CHINA’S Internet saw an outpouring of support Tuesday for model Ming Xi, who apologized to the country for tripping on the catwalk during the first-ever Victoria’s Secret fashion show held in the country.

Xi, who was born Xi Mengyao, went down after stepping on the train of her flowing costume during the show in her hometown Shanghai.

The spotlight was on participants like Xi after Victoria’s Secret chose a record eight Chinese-origin models for the annual show — which is broadcast in over 190 countries — as it seeks to break into the country’s growing lingerie market.

But Xi was the only one of the 55 models in the show to suffer the occupational hazard of falling on the catwalk, in what quickly became one of the top-trending items on China’s Twitter-like Weibo.

“I’m sorry to let everyone down. Thanks for everyone’s concern,” Xi, 28, said on Weibo. “As a model for seven years, I have fallen on this road many times, but I know no matter how painful it is, I must stand and finish. The future road is long. I will always continue walking.”

Chinese netizens praised Xi for getting up, straightening the elaborate floral-themed decorative frame on her back and finishing her walk.

“My heart broke watching that. But Ming is still pretty! Go girl!” said one of thousands of Weibo comments.

(SD-Agencies)