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 are Vincent Lindpointner’s feelings about competing in his last Future Cup as a junior?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller on the Future Cup 2023**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining us today! Vincent, you have an impressive background for someone so young. Can you tell us what it feels like to compete in your last Future Cup as a junior?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s definitely a bittersweet experience. The Future Cup has been a significant part of my gymnastics journey. Competing here is always exciting—there’s a unique atmosphere with so many talented young athletes from around the world. I’m hoping to showcase my skills in the all-around and make this final appearance memorable.
**Editor:** You mentioned your aspirations for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032. What steps are you taking to prepare for such a demanding goal?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’m training rigorously—about 28 hours a week! I’m working alongside my coach, Michal Zoha, to refine my techniques and build on my strengths. It’s a challenging journey, but I’m committed to putting in the work. Winning the bronze at the Junior European Championships was a great motivator too!
**Editor:** That’s inspiring! Now, Felix, this is your first Future Cup. How are you feeling about competing against experienced gymnasts and Olympians?
**Felix Neumüller:** Honestly, I’m super excited! I’ve always looked up to gymnasts like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock, so to be part of the same competition as them is incredible. I hope to learn from their performances and bring my best to the mat.
**Editor:** What do you think makes the Future Cup special compared to other competitions?
**Felix Neumüller:** It’s like a small World Cup! The mix of nations and the high level of competition create such a vibrant environment. Plus, there’s a sense of camaraderie among the gymnasts. I think that makes it a really cool experience for everyone involved.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your personal goals for this competition, Felix?
**Felix Neumüller:** I want to perform well, of course, but my main goal is to gain experience that I can build on for the future. I’m still young, so every competition is a chance to learn and grow.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your thoughts! It sounds like the Future Cup will be an exciting showcase of talent. Best of luck to both of you!
**Vincent Lindpointner & Felix Neumüller:** Thank you!