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 Felix Neumüller plan to approach his first Future Cup experience?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller ahead of the Future Cup in Linz**
*Editor:* Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with two young talents in the world of gymnastics, Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller, as they prepare for the upcoming Future Cup in Linz. Welcome, guys!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having us!
**Felix Neumüller:** Yes, thanks! We’re excited to be here.
*Editor:* Vincent, you’re well-known for your commitment to the sport, dedicating up to 28 hours a week in training. What drives you to put in such effort at such a young age?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** For me, it’s all about my goals. I dream of competing in the Olympics, and to achieve that, I know I need to work hard. Every time I’m at the training center, I’m reminded of that ambition, and it motivates me. Plus, the thrill of competing at events like the Future Cup really pushes me to improve.
*Editor:* And you’ve got quite a track record for your age! You’re a Junior European Championships bronze medalist and have a winning history at the Future Cup. How are you feeling about this year’s competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I feel confident! This year is significant for me since it’s my last as a junior, and I want to go out strong. I’ve had success in the past, and I’m looking forward to the team and all-around events. I’m ready to show the hard work I’ve put in.
*Editor:* That’s fantastic! Felix, as you prepare for your first Future Cup, what are your expectations and feelings about participating in such a renowned event?
**Felix Neumüller:** I’m really excited! The Future Cup is known for bringing together the best young gymnasts from around the world, and just being a part of that is a huge honor for me. For my first competition, I want to enjoy the experience and learn as much as I can. I know I have a lot to improve, so this is a great opportunity.
*Editor:* With veterans like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock having competed in the past, do you feel any pressure as you step into the arena?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** There’s always a bit of pressure, but I try to use it to my advantage. Competing against great athletes reminds me to strive for greatness. I take inspiration from them and focus on my performance.
**Felix Neumüller:** Exactly! Instead of feeling intimidated, I see it as a chance to learn. It’s a supportive community, and everyone shares a passion for gymnastics.
*Editor:* It certainly sounds like both of you have the right mindset! Before we finish, what does participating in the Future Cup mean to you personally?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s a platform to showcase what I’ve been working on. It nurtures my growth and helps me understand the level I need to reach for the Olympics.
**Felix Neumüller:** For me, it’s about connecting with other athletes and experiencing the international gymnastics community. Regardless of the outcome, it’s just a cool competition to be part of!
*Editor:* Thank you both for sharing your thoughts and enthusiasm. We wish you good luck at the Future Cup!
**Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller:** Thank you! We can’t wait to compete!