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 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 factors contributed to Vincent Lindpointner’s rise as a prominent gymnast ahead of the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Rising Star in Gymnastics and Future Cup Competitor**
*Editor:* Welcome, Vincent! It’s great to have you here as you gear up for your last Future Cup as a junior. How does it feel to return to this prestigious competition?
*Vincent Lindpointner:* Thank you! It feels really exciting. The Future Cup has always been a significant event for me. I’ve had great experiences here in the past, especially winning gold with my team last year. It’s amazing to see young gymnasts from all over the world come together, and I’m proud to be part of this tradition.
*Editor:* You’ve been training intensely under national coach Michal Zoha, dedicating up to 28 hours a week to gymnastics. How does this commitment shape your goals as you look toward the Olympics in 2028 or 2032?
*Vincent Lindpointner:* It’s a lot of hard work, but I love every minute of it. My training schedule might be demanding, but it’s all about preparation and building my skills. Qualifying for the Olympics is my biggest dream, and I know I need to give it my all to compete against so many talented athletes. Every hour in the gym is a step closer to that goal.
*Editor:* You recently won a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships, making history as one of the few Austrians to achieve that. What does this accomplishment mean to you?
*Vincent Lindpointner:* Winning that medal was incredible! It shows me that hard work pays off and that I can compete at a high level. It also motivates me to push even harder because it proves that I have the potential to succeed on larger stages. I hope to build on this success at the Future Cup and beyond.
*Editor:* As you prepare for Future Cup, what are your expectations for this year, particularly in the all-around competition?
*Vincent Lindpointner:* I’m aiming to perform my best and hopefully medal again. Competing in the all-around is an excellent opportunity for me to showcase my versatility as a gymnast. I’m feeling confident, and I believe that if I stick to my routine and focus, I can achieve great things.
*Editor:* what do you think makes the Future Cup special for young athletes like yourself?
*Vincent Lindpointner:* It’s more than just a competition; it’s a chance to meet and learn from other top gymnasts. The atmosphere is electric, and the sense of camaraderie among the competitors is fantastic. We’re all pushing each other to be better. Just being part of this event inspires me to reach for my dreams.
*Editor:* Thank you, Vincent, for sharing your insights. We wish you the best of luck at the Future Cup and in your journey towards the Olympics!
*Vincent Lindpointner:* Thank you! I appreciate it.