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 inspired Helmut Kranzlmüller to establish the Future Cup in 2004 and how has the event evolved over the years?
**Interview with Helmut Kranzlmüller, the Founder of Future Cup**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Helmut! It’s great to have you here to discuss the Future Cup. This event has become a hallmark in the gymnastics world over the past 20 years. What inspired you to create this competition back in 2004?
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** Thank you for having me! I wanted to create a platform where young, talented gymnasts from around the world could showcase their skills and gain invaluable experience. I envisioned a competition that mirrors the excitement and level of a World Cup, and that’s exactly what the Future Cup has become. We’re celebrating our 19th edition this November, and it’s a point of pride for me to see how it has grown, attracting talent from 21 nations this year alone.
**Interviewer:** It’s impressive to see such an international turnout! The presence of past champions like Shinnosuke Oka and Max Whitlock adds a lot to the event’s prestige. How does having these accomplished athletes impact the young contenders in this year’s competition?
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** Having top-tier athletes participate in the Future Cup serves as incredible inspiration for our young gymnasts. They get to observe and even meet legends like Oka and Whitlock, who have set the bar high in the sport. This not only motivates them but also provides a unique opportunity to learn from the best. It truly embodies the spirit of the Future Cup — fostering the next generation of gymnastic talent.
**Interviewer:** One of the rising stars this year is Vincent Lindpointner. He’s training incredibly hard with aspirations for the Olympics. What are your thoughts on athletes like him?
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** Vincent is a fantastic example of the dedication we see in our competitors. Training up to 28 hours a week shows his commitment to his craft. His recent success at the Junior European Championships demonstrates his potential. The Future Cup is not just about winning; it’s about developing these young athletes and preparing them for future challenges, including the Olympics. Vincent’s journey is one we will be watching closely.
**Interviewer:** And what about younger gymnasts like Felix Neumüller? His excitement for participating in the Future Cup shows the next wave of talent.
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** Absolutely! Felix’s enthusiasm is infectious. The Freshers, like him, bring a vibrant energy to the competition. The Future Cup is designed to not only spotlight experienced athletes but also provide a platform for newcomers to experience high-level competition. Events like these can be pivotal in shaping their careers and boosting their confidence.
**Interviewer:** With so much talent on display, what do you hope the gymnasts take away from their experience at the Future Cup this year?
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** My hope is that each gymnast leaves with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration. Whether they win medals or not, this competition is about growth, learning, and building friendships that can last a lifetime. I believe that the Future Cup can spark a love for the sport that drives these young athletes for years to come.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Helmut. The Future Cup sounds like an exciting event for both participants and spectators alike!
**Helmut Kranzlmüller:** Thank you! We’re looking forward to another thrilling year, and I encourage everyone to come and see the future stars of gymnastics in action!
