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 motivated Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller to pursue gymnastics at a competitive level as they prepare for the Austrian Future Cup 2024?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller Ahead of the Austrian Future Cup 2024**
*Host:* Today, we are joined by two rising stars of Austrian gymnastics, Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller, as they prepare for the Austrian Future Cup in Linz. Thank you for joining us!
*Vincent:* Thanks for having us!
*Felix:* Happy to be here!
*Host:* Vincent, you’re returning to the Future Cup for your last year as a junior. How does it feel to be back in such a prestigious competition?
*Vincent:* It feels amazing! The Future Cup has always been a significant event for me. I remember winning gold with the team in 2022, and it’s an incredible honor to compete alongside some of the best young gymnasts from around the world. It’s like a mini World Cup, and I’m really looking forward to giving it my all in the all-around this year.
*Host:* You’ve had quite the journey, especially with your recent success at the Junior European Championships. You mentioned aiming for the Olympics—how do you maintain your motivation?
*Vincent:* My motivation comes from my passion for the sport and the support from my coach, Michal Zoha. Training nine times a week, up to 28 hours, is intense, but knowing that I’m working towards competing at the Olympics in 2028 or 2032 drives me. I’ve got the ambition and the support system to keep pushing forward.
*Host:* That’s admirable! Now, Felix, this will be your first Future Cup. What are you most excited about?
*Felix:* I’m really excited about the competition itself! It’s a unique opportunity to see and compete with so many talented gymnasts. I’ve looked up to many of them, like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock, and to now share the stage with them is surreal. It’s going to be a fantastic learning experience.
*Host:* What are your goals for this competition?
*Felix:* I just want to soak in the experience and perform to the best of my ability. I’m hoping to showcase what I’ve trained for and perhaps even surprise a few people!
*Host:* Vincent, looking ahead, how do you see the future of gymnastics in Austria, especially with young talents like Felix?
*Vincent:* I believe the future is bright! There’s a lot of potential in the younger generation, and events like the Future Cup help to highlight that. The more exposure we get to international competitions, the better we’ll become. I’m excited to see how we all progress.
*Host:* Thank you both for sharing your thoughts with us. Best of luck at the Austrian Future Cup—it sounds like an incredible event!
*Vincent and Felix:* Thank you!
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This interview highlights the anticipation and ambition of the athletes ahead of the Austrian Future Cup, reflecting their dedication to gymnastics and the significance of the competition.
