And now he has to share the glory with seven other blokes.
But there will be no inferiority complex if the former Lymm High pupil brings home Olympic gold in August.
`Big Ric' has a few more weeks to wait before his selection for Beijing is confirmed.
However, it will be a major surprise if this much decorated rower isn't on the plane to China. Egington has played a key part in British rowing squads for more than five years, firstly in the four and now the eight. He helped collect a World Cup bronze in Lucerne 10 days ago and should stamp his ticket in the final World Cup regatta later this month.
"Let's say I'm optimistic about my chances of making the Olympics," says Egington, one of two North West oarsman in contention.
"I've been at the top end of the tests out of the water this year. And I think my form has been good.
"You never say never but I'd be disappointed not to make my first Olympics."
Egington lives in Henley on Thames, the centre of the British rowing establishment.
But his background in the sport contrasts sharply to many fellow squad members.
Not too many can say they learned their trade at Warrington rowing club on the Mersey.
They'll only be a few of his crew who could pinpoint Warrington on the map.
"The club has grown massively since I first started," says Egington.
Development
"There's a big junior development down there now and they've even got rowing on the curriculum at Lymm High.
"I was at Sixth Form College when I first started. I did every sport at school but never really excelled at any.
"I wasn't bad at athletics and represented Cheshire. I played rugby, but unlike my grandfather, Eric Sanson, who played for Warrington, I didn't enjoy being clattered.
"Before taking up rowing I didn't really apply myself at school. I couldn't be bothered and was always interested in other things."
However, that all changed for Egington, a qualified zoologist when he got in a boat.
"I went along with three other friends," he recalls. "They got fed up after two weeks and 12 years later, I'm still doing it."
Eventually, Egington left home for university in Reading, joined the famous Leander club and progressed from good club rower to world class.
He won a world championship silver in 2003 and a bronze with the eight last year.
"The Olympics are the highest sporting achievement you can reach and I'm looking forward to getting out there and testing myself.
"We won't be racing anyone differently than we've been doing.
"Rowing isn't a sport where someone can come out of the woodwork at the last minute.
"You just want to try and improve on what you've done in the past. I'm 29 now. These are my first and possibly last Olympics. I've been asking questions about my future.
"To commit yourself for another four years after Beijing is massive. I wouldn't want to do it if I didn't think I could carry on getting better."
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