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 inspired you to pursue gymnastics at such a competitive level, and how did you get started in the sport?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner: Aspiring Olympian at the Future Cup**
**Editor:** Welcome, Vincent! You’re gearing up for your last junior Future Cup. How does it feel to be a part of such a prestigious competition that has hosted so many great gymnasts over the years?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! It’s incredibly exciting. The Future Cup is a fantastic platform for young gymnasts like myself, and knowing that past champions like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock have competed here makes it feel special. It’s like a small World Cup, and it’s an honor to represent my country among such talent.
**Editor:** You mentioned that you train up to 28 hours a week under national coach Michal Zoha. How do you balance your rigorous training schedule with your high school commitments?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It can be challenging, but I’ve learned to manage my time effectively. Gymnastics is my passion, and I make sure to stay focused during my training sessions so that I can keep up with my studies as well. My goal is to qualify for the Olympics, and that keeps me motivated.
**Editor:** Speaking of the Olympics, you have your eyes set on either 2028 or 2032. What steps do you believe you need to take to achieve this ambitious goal?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I know it’s a tough journey. I need to keep improving my skills, staying consistent in my performance, and staying injury-free. Competing at events like the Future Cup helps me gain experience and confidence. Winning the bronze medal at the Junior European Championships this year was a big boost, and I’ll use that momentum to push forward.
**Editor:** You’ve had a successful run in your junior career so far, including a gold medal with the team in 2022. What are your expectations for this year’s Future Cup in the all-around category?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I’m looking to put in a strong performance and give my best in the all-around. I know it’s competitive, but I’ve trained hard, and I hope to come away with another medal. I really want to leave a mark in my last junior competition and show what I can do.
**Editor:** Speaking of competition, you’re joined by younger talent like Felix Neumüller. What advice would you give to those just starting their gymnastics journey?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I would tell them to stay committed and enjoy the process. Gymnastics is demanding but also very rewarding. It’s important to keep pushing yourself, but also to celebrate the small victories along the way. It’s all about growth, both as an athlete and as a person.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Vincent. Best of luck at the Future Cup and in your journey toward the Olympics!
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you! I appreciate it!