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 do Vincent and Felix believe their performances at the Future Cup will impact their future in gymnastics?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller ahead of the 19th Future Cup**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining me today as we approach the 19th Future Cup in Linz. Vincent, you’ve been training intensely in preparation for your final competition as a junior. How are you feeling about it?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’m really excited! It’s bittersweet since it’s my last year as a junior, but I’m ready to give it my all. The Future Cup has always been an important event for me, and I hope to secure another strong performance, especially in the all-around.
**Editor:** You’ve had an impressive year, including a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. How did that experience shape your approach to the Future Cup?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Winning the bronze really boosted my confidence. It showed me that hard work pays off and that I can compete at high levels. I’m taking that momentum into the Future Cup, and I’m determined to showcase what I can do.
**Editor:** That’s a great attitude. Felix, you’re excited about your first Future Cup experience. What are your expectations as you step onto this stage for the first time?
**Felix Neumüller:** I’m really looking forward to it! It’s a fantastic opportunity to compete against some of the best young gymnasts from around the world. I know it will be a tough competition, but I’m ready to challenge myself and learn from the experience.
**Editor:** Were there any specific inspirations behind your motivation to compete in gymnastics?
**Felix Neumüller:** Definitely! Watching athletes like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock perform at such high levels is incredibly motivating. They’ve achieved so much, and it makes me want to follow in their footsteps.
**Editor:** Vincent, as a more experienced athlete, what advice would you give to Felix and other younger gymnasts preparing for big competitions?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’d say focus on your training and trust in your preparation. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of competition, but if you remember the basics and perform how you know you can, you’ll do well. Enjoy the moment, too; it’s not just about the results!
**Editor:** Great advice! As we approach the Future Cup, what would both of you say is your biggest goal for the competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** For me, it’s about leaving a strong legacy as I transition from junior to senior. I want to perform my best and set the tone for what’s next.
**Felix Neumüller:** And for me, it’s all about learning and gaining experience. I want to perform well, but mostly, I want to soak it all in and understand what it takes to compete at this level.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your thoughts. Best of luck at the Future Cup! We look forward to seeing how you both perform!
**Vincent Lindpointner & Felix Neumüller:** Thank you! We appreciate it!