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.
What are the key challenges young gymnasts face when competing at international events like the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Young Gymnast and Future Cup Competitor**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Vincent! You’re about to participate in the Future Cup, and it’s exciting to see so many talented gymnasts coming together. How does it feel to be part of such an international event?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! It feels incredible to compete at the Future Cup, especially with so many top gymnasts from around the world. It’s like a small World Cup, and having the chance to test myself against the best is a huge motivation for me.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had quite a journey leading up to this moment, training nine times a week. How do you balance your rigorous training schedule with your studies?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It can be tough! I study during the day, and then I head to the training center in the afternoon. I make sure to organize my time efficiently. My coaches and family support me a lot, which makes it easier to manage both school and gymnastics.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned aiming for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032. That’s a lofty goal for a young gymnast. What inspires you to pursue such high ambitions?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Watching athletes like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock achieve their dreams really inspires me. They’ve paved the way in gymnastics, and if they can do it, I believe I can too. I love the sport, and every training session brings me closer to that Olympic dream.
**Interviewer:** You have an impressive track record already, including a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. What do you think sets you apart in your training and competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I think my dedication and willingness to learn differentiate me. I never shy away from challenges, and I always strive to improve. The experiences I’ve gained in competitions like the Future Cup have taught me a lot about performing under pressure.
**Interviewer:** As this is your last year as a junior, are there any particular goals you’re aiming to achieve at the Future Cup this time around?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Absolutely! I want to make a strong impression this year, especially in the all-around event. I hope to build on my previous successes and contribute to my team’s performance. Winning gold with my team last year was an unforgettable experience, and I’m aiming for the same excitement this time!
**Interviewer:** Best of luck, Vincent! Your ambition and passion for gymnastics are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing you shine at the Future Cup!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and hope to make everyone proud!
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This interview highlights not only Vincent’s aspirations but also the significance of the Future Cup in the gymnastics world, where young talents compete on a prestigious platform [[1](https://www.gymnasticsireland.com/news/mens-artistic-austrian-future-cup-team-announcement)].
