UWM All-American Natalie Block gears up to run in USA track and field championships

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Fresh off earning All-American honors at the NCAA championships, Milwaukee's Natalie Block is ready to leap over her next challenge.

Block is gearing up to run in the 400-meter hurdles at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships on Aug. 1. Block is set to run in the first round of the event at 5:31 p.m.

Athletes compete for a national title and a chance to represent Team USA on the international stage. Competitors will either make the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association meet being held in the Bahamas from Aug. 15-17 or the World Athletics Championships meet to be held Sept. 13-21 in Tokyo.

"When you're racing against some pros, it's a different environment. That's what I'm chasing, I do want to be a professional. So getting to that environment, and try to get around all those people as much as possible, is truly important for me and just getting used to it, because one day I'll be that," said Block. "All we can do is work, take every day day-by-day, and just keep going."

Block faced her challenges this past year but set a new personal best at the NCAA meet in the 400m hurdles on her way to becoming a Second Team All-American. Heading into this meet, it's another step for her ultimate dream.

"I think there's a lot more left for Natalie. I think even looking at her national championships race, I think there's a lot more time she can drop. This is also a good setup for the future for her," said Andrew Basler, Milwaukee head track and field coach.

The USA T&F National Championships are being held in Eugene, Oregon, from July-Aug. 3. If Block advances, the semifinals will be on Saturday, Aug. 2, and the final on Sunday, Aug. 3.