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 motivated Vincent Lindpointner to pursue gymnastics and compete in the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Rising Star at the Future Cup**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Vincent! You have such an exciting journey ahead of you in gymnastics. Can you start by telling us what it means to you to compete in the Future Cup this year?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! Competing in the Future Cup is a huge honor for me, especially since it’s my last year as a junior. It feels like a culmination of all the hard work I’ve put in over the years. The atmosphere is electric, with so many talented gymnasts from around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase what I’ve learned and push myself against some of the best.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been training incredibly hard—up to 28 hours a week under national coach Michal Zoha. How do you maintain that level of dedication?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It definitely requires a lot of discipline and commitment, but I absolutely love the sport. Every day is a chance to improve, and I remind myself of my goal to compete in the Olympics, either in 2028 or 2032. That keeps me motivated. Plus, training with my teammates creates a supportive environment where we all encourage each other to reach our potential.
**Interviewer:** You’ve already made quite a name for yourself by winning a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. How has that experience influenced your expectations for this year’s Future Cup?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Winning that medal was a significant boost to my confidence, and it showed me that I can compete at a high level. For the Future Cup, I aim to build on that success. I’m particularly excited about the all-around event; I’ve had strong performances there in the past, including a team gold last year. I definitely want to make the most of this opportunity and leave a lasting impression as I transition to senior competitions.
**Interviewer:** You’ll be facing some tough competitors, including past champions like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock. What do you think about competing alongside such accomplished athletes?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s incredibly inspiring! Competing against Olympic champions is a big motivation for me. These athletes set the standard for excellence, and I hope to learn from them, even just watching their routines. It’s like having a mini World Cup here, and it fuels my ambition to someday reach that level.
**Interviewer:** As a young gymnast, what advice would you give to others looking to follow in your footsteps?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I would say to embrace every moment and stay focused on your goals. Gymnastics can be very challenging both physically and mentally, but passion and perseverance are key. Surround yourself with supportive coaches and teammates, and remember that every setback is just an opportunity to learn and grow.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Vincent! We wish you the best of luck at the Future Cup and in your pursuit of Olympic dreams!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you so much! I’m excited to give it my all!
