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 that 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 the key challenges faced by young gymnasts competing in international events like the Future Cup?**
### Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller Ahead of the 19th Future Cup
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for joining me today! The Future Cup has a long history and is often referred to as a “small World Cup” — what does this competition mean to you personally?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** Thank you for having us! For me, the Future Cup is a crucial platform. It’s my last year competing as a junior, so it feels special. The atmosphere is incredible, with so many talented gymnasts from around the world. Competing here motivates me to elevate my performance and see how I stack up against the best.
**Felix Neumüller:** I can’t agree more! This is my first Future Cup, and I’m super excited. Just being part of this event, where Olympic champions like Shinnosuke Oka have competed, is inspiring. I can learn so much just by being around these athletes and witnessing their routines.
**Interviewer:** Vincent, your ambition to qualify for the Olympics in 2028 or 2032 is impressive. How has your training schedule prepared you for such a goal?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** It’s intense! I train nine times a week, totaling about 28 hours. My coach, Michal Zoha, has been fantastic in guiding me, focusing on both my skills and mental strength. Winning a bronze at the Junior European Championships this year was a huge boost, and I’m looking forward to showing what I can do in the all-around competition here at the Future Cup.
**Interviewer:** What about you, Felix? As a young gymnast, what are your ambitions moving forward?
**Felix Neumüller:** My goal is to follow in Vincent’s footsteps! Competing at the Future Cup is a significant step for me, and I want to make a mark here. This competition attracts many top gymnasts, and learning from them is invaluable. I hope to gain experience that will benefit my training and future competitions.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what do you both hope to achieve this year at the Future Cup?
**Vincent Lindpointner:** I aim to perform strongly in all-around and contribute to my team’s success. Given my past performances, I’m optimistic about securing a medal, which would be a fantastic way to cap off my junior career.
**Felix Neumüller:** For me, just competing and learning is key. I want to soak in the experience, perform my best, and hopefully impress both the judges and my peers. It’s a stepping stone to bigger events.
**Interviewer:** Thank you both for sharing your insights! Best of luck at the Future Cup — it sounds like an exciting event for all involved.
**Vincent Lindpointner & Felix Neumüller:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to it!