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 competing in international events like the Future Cup influenced Vincent’s growth as an athlete?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Rising Star in Gymnastics**
*Editor: Good morning, Vincent! Thank you for joining us today ahead of the Future Cup in Linz. As an athlete with big dreams, how are you feeling about this year’s competition?*
**Vincent Lindpointner**: Good morning! I’m really excited for the Future Cup this year, especially since it’s my last chance to compete as a junior. I’ve had great experiences here before, especially winning gold with the team in 2022. I feel prepared and I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills in the all-around.
*Editor: That’s fantastic to hear! You’ve mentioned your ambition to compete in the Olympics by 2028 or 2032. What drives you to pursue such a challenging goal?*
**Vincent**: The Olympics are the pinnacle of our sport, and the thought of representing my country on such a prestigious stage is incredibly motivating. I train hard—about nine times a week, totaling up to 28 hours—because I know that achieving my goals requires dedication and perseverance. I really want to push my limits and see how far I can go.
*Editor: You’ve already achieved a lot at a young age, including a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. What do you think has been key to your success so far?*
**Vincent**: A lot of it comes down to my support system—my coach Michal Zoha has been pivotal in my development, and the environment at the performance center is inspiring. Plus, competing alongside talented gymnasts, like past champions and other hopefuls, pushes me to be better every day. Each competition teaches me something new.
*Editor: The Future Cup is often described as “a small World Cup.” How important is the experience of competing against such a diverse group of athletes to you?*
**Vincent**: It’s incredibly valuable. Competing against gymnasts from 21 nations brings a unique level of challenge and excitement. Every time I step onto that mat, I know I’m not just competing against my teammates or local rivals, but against some of the best young talents worldwide. It pushes me to elevate my performance.
*Editor: what message would you like to share with aspiring gymnasts who look up to you?*
**Vincent**: I want them to know that hard work and persistence are key. Set your goals high, stay focused, and don’t be afraid of setbacks—they’re part of the journey. Believe in yourself and always strive to improve. Every small step counts!
*Editor: Thank you so much for your time, Vincent. Best of luck at the Future Cup and in your future endeavors!*
**Vincent**: Thank you! I appreciate it!