Previously ill Australian swimmer Elka Graham has collapsed during a victory ceremony at the world championships in Barcelona.

She was carried unconscious from the pool deck and taken away for treatment by Australian team doctor Jeni Saunders.

Team spokesman Karen Stephenson said she quickly recovered and was able to walk out of the building.

"She's okay, she's gone back to the hotel, she's fine," Stephenson said, adding that Graham's parents had been watching their daughter from the stands as she fainted.

High performance director Greg Hodge was planning to hold a later news conference.

Graham had just received a silver medal as part of the Australian team which placed second behind the United States in the women's 4x200 freestyle relay in a Commonwealth record time.

Her legs buckled and team-mates supported her as officials moved in to carry her away.

Graham had received recent treatment for a heart complaint and was originally ruled out of competing.

She flew from her home in Sydney to Barcelona after getting a second medical opinion.

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