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 that 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.
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Austrian Gymnast and Future Cup Competitor**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Vincent! It’s an exciting time with the Future Cup just around the corner. How are you feeling as you prepare for this competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! I’m feeling really excited and a bit nervous as well. This will be my last Future Cup as a junior, so it’s a special moment for me. I’ve put in a lot of hard work during my training, and I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had a remarkable journey so far, especially earning a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships this year. How does that achievement shape your mindset heading into the Future Cup?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Winning the bronze medal was a huge confidence boost for me. It showed that my efforts are paying off and that I can compete at a high level. I want to carry that momentum into the Future Cup, especially since many top gymnasts will be competing. It’s a great opportunity for me to learn and grow.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned you’ve been training nine times a week under national coach Michal Zoha. Can you share a bit about your training routine and what a typical week looks like for you?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Absolutely! My training involves around 28 hours a week. I focus on developing my routines, strength, and technique. We work on all the apparatus, but I spend a lot of time training for the all-around as it’s my main event. My coaches push me to perfect my skills, and I always aim to improve.
**Interviewer:** The Future Cup is known to attract some of the best young talents from around the world, including previous Olympians like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock. What does it mean for you to compete alongside such accomplished athletes?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s incredibly motivating! Competing against the best gives me a chance to see where I stand and what I need to work on. It feels like a mini World Cup, and I take pride in representing Austria. Every competition is a learning experience, and I hope to perform well and make a strong impression.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, you have your sights set on the Olympics in 2028 or 2032. How are you preparing for such a significant goal?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Yes, that’s my long-term goal! Preparing for the Olympics requires dedication, consistency, and a strong mindset. I continue to train hard and participate in as many competitions as possible to gain experience. I’ll also be focusing on my schoolwork, but I remain determined to balance everything to achieve this dream.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Vincent, for sharing your journey and aspirations with us. Best of luck at the Future Cup—you’ve got a lot of supporters cheering for you!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and hope to make everyone proud!