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 global 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 are you both implementing to prepare for the intense competition at the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller Ahead of the Future Cup**
**Editor:** Welcome, Vincent and Felix! We’re excited to have you both here as the Future Cup approaches. Vincent, as a seasoned competitor in this event, what are your expectations for this year?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thanks for having us! This year is special for me as it’s my last chance to compete as a junior. I’ve had some great experiences in the past, especially winning gold with the team last year. My main focus this time is on the all-around competition. I’ve put in a lot of work in training, and I really want to show how much I’ve improved.
**Editor:** You’ve been training incredibly hard, spending up to 28 hours a week at the performance center. What drives you to push yourself so intensely?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** My ambition is to compete at the Olympics, either in 2028 or 2032. Knowing that I can achieve something that only a few Austrians have accomplished—like winning a medal at the Junior European Championships—motivates me every day. I want to make history for my country, and the Future Cup is a great platform to showcase my talent.
**Editor:** That’s impressive! Now, Felix, you’re a bit younger and gearing up for your first Future Cup. What are your feelings about participating in such a high-profile competition?
**Felix Neumüller:** I’m really excited! It’s a fantastic opportunity to compete against some of the best young gymnasts from around the world. I’ve heard so much about the Future Cup and how fierce the competition is, which only makes me want to perform even better. Just being part of this event and learning from the top athletes is incredibly valuable.
**Editor:** Absolutely, and it sounds like you both have big dreams in gymnastics. Vincent, could you share how it feels to compete alongside Olympic champions like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s awe-inspiring! Competing with such elite athletes pushes you to elevate your own performance. Their dedication and skill are something I aspire to. It’s a reminder of how much hard work and perseverance is needed to reach that level.
**Felix Neumüller:** And it’s not just about competing; it’s about learning from them. I hope to soak in all I can while I’m here to help me in my journey ahead.
**Editor:** The Future Cup sounds like it will be a thrilling experience for both of you. Best of luck in your events! Thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Vincent & Felix:** Thank you! We appreciate it!