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 strategies does Vincent Lindpointner use to stay motivated throughout his rigorous training schedule?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Aspirant Olympic Gymnast**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Vincent! With the Future Cup coming up, can you tell us how you’re feeling as you prepare for this competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! I’m feeling really excited because this will be my last year as a junior at the Future Cup. I’ve had some great experiences in the past, winning gold with the team last year. I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills in the all-around competition this time around.
**Editor:** You mentioned your past successes, including winning a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. How do those experiences motivate you as you set your sights on the Olympics in 2028 or 2032?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Those achievements definitely motivate me! They remind me that with hard work and dedication, I can compete at high levels. I know the road to the Olympics is tough, especially with so many talented gymnasts vying for a few spots. But winning that bronze gave me confidence and a sense of what I can achieve.
**Editor:** It sounds like you have a strong support system in your national coach, Michal Zoha, and your training environment. Can you describe your training routine?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Absolutely! I train nine times a week, totaling around 28 hours. It’s intense, but I love it. The performance center near the winter harbor has been my base camp for a few years now, and being surrounded by other dedicated athletes really pushes me to improve every day.
**Editor:** Speaking of your fellow athletes, what are your thoughts on the Future Cup’s role in developing young gymnastic talent?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The Future Cup is an incredible opportunity for young gymnasts. It’s like a mini World Cup, bringing together talent from around the globe. Competing against these top athletes helps us learn and grow, and it’s exciting to see how we measure up on such a big stage.
**Editor:** what are your personal goals for the Future Cup this year?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** My main goal is to perform my best in the all-around and help my team succeed. I want to leave a lasting impression since it’s my last competition as a junior. Ultimately, I aim to earn a spot on the podium and gain valuable experience that I can carry into my senior career.
**Editor:** Best of luck at the Future Cup, Vincent! We’ll be cheering for you as you work towards your Olympic dreams.
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you so much! I appreciate the support!
