking forward to it! I’ve had a lot of success in past editions, including winning gold with the team in 2022. This year, I’m focusing on performing well in the all-around. It’s a great platform to showcase our talent alongside some of the world’s best young gymnasts.
**E:** You mentioned that you see the Future Cup as a great opportunity. What makes it unique compared to other competitions?
**V:** The atmosphere is fantastic! Being able to compete with and against so many top athletes from different countries creates an exciting vibe. It feels like a small World Cup! Plus, it’s inspiring to see how others compete and to learn from them.
**E:** Lastly, what advice would you give to other aspiring gymnasts looking to follow in your footsteps?
**V:** I would say to stay dedicated and work hard. Set clear goals for yourself and remember that perseverance is key. It’s a challenging sport, but with passion and commitment, anything is possible.
**E:** Thank you so much, Vincent, for sharing your insights. Best of luck at the Future Cup and in pursuing your Olympic dreams!
**V:** Thank you! I’m excited and ready to give it my all.