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.
How do Vincent and Felix feel about the significance of competing in an event described as “a small World Cup” for gymnastics?
**Interview with Vincent Lindpointner and Felix Neumüller Ahead of the 2023 Future Cup**
*Interviewer*: Welcome, Vincent and Felix! The Future Cup is just around the corner, and this event has historically showcased some of the best talents in gymnastics. Vincent, as a seasoned competitor, what does this competition mean to you?
**Vincent Lindpointner**: Thanks for having us! The Future Cup is a stepping stone for young gymnasts like me. It’s not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to gauge where we stand against some of the best in the world. This year, as it will be my last as a junior, I really want to make a mark, especially in the all-around event.
*Interviewer*: Absolutely! You’ve already had a great run with a bronze medal at the Junior European Championships. How do you feel that experience has prepared you for this upcoming challenge?
**Vincent**: Winning that bronze was surreal and really boosted my confidence. It showed me that with hard work, I can compete at a high level. I train nine times a week, giving it my all, and now I feel more ready than ever to take on the Future Cup.
*Interviewer*: Felix, it’s your first Future Cup! What are your feelings heading into this prestigious competition?
**Felix Neumüller**: I’m super excited! It’s incredible to think that I’ll be competing alongside athletes with so much experience. I look up to many of them, including Vincent. This competition is a great way to learn and grow, and I want to soak in as much as I can while also giving my best performance.
*Interviewer*: Vincent, can you share what advice you might have for Felix as he steps onto this stage for the first time?
**Vincent**: Definitely! I’d say to enjoy the moment and not let the pressure overwhelm him. Focus on your drills and routines; confidence comes with experience. It’s important to stay relaxed and remember why you love gymnastics.
*Interviewer*: Great advice! Returning to the Future Cup’s legacy, Helmut Kranzlmüller described it as “a small World Cup.” How does it feel to be part of this prestigious lineage?
**Felix**: It feels amazing! Knowing that past Olympic champions have competed here, it’s inspiring. I want to leave my mark too and hopefully follow in their footsteps.
**Vincent**: I agree! Competing here connects us to a bigger gymnastics community and motivates us to strive for greatness.
*Interviewer*: Thank you both for sharing your insights! Best of luck in the Future Cup — we look forward to seeing you shine!
**Vincent & Felix**: Thank you! We’re excited!