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 motivated Vincent Lindpointner to pursue a career in gymnastics, and how has his journey shaped his aspirations for the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Aspirations and Challenges Ahead of the Future Cup**
**Interviewer:** Vincent, thanks for joining us today! You’ve had an impressive journey in gymnastics so far, especially with your recent achievements. What does competing in the Future Cup mean to you?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! Competing in the Future Cup is a significant milestone for me. It’s exciting to be part of a competition that has seen many great gymnasts before me, including Olympic champions. It’s like stepping onto a world stage where I can test my skills against some of the best.
**Interviewer:** You mention facing strong competition. How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for such events?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Preparation is key. I train nine times a week, about 28 hours in total. My coach, Michal Zoha, really pushes me, so I’m constantly working on my routines and improving my technique. Mentally, I try to stay focused and remember that I’ve trained hard for this. Visualization techniques help me picture my routines and manage competition nerves.
**Interviewer:** You’ve already made a name for yourself with a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships this year. How does it feel to have that achievement under your belt as you head into your final Future Cup as a junior?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It feels incredible! That bronze medal was a huge confidence booster for me. It shows that all the hard work is paying off. As I head into the Future Cup, I hope to build on that success. Since this is my last year as a junior, I want to make it memorable and leave a lasting impression.
**Interviewer:** What are your goals looking ahead? Olympic aspirations are quite ambitious, especially in a competitive field.
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Yes, the Olympics are my ultimate goal, whether it’s Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028. I know it’ll take a lot of dedication and hard work to secure a spot. With such tough competition, I have to keep developing my skills and stay focused. But I believe if I continue to push myself and embrace every opportunity, I can get there.
**Interviewer:** It’s inspiring to hear your determination! As a young athlete, what advice would you give to others aspiring to reach the top in gymnastics?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** My advice would be to stay dedicated and enjoy the process. It’s important to embrace every training session and competition. Find what inspires you and keep that motivation in mind, even on tough days. Surround yourself with a supportive team, and remember that each small step gets you closer to your goals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Vincent, for sharing your insights and experiences! We wish you the best of luck at the Future Cup and in your journey toward the Olympics!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and am excited for what’s ahead!