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.
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What is Vincent Lindpointner’s training routine like as he prepares for the Future Cup in Linz?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner, Aspiring Olympic Gymnast**
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Vincent Lindpointner, a promising young gymnast from Austria, as he prepares for the upcoming Future Cup in Linz. Vincent, you’ve been training intensely for years. Can you share with us what your training routine looks like?
**Vincent:** Absolutely! I train nine times a week, which adds up to about 28 hours. It’s really demanding, but I love every minute of it. Each session focuses on different aspects, like strength, flexibility, and of course, perfecting my routines on various apparatuses.
**Editor:** That’s quite a commitment! You mentioned in a previous interview that one of your major goals is to compete in the Olympics, hopefully in 2028 or 2032. How do you stay motivated through such a rigorous training schedule?
**Vincent:** The dream of competing on the Olympic stage keeps me going every day. I have the support of my national coach, Michal Zoha, and my family, which really helps. Plus, every time I think of the medals and the honor that comes with representing Austria, it fuels my ambition.
**Editor:** You had a remarkable achievement this year at the Junior European Championships, winning bronze on the rings. How did that feel, and what does it mean for your future?
**Vincent:** It was an amazing feeling; winning bronze was a huge milestone for me. It shows that hard work pays off, and it gives me confidence as I aim higher. There’s only been one other Austrian to achieve that, so it really motivates me to keep pushing and prove that I can reach even greater heights.
**Editor:** This year marks your last as a junior, and the Future Cup is always a special event. What are your expectations going into the competition?
**Vincent:** I’m very excited! I’ve had some great experiences at the Future Cup in the past, including winning gold with the team in 2022. It’s a fantastic competition with so many talented gymnasts from around the world. I’m hoping to put on a strong performance, especially in the all-around discipline.
**Editor:** Sounds promising! With such prestigious competitors like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock having participated in the Future Cup before, do you feel any pressure?
**Vincent:** There’s definitely a bit of pressure, but I try to channel it positively. Competing with such high-caliber athletes is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow as a gymnast. Rather than being intimidated, I see it as a chance to test myself and see where I stand.
**Editor:** Great attitude, Vincent! We look forward to seeing your performance and wish you the best of luck at the Future Cup and beyond.
**Vincent:** Thank you! I appreciate it. I’m excited for what lies ahead!