New from the Embedded Podcast. Female athletes have always needed grit and talent, but for decades they've also needed a certificate.

There was chit chat about, is that really a woman? And even now, they're still being checked and

questioned. Their story is the newest series from CBC and NPR's embedded. It's called

Tested. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

This podcast is free and it's accessible to everyone thanks to support from

listeners like you. If you value this show,

please consider supporting its production

by donating to our home, KUAW.

It only takes a minute to give,

and you'll be helping to support the production of this podcast.

Make a donation at KUOW.org or follow the link in the show notes.

And thanks.

This podcast is free and it's accessible to everyone thanks to support from listeners like you.

If you value this show, please consider supporting its production by donating to our home, KUOW.

It only takes a minute to give and you'll be helping to support the production of this

podcast. Make a donation at KU-W-org or follow the link in the show notes. And thanks.

When I first started reporting here in the Columbia Basin, I was in my 20s. My mom gave me kisses.

Dad threw a last minute Costco pack of toilet paper into the back of my rig, slammed the

trunk, gave me a huge hug, and I drove east over White Pass.

I was reporting for the Tri-City Herald at the time.

I was hired on as their ag and outdoors rider.

I lived in a little apartment near the Columbia River. No one knew me out here. My family name meant squat. No one cared about my family's farm four hours away in Western Washington, and few farmers or ranchers

...