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 plan to prepare for the transition from junior to senior competitions?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Aspiring Olympic Gymnast**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Vincent. As you prepare for the upcoming Future Cup, how are you feeling about representing Austria one last time as a junior?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! I’m really excited but also a bit nostalgic since this will be my last competition as a junior. It’s been a significant part of my gymnastics journey, and I’ve had some amazing experiences here in the past.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned your goal of competing in the Olympics, potentially in 2028 or 2032. How do you plan to achieve this amidst such stiff competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** My plan is to keep training hard, stay focused, and learn as much as I can. I train nine times a week for about 28 hours, which helps me build my skills and strength. It’s definitely a tough challenge, but I believe my hard work will pay off. Winning the bronze medal at the Junior European Championships definitely boosted my confidence!
**Editor:** That’s impressive! The Future Cup has a reputation for showcasing top talent from around the world. What do you think makes it a unique competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s a small World Cup, like Mr. Kranzlmüller said! Being able to compete against such talented gymnasts from 21 different nations is an extraordinary opportunity. The atmosphere is electric, and you can learn a lot just by being on the same mat with them.
**Editor:** Given your success in previous years, what are your expectations for this year’s Future Cup?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’m aiming to perform well in the all-around competition and hopefully put on a show similar to last year when we won gold in the team event. I’ve trained hard, and I feel ready to give it my best shot!
**Editor:** Final question, what advice would you give to younger gymnasts who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** My main advice would be to stay dedicated and passionate. Gymnastics requires a lot of hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Keep pushing your limits, learn from each competition, and remember to enjoy the journey!
**Editor:** Thanks, Vincent. We wish you all the best at the Future Cup and in your future Olympic dreams!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you so much! I appreciate your support!
