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 you think training routines evolve as gymnasts progress from junior competitions to elite levels?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller, Emerging Gymnastic Talents**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining us today. Vincent, you’ve had impressive success already, including a bronze at the Junior European Championships. How has this achievement shaped your ambitions moving forward?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having us! Winning the bronze was a huge motivator for me. It confirmed that hard work and dedication pay off, and it has only fueled my determination to reach the Olympics, whether it’s in 2028 or 2032. I’ve been training rigorously, and my goal is to keep improving and learning every day.
**Editor:** It’s great to hear that ambition, Vincent. With nine training sessions a week, how do you maintain your balance between gymnastics and school?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It can be challenging, especially during busy periods. I try to stay organized and prioritize my time. My coaches and support team also help me find the right balance so I can excel both in the gym and in my studies.
**Editor:** Felix, you’re just starting your Future Cup journey. What are you looking forward to the most?
**Felix Neumüller:** I’m really excited about competing at my first Future Cup! It feels amazing to be part of such a prestigious event with so many talented gymnasts from around the world. I can’t wait to showcase my skills and learn from the experiences.
**Editor:** You mentioned being excited to compete alongside top talents. How do you feel such an environment benefits young athletes like yourselves?
**Felix Neumüller:** Competing with top gymnasts definitely raises your game. It pushes you to perform at your best and shows you what is possible. You can learn a lot just by observing and competing against them. It’s inspiring!
**Editor:** Vincent, you’ve had experience in this competition before. What advice would you give to Felix as he steps into this arena?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I would tell Felix to enjoy the moment and not put too much pressure on himself. Focus on your routines and remember how much you’ve prepared for this. Every competition is a learning opportunity, no matter the outcome.
**Editor:** As both of you look forward to your respective futures in gymnastics, what do you think the Future Cup represents for young gymnasts globally?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The Future Cup is like a gateway to international competition. It allows young athletes to gain valuable experience and showcase their talents on a platform where champions are born. It’s exciting to know that previous participants have gone on to achieve great things at the Olympics.
**Felix Neumüller:** Exactly! It’s such a cool opportunity to be a part of this event and to see how far you can go in this sport. Just being here motivates us to work harder.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your thoughts and aspirations with us. We’ll be following your journeys with great interest. Best of luck at the Future Cup and beyond!