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 are Vincent Lindpointner’s goals for the 19th Future Cup and how does he plan to achieve them?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller Ahead of the 19th Future Cup**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with two promising gymnasts, Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller, as they prepare for the upcoming Future Cup in Linz. Welcome, gentlemen!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having us!
**Felix Neumüller:** It’s great to be here!
**Editor:** Vincent, let’s start with you. As a seasoned competitor heading into your final year as a junior, how do you feel about this year’s Future Cup?
**Vincent:** I’m really looking forward to it! This is an important competition for me, especially since I’ve had success in the past, including winning gold with the team last year. I’m determined to make a strong impression in the all-around this time, and I hope to carry this momentum toward my Olympic goals in 2028 or 2032.
**Editor:** That’s an ambitious goal! With so many contenders, what do you think sets you apart?
**Vincent:** I believe my work ethic and dedication really help. I train about 28 hours a week and always aim to learn and improve. The experience I gained from international competitions, like the Junior European Championships, has also been invaluable.
**Editor:** Felix, this will be your first Future Cup. What are your expectations going into the competition?
**Felix:** I’m super excited! It’s a great opportunity to compete alongside some of the world’s best gymnasts. I admire many of them and hope to learn from this experience. It feels like a dream to be part of such a prestigious event!
**Editor:** How do you think competing at this level will influence your development as a gymnast?
**Felix:** Competing at the Future Cup will push me to perform at my best and help me gain confidence. I want to absorb as much as I can from the other athletes and coaches here. It’s inspiring to see what they can achieve, and I want to follow in their footsteps.
**Editor:** Vincent, seeing young talents like Felix must be exciting for you. How do you feel about the future of gymnastics in Austria?
**Vincent:** Absolutely, it’s great to see young talents like Felix rising up. I think we have a strong foundation in Austrian gymnastics, and with competitions like the Future Cup, we get the chance to showcase our skills on a larger stage. It encourages all of us to keep pushing forward.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your thoughts! Best of luck at the Future Cup. It’s shaping up to be an exciting event!
**Vincent & Felix:** Thank you! We appreciate it!