'Lympic Ladies #9 - Ellen Hoog

Today's 'Lympic Lady comes courtesy of a tip from IrishmanAbroad, a Irish ex-pat's wry take on European life, our absurd culture clashes and the Dutch love of brown leather shoes.

Field hockey is, at its core, a very scary sport. The aggression, the violence, the disturbing sight of a girl smiling through a mouthguard - just about everything about it seems to scare watching males in a major way. But even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day, and every now and the hockey gets it right. Introducing Ellen Hoog.

Ellen is a striker for the Dutch national team, who have created quite a stir in the opening days of their quest to retain their title. And in a squad not short of lookers, it takes something to stand out, yet the 26 year old from Bloemendaal has it. It might be the piercing blue eyes. Or the long blonde hair. Or the inch-perfect physique. Or the fact that she seems to enjoy getting into states of undress in front of cameras Any of the above, really.

And suddenly, out of nowhere, field hockey has jumped up the list of sports worth going out of the way to watch. Along with BFF Sophie Polkamp, the Dutch are making us rethink all we thought we knew. They may be playing on that horrible blue pitch, but with ladies like Ms. Hoog running around we'll get over it.