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 inspired you to pursue gymnastics at such a competitive level, and how did that influence your journey towards becoming an aspiring Olympian?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Aspiring Olympian and Future Cup Competitor**
**Editor:** Hello, Vincent! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. As you prepare for your last Future Cup as a junior, how does it feel to compete in such a prestigious event that has been a launching pad for so many gymnasts, including Olympic champions like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! It’s really exciting. The Future Cup is a fantastic competition, and knowing that many of the world’s best gymnasts are here makes it feel like a mini World Cup. It’s inspiring to compete alongside athletes who have achieved so much.
**Editor:** You are training extensively, about 28 hours a week, under national coach Michal Zoha. How do you manage that intense schedule, especially while balancing your studies?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s challenging, but I’m very passionate about gymnastics. I try to manage my time as best as I can. When I’m not training, I focus on my studies during downtime and at home. The support from my coaches and family is crucial, and it helps me stay committed to both gymnastics and academics.
**Editor:** You mentioned aiming for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032. That’s a huge goal! What do you think are the crucial steps you need to take to achieve that dream?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Yes, it’s definitely ambitious! Building on my experience from competitions like the Future Cup is essential. I need to continue developing my skills, maintaining my physical fitness, and learning from every competition. Additionally, I’ll be focusing on mental preparation and resilience, as that’s just as important in our sport.
**Editor:** You’ve already made history by winning a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships this year. How did that achievement impact your perspective on your potential in the sport?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Winning that bronze medal was a huge boost for my confidence! It showed me that I can compete at a high level and that my hard work is paying off. It motivates me to keep pushing forward, especially as I transition to the senior level. I hope to build on that success at the Future Cup and beyond.
**Editor:** What are you most looking forward to in this year’s Future Cup, and do you have any specific goals for the competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’m really looking forward to showcasing my skills in the all-around and hopefully delivering my best performances. It’s my last year as a junior, and I want to make it count. I’d love to earn a medal and support my team in achieving great results.
**Editor:** That sounds fantastic, Vincent! We wish you the best of luck at the Future Cup and in your Olympic aspirations. Thank you for sharing your insights with us.
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate your support!
