While working at Menzies in the goldfields of Western Australia, Strickland met Michael Herley, who was also an outstanding athlete, holding Victorian, National and Australasian high jump titles from 1887 through to 1890 with a record jump in 1890 of 6ft ½ Inch.
Herley trained Strickland in sprinting techniques introducing him to starting blocks and to studded running shoes.
In 1900 they both boarded a ship in Esperance and sailed to South Australia to compete in the Stawell Gift held during the Easter break in western Victoria.
While he performed at this level he would have been eligible to compete in the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, however he was unable to attend as he lacked the finance for a trip to France.
His daughter, Shirley Strickland, represented Australia at three Olympic Games, winning seven medals, including three gold.