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 has Coach Michal Zoha impacted Vincent Lindpointner’s development as a gymnast?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Rising Star of Gymnastics at Future Cup**
**Interviewer:** Vincent, you’re entering your last year as a junior at the Future Cup. How does it feel to be part of such an important event in the gymnastics calendar?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It feels amazing! The Future Cup is like a mini World Cup, and to be competing with some of the best young gymnasts from around the world is an incredible opportunity. I’m really excited to showcase my skills and hopefully bring home another medal.
**Interviewer:** You’ve already won gold with the team at this event last year and a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. What are your goals for this competition?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I aim to perform my best in the all-around and contribute to the team in any way I can. My past experiences have shown me what it takes to be successful, and I want to leave a strong impression in my final junior competition.
**Interviewer:** You’ve dedicated a significant amount of time to training, often training up to 28 hours a week. How do you maintain your motivation through such a rigorous schedule?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s definitely challenging, but my passion for gymnastics drives me. I have clear goals, like qualifying for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032, which keeps me focused. Plus, being around my teammates and coaches, like Michal Zoha, also motivates me to give my best every day.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of your coach, how important has Michal Zoha been in your development as a gymnast?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Coach Michal has been incredibly influential. His guidance and support have helped me grow not just as a gymnast, but as a person. He pushes me to improve and believe in myself, which is essential in a sport like gymnastics.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, you mentioned the anticipation for your first Future Cup. What do you think makes this competition special?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The Future Cup brings together top talents from so many countries. It fosters a spirit of camaraderie and healthy competition. Plus, it’s a chance for young gymnasts like myself to gain experience on a big stage, which is invaluable for our future careers.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Vincent. We wish you all the best at the Future Cup and in your future endeavors!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate it and can’t wait to compete!