GOLD medal hunting Richard Egington gave his all but had to settle for bronze with the men’s eight rowers in the London Olympics yesterday, Wednesday.

In a crew only assembled after the British Championships five months ago, the 33-year-old former Lymm High School pupil and his crew were leading undefeated world champions Germany three quarters into the race.

But the Germans found an extra gear and defending champions Canada pipped Team GB to silver at the post.

Egington, who started his career with Warrington Rowing Club, can put his bronze in the trophy cabinet with his Beijing silver, his world championship medals and umpteen others from World Cup glories after revealing he has now retired from the sport.

“I’ve had my time,” he said just hours after his stunning double Olympic journey ended.

“I’m 33 now. I don’t want to carry on for another four years towards the Rio games.

“I need to look for a job now but I’ll have a few months off first. I think I’ve earned it.”

Egington, whose High Legh-based parents, sister and other family members and friends were among the 30,000 supporters roaring him home on Lake Dorney, said he had no regrets about his Olympic performances.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t win gold. I’m always disappointed though because when we do win I think it should have been by more,” he said.

“I thought we were bold in our approach. We knew we had to race the Germans, go with them and race through them. We did that at one stage but it didn’t quite pay off and cost us the silver. That’s sport.

“I felt I did everything I could. I gave it everything. I don’t think I left any stone unturned with my preparations and I don’t have any regrets.”