As good as Edwin got

[Vanloon]

654: The Feather Heist - This American Life

Sean Cole
But there was always this one limitation as to what he could accomplish.
Kirk Johnson
As good as Edwin got-- and I mean, he was heralded as the future of fly tying by Fly Tyer Magazine, which I subscribe to.
You know, he was completely embraced by this community by his 16th birthday, I think. I mean, he was a legend already but as good as he was, he was a 16-year-old who wasn't really flush with cash.

Q: There are two 'as good as' here. Does this mean 'nearly'? Thanks in advance!

 

[lingobingo]

No. It means: despite the fact that he became so good / even though he was so good…

 

[Vanloon]

No. It means: despite the fact that/even though he was/became so good…

Oh, Thanks a lot.