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 global 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 key motivations and goals as he prepares for the Future Cup?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: A Rising Star in Gymnastics**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Vincent Lindpointner, an 18-year-old gymnast from Leonding, Austria, who is making waves in the gymnastics world. He has a noteworthy track record, including a bronze medal at this year’s Junior European Championships. Vincent, thank you for joining us!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to be here.
**Editor:** You’re gearing up for the Future Cup in Linz. What does this competition mean to you, especially since it’s your last as a junior?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The Future Cup has always been a significant event for me. It feels like a mini World Cup with so many talented gymnasts from different countries. Competing here gives me a chance to showcase my skills and learn from others. Since it’s my last year as a junior, I really want to make it memorable.
**Editor:** You’ve trained incredibly hard—up to 28 hours a week. How do you stay motivated through such a rigorous schedule?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It can be challenging at times, but my passion for gymnastics keeps me going. I set clear goals for myself, like aiming for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032. Every training session is a step closer to achieving that dream.
**Editor:** Speaking of dreams, you’ve already achieved a significant milestone with your bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. How did that experience shape your perspective?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Winning the bronze was amazing! It was validation for all the hard work I’ve put in. It showed me that I can compete at a high level, and it further fuels my ambition. I hope to build on that success in the Future Cup and beyond.
**Editor:** You’re also joined by young talents like Felix Neumüller at this year’s competition. How is the atmosphere among young gymnasts competing together?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** The atmosphere is great! It’s inspiring to see everyone pushing each other to improve. We share tips, support one another, and celebrate each other’s successes. It creates a strong sense of camaraderie.
**Editor:** With the Olympics on the horizon, what key skills or improvements are you focusing on in your training?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Right now, I’m focusing on my consistency and execution, especially in the all-around. It’s about perfecting the small details so that I can perform my routines with confidence under pressure.
**Editor:** That sounds like a solid plan! As you look ahead, what message do you have for other young gymnasts aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I would say, stay dedicated and keep pushing yourself. There will be challenges along the way, but persistence and passion can take you far. Every athlete has their unique journey, so believe in yourself and enjoy the process.
**Editor:** Wise words, Vincent. We wish you all the best at the Future Cup and in pursuing your Olympic dreams. Thank you for your time!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate the support!