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.
How does Vincent balance training with the pressure of competitions as he prepares for the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Rising Star of Austrian Gymnastics**
**Editor:** Welcome, Vincent! It’s great to have you here. You’re gearing up for the upcoming Future Cup, your last competition as a junior. How are you feeling about it?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! I’m really excited for the Future Cup. It’s always been a significant event for me, and it’s a chance to showcase my hard work and talent. Competing alongside gymnasts from 21 nations is inspiring.
**Editor:** You’ve had quite the journey so far, including a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. What does that achievement mean to you?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Winning that medal was a dream come true! It showed me that hard work pays off, and it’s a great motivation to keep pushing toward my Olympic goals. I hope to build on that success in the Future Cup.
**Editor:** Speaking of goals, you mentioned aiming for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032. What steps are you taking to achieve that?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s all about dedication! I train nine times a week under the guidance of Coach Michal Zoha. That’s around 28 hours of training focused on perfecting my skills. I know the competition is tough, but I’m committed to improving every day.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned the pressure that comes with pursuing such high goals. How do you handle that?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It can be challenging, but I try to focus on what I can control – my training, mindset, and performance. Having supportive teammates and my family helps a lot, too. They remind me that every step counts towards my goals.
**Editor:** what advice would you give to younger gymnasts looking up to you?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I would say to stay passionate and dedicated. Set your goals, work hard, and don’t be afraid to face challenges. It’s a tough sport, but if you love it and put in the effort, you’ll definitely see results.
**Editor:** Thanks so much, Vincent! 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!