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 specific skills or routines are you focusing on to prepare for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Aspiring Olympian and Future Cup Competitor**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Vincent! Thank you for joining us today. You’ve been training hard at the performance center near the Danube. Can you tell us a bit about your training routine and how many hours a week you dedicate to gymnastics?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Good afternoon! Yes, I train about nine times a week, which totals around 28 hours. It’s definitely a demanding schedule, but I’m passionate about it. Each session helps me grow, and I focus on perfecting my skills every day.
**Editor:** That’s impressive dedication! You’ve set your sights on the Olympics in 2028 or 2032. What drives your ambition to reach such a high goal in gymnastics?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The Olympic Games are the pinnacle of athletic achievement, and I want to represent not just myself but also my country. The journey is challenging, and there are a lot of talented gymnasts out there, but I believe in my potential. Winning bronze at the Junior European Championships this year was a significant boost for me—it showed me that I can compete at a high level.
**Editor:** You’ve had successful experiences at the Future Cup in the past, including winning gold with the team. What does this competition mean to you, and what are your expectations for your final year as a junior?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The Future Cup is a fantastic event. It feels like a mini World Cup because of the talent that participates from various countries. This year, being my last as a junior, I hope to make a strong impact in the all-around competition. I want to showcase everything I’ve worked hard on and continue to build on past successes.
**Editor:** You’re clearly very driven. How does it feel to be part of a long-standing tradition like the Future Cup, which has been bringing young talent together for 20 years?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s an incredible honor! It’s motivating to be part of an event with such a rich history and to compete alongside other talented gymnasts. The atmosphere is electrifying, and it pushes you to perform your best. I’m excited to experience it one last time as a junior.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Vincent! We wish you the best of luck at the Future Cup and in your pursuit of the Olympics.
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate your support!