Karlos Kirby studied at the University of New Mexico, where he ran track. After joining the USA Bobsled team Kirby became a five-time winner of the US National Push Championships. He later earned a masters’ degree from New Mexico and then an additional degree as an education specialist from Drake University, and became an adjunct professor at William Penn College and at Drake. He also worked for Olympic athletes as a member of the USOC Athlete’s Advisory Committee. In 2004 Kirby joined the US Navy Reserve.