 In 1909 Sullivan won the three-mile Canadian Championship held at Montreal, and pulled two tendons in his right ankle, which put him out of competition for the indoor season of 1909–1910.Sullivan was using swimming as a non-impact physiotherapy training when he was advised to compete in a triathlon once rehabilitated.He competed in a few triathlons, placing well in the triathy, but had a recurrence of the tendon problem and had to retire from sport altogether.