Brahm began to break through in senior competitions in 1986, first with a 5000 m runner-up finish at the 1986 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships behind Doug Padilla, then a silver medal in the same event at the Goodwill Games (again behind Padilla). Brahm took the 3000 meters bronze medal at the 1987 IAAF World Indoor Championships, held in his home state in Indianapolis, finishing behind Irish duo Frank O'Mara and Paul Donovan. He finished third at the USA Outdoor Championships in 1987 and improved to the runner-up spot for a second time in 1988 at the USA Olympic Trials to claim a spot on the American team for the 1988 Summer Olympics.