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 do Vincent and Felix prepare mentally and physically for the challenges of competing at a prestigious event like the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller Ahead of the Future Cup**
**Editor**: Today, we have the pleasure of talking to two exceptional young gymnasts from Austria, Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller, as they prepare for the highly anticipated Future Cup in Linz. Welcome, gentlemen!
**Vincent**: Thank you for having us!
**Felix**: Excited to be here!
**Editor**: Vincent, you have quite an impressive track record. With your ambitions for the Olympics and a strong performance at the Junior European Championships, how do you feel about competing in your final Future Cup as a junior?
**Vincent**: It’s definitely a bittersweet moment for me. The Future Cup has been an incredible platform for young talents like myself. It feels like a small World Cup, and I’ve made so many memories and learned so much over the years. I’m excited to put in a strong performance, especially in the all-around discipline.
**Editor**: You train rigorously, spending up to 28 hours a week at the performance center. How do you maintain your motivation and ambition?
**Vincent**: It does take a lot of dedication, but my dream of competing in the Olympics keeps me going. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and improve. I’m fortunate to have excellent support from my coach and the team around me.
**Editor**: Felix, this will be your first Future Cup. What are your expectations going into the competition?
**Felix**: I’m really looking forward to it! It’s a fantastic opportunity to compete against top-level gymnasts from all around the world. I’ve been training hard, and I just want to perform my best and gain experience.
**Editor**: How important is it for you to be part of an event that has seen champions like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock compete in the past?
**Felix**: It’s incredibly motivating! Seeing those champions and knowing that I’m sharing the same platform pushes me to strive for excellence. It inspires me to work harder and dream bigger.
**Editor**: Vincent, do you have any advice for Felix as he embarks on this journey?
**Vincent**: Just enjoy the experience and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Focus on doing your routines well and taking in the atmosphere. Every competition is a learning opportunity, and you should embrace every moment.
**Editor**: Thank you both for sharing your thoughts and insights. Best of luck at the Future Cup!
**Vincent**: Thank you!
**Felix**: Thanks! We’re ready to give it our all!