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 Lindpointner balance training with his personal life as a rising star in gymnastics?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Rising Star of Austrian Gymnastics**
**Editor:** Vincent, thank you for joining us today! With the Future Cup approaching, how are you feeling about your final junior competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! I’m feeling excited and a bit nervous, to be honest. This will be my last chance to compete as a junior, and I want to make it memorable.
**Editor:** You’ve had quite an impressive journey so far, especially with your recent success at the Junior European Championships. What does that achievement mean to you?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Winning the bronze medal on the rings was a huge moment for me. It showed that all the hard work is paying off. Only one other Austrian has won a medal at that level before, so it felt special to be part of that history.
**Editor:** You mentioned you’re training nine times a week—28 hours in total! What keeps you motivated during such intense training?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** My primary motivation comes from my dream of competing in the Olympics. I know how challenging it is, but every training session brings me closer to that goal. Plus, I love gymnastics; it’s my passion.
**Editor:** Speaking of the Future Cup, what are your expectations for this year’s competition, especially in the all-around?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I aim to do my best and hopefully secure a medal in the all-around. I won gold in the team event last year, so I want to build on that performance. Competing against so many talented gymnasts motivates me to push my limits.
**Editor:** You’re also a role model for younger gymnasts, like Felix Neumüller, who looks up to you. What kind of advice do you share with rising stars in the sport?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I tell them to stay dedicated and enjoy the process. It’s important to have fun and not get too caught up in the pressure. Every gymnast has their own journey, and comparing yourself to others can sometimes be disheartening.
**Editor:** Great advice! What are you looking forward to most about this year’s Future Cup?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’m excited about the experience—competing on the same stage as past champions like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock. The atmosphere is electric, and it’s an honor to be part of something that many great gymnasts have participated in.
**Editor:** Vincent, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We wish you the best of luck at the Future Cup and in your Olympic journey!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate your support!