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 factors that have contributed to the growth and success of the Future Cup over the past 20 years?
**Interview with Helmut Kranzlmüller, President of Upper Austria’s Gymnastics Association**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Helmut. The Future Cup is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Can you share some insights about how this event has evolved over the years?
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** It’s a pleasure to be here! The Future Cup has grown tremendously since its inception in 2004. It started as a small idea, but it has blossomed into a major competition that attracts some of the world’s best young gymnasts. This year, we’re expecting talent from 21 nations, which is truly impressive. We’ve seen participants like Shinnosuke Oka, this year’s Olympic champion, and Max Whitlock, a decorated gymnast, in past editions. They embody the caliber of athletes that the Future Cup attracts.
**Interviewer:** That’s remarkable! With such high-level competitors, how do you see the local athletes, like Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller, faring in this year’s competition?
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** Local talent is very strong, and we have great hopes for athletes like Vincent and Felix. Vincent is particularly noteworthy; he’s been training intensely under national coach Michal Zoha, dedicating up to 28 hours a week to gymnastics. His ambition for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032 is commendable, and his Junior European Championships bronze medal shows his potential. Felix is also excited for his first Future Cup, and it’s thrilling to see such young talent eager to compete at this level.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like both of them are quite motivated. What unique aspects do you think make the Future Cup stand out from other competitions?
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** One of the most significant aspects of the Future Cup is its atmosphere—it’s often described as a “small World Cup.” The spirit of competition combined with the exchange of cultures among junior athletes creates an exhilarating environment. It’s an opportunity for them not only to showcase their skills but also to learn from each other and gain invaluable experience on an international platform.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the Future Cup in the coming years?
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** My hope is to continue developing this event into a key milestone in the international gymnastics calendar. We want to nurture young talent and provide them with the resources and support they need to excel. The Future Cup should remain a stepping stone for future Olympians, fostering a legacy of excellence in gymnastics globally.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Helmut. It’s inspiring to hear about the Future Cup and the opportunities it provides for young gymnasts worldwide.
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** Thank you! We’re excited for this year’s competition and eager to see how our talented athletes perform.
