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.
How do you see the Future Cup influence the development of gymnastics talent in Upper Austria and beyond?
**Interview with Helmut Kranzlmüller, Boss of the Upper Austria Gymnastics Association**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Helmut. The Future Cup has been a significant event in the gymnastics calendar for the last 20 years. Can you share what inspired you to create this competition?
*Helmut Kranzlmüller:* Thank you for having me. The idea for the Future Cup originated in 2004 when I saw a growing interest in gymnastics among youth. I wanted to create a platform where young gymnasts from around the world could come together to compete and showcase their talents. Over the years, it has become a celebration of young athletes, much like a small World Cup, which is something I take great pride in.
*Interviewer:* This year marks the 19th edition of the Future Cup, and you’re expecting talent from 21 nations. What are you most looking forward to in this year’s competition?
*Helmut Kranzlmüller:* I’m particularly excited to see the future stars of gymnastics. We’ve had Olympians like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock participate before, which shows the level of competition we attract. It’s also heartening to see local athletes like Vincent Lindpointner taking the stage. He’s a fantastic talent with ambitious goals, and I believe he and others will make a significant impact in this year’s event.
*Interviewer:* Speaking of Vincent, can you tell us a bit about his journey and what it means for local talent to compete at this level?
*Helmut Kranzlmüller:* Vincent is a remarkable example of dedication. Training nine times a week, he’s committed to reaching the Olympics, which is no small feat given the competition. His previous successes, such as his Junior European Championships bronze, highlight his potential. Having local athletes compete fiercely at the Future Cup not only boosts their confidence but also inspires younger gymnasts in our community.
*Interviewer:* And Felix Neumüller, who is making his Future Cup debut this year, has expressed great excitement about the competition. What does this say about the growth of the sport in Austria?
*Helmut Kranzlmüller:* Felix’s enthusiasm is a reflection of the vibrant gymnastics culture we’re fostering here. The Future Cup serves as an excellent opportunity for young gymnasts to compete against top athletes, which motivates them to push their boundaries. It also highlights the importance of nurturing young talent, as they are the future of our sport.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Helmut, for sharing your insights. We wish you all the best for this year’s Future Cup!
*Helmut Kranzlmüller:* Thank you! We’re looking forward to an exciting event filled with extraordinary performances.
