MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee women's track & field standout Natalie Block will compete on the national stage this weekend, earning a spot in the field for the 2026 Toyota USATF Outdoor and Para National Championships at ICAHN Stadium on Randalls Island in New York City.

Block was accepted into the women's 400m hurdles field and is scheduled to compete in the semifinal round Saturday at approximately 3:56 p.m. (CT), with the championship final set for Sunday. The appearance marks the final outdoor competition in a Panther uniform for one of the most decorated student-athletes in Milwaukee track & field history.

A four-time Alfreeda Goff Track & Field Athlete of the Year honoree, Block has established herself among the premier athletes in Horizon League history throughout her Milwaukee career. She has qualified for the NCAA West Preliminary Round in each of the last three seasons in the 400-meter hurdles, while also earning NCAA qualification in the 100-meter hurdles in 2024 and 2025.

Block reached the pinnacle of collegiate competition in 2025, qualifying for the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 400-meter hurdles and earning All-America honors. She enters the USA Track & Field Championships as one of the top hurdlers in the nation following a historic collegiate career.

Block's impact on the Milwaukee record book is extensive, as she currently holds program records in multiple events. Outdoors, she owns the top marks in the 100-meter hurdles (13.14) and 400-meter hurdles (56.27), while ranking among the program's top performers in the heptathlon (4,898 points), 200-meter dash (24.36) and 400-meter dash (56.00).

During the 2026 outdoor season, Block qualified for the NCAA West Preliminary Round and helped lead Milwaukee to a runner-up finish at the Horizon League Outdoor Championships.

She has continued her strong performances throughout the summer, most recently competing at the Ed Murphey Classic on July 10 at the University of Memphis. Block placed fourth in the 400-meter hurdles and also recorded a lifetime-best performance in the 200-meter dash, crossing the finish line in 24.02 to move into second place on Milwaukee's all-time outdoor performance list.

Block has also made her mark during the indoor season, ranking first in program history in the 300-meter dash (38.52), 400-meter dash (54.58) and 60-meter hurdles (8.22). She also ranks second in the indoor 200-meter dash (24.57) and pentathlon (3,763 points), while ranking ninth in the 55-meter hurdles (8.44).

The Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships feature many of the nation's top collegiate and professional athletes and serve as USA Track & Field's national championship meet.