Both individuals were in their home country, New Zealand, when they crossed paths. At 23 years old, Armstrong was gearing up for his first full season in IndyCar and recognized the need to improve his physical fitness. It was during this time that he met Angela Cullen, a fellow New Zealander who had taken a year off after spending seven seasons working closely with Formula 1 star, Lewis Hamilton.
Armstrong expressed surprise at Cullen’s involvement in motorsport, considering her extensive experience in Formula 1. He expected her to take a break from the sport, but discovered her unwavering passion for it. As they chatted casually, they found a strong connection and a shared mindset.
Cullen and Hamilton had gone their separate ways in March of the previous season. In the winter, she met Armstrong and embarked on a new chapter of her career in the United States. Armstrong, a driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, had only competed on street and road courses the previous year, but was adding ovals to his schedule for the current season. He found Cullen’s experience and knowledge invaluable, as she had witnessed championship wins and observed the strategies employed by Mercedes.
Cullen, who has refrained from giving interviews since her participation in the $1 million IndyCar All-Star race in California in March, now resides in Indiana with Armstrong. Her main focus is to keep him focused and on the right track. Armstrong acknowledges that he can’t imagine racing without her, as she helps him eliminate distractions, which are abundant in this sport. Their main goal is performance-driven, and if an activity doesn’t contribute to an improvement in performance, they discard it.
Armstrong emphasizes that Cullen acts as a guiding force in his daily routine, surpassing the role of a physiotherapist. If an activity does not result in faster lap times, they do not pursue it. Since they started working together, Armstrong achieved his best career ranking, finishing sixth at Barber earlier this month, secured fifth place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track, and currently holds the 11th position in the IndyCar standings.
The day after Armstrong’s impressive performance at the Indianapolis track, Cullen shared a lengthy post on Instagram. She quoted the words of the late Formula 1 legend, Niki Lauda, emphasizing the importance of consistency and the foundation it provides for peak performance. Cullen concluded her post with Lauda’s words: “Winning is one thing, but in defeats I always learned more for the future.”
“I believe she has healing abilities,” Hamilton expressed to the Associated Press last month. “She exudes positivity. Her purpose is to spread love to everyone she meets and in everything she does. She has a deep passion for the sport. I believe she is enjoying being in a different environment but still participating in races. During her time here, she has developed a strong passion for racing.”
“When you fall in love,” Hamilton continued, “it’s hard to let go. And why should she? She belongs here. She undeniably belongs in the world of sports. She is undeniably happy at the moment.”
Cullen immediately began working on strengthening Armstrong’s physical form, preparing him for the demands of oval races. Their dietary preferences were not a problem, as both follow a pescetarian lifestyle, requiring minimal adjustments for each other. The main challenge is that Armstrong hears Cullen leave for a morning run – something she never fails to do – and they meet in the kitchen for breakfast when she returns.
“We are still finding our way. We are in the process of establishing a solid foundation. Our ultimate goal is to develop a routine and work ethic that are sustainable, allowing us to compete for victories and championships for many years,” he said. “It is reassuring to have her guidance, knowing that she has witnessed championship victories before and that we are on the right path. We are embarking on a journey.” (Reporting by Jenna Fryer)
© 2024
Portugal wins the Euro Cup for the first time in history
The Portuguese national football team made history by winning the Euro Cup for the first time. With an impeccable campaign, the Portuguese defeated the German team in the grand final, held at Wembley Stadium in London.
The game was highly competitive, with both teams seeking to score from the beginning. Despite the chances created, the score remained level throughout regulation time and extra time was needed to decide the champion.
It was in the second half of extra time that Portugal scored the winning goal. Forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who had already been decisive in other matches of the tournament, received a perfect cross and headed it into the back of the net, securing the unprecedented title for his team.
The conquest of the Eurocup is a milestone in the history of Portuguese football and represents the recognition of a talented generation. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix, Portugal has shown its strength and ability to compete with the best national teams in the world.
The Portuguese fans celebrated the victory in grand style. Thousands of people gathered in the streets of Lisbon to celebrate the title, singing and dancing to the sound of traditional music. It was an exciting party that showed the pride of the Portuguese people for their national team.
The conquest of the Eurocup also holds a special meaning for Cristiano Ronaldo. At 39 years old, the forward became the oldest player to score a goal in a Eurocup final. Additionally, he equaled the Frenchman Michel Platini as the top scorer in the history of the tournament, with 9 goals.
With the conquest of the Eurocup, Portugal solidifies its position as one of the powerhouses of world football. The Portuguese national team had already won the Eurocup in 2016 and the Nations League in 2019, showcasing its consistency and technical quality.
Now, all eyes are on the World Cup, which will be held next year. With the Eurocup title in their resume, Portugal arrives as one of the favorites for the title and promises once again to enchant football fans with its engaging and offensive style of play.
The Eurocup of 2024 will go down in history as the moment when Portugal shone and secured its place among the great national teams of world football. The victory represents the hard work of a talented and determined team that knew how to overcome challenges and become champions. Congratulations, Portugal!
