Three years ago, I sat in Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) and witnessed one of the most spectacular staged events in recent history. The seamless perfection of the 2008 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony heralded China's arrival as a cultural, political and economic power. Impressed and delighted by the pageantry as I was, I wanted more from that moment.

I wanted China to use that golden moment when it captivated the world to share its vision for the future. I wanted to know the meaning behind the slogans and catchphrases. Whose "dream"? Whose definition of "harmony?" Even though the official programs offered a few answers, I found genuine utopian moments in the Games. As an avid sports watcher, I was inspired by the superb sportsmanship of the athletes and fans when I watched the Olympic events over the following weeks. And lest we forget, the thousands of volunteers who lent their services deserve praise again.

Three years later, I trust that many of those involved with the Olympics have found ways to channel their experiences into their daily lives.

About 10,000 people play card and chess games simultaneously in Shanxi University, North China's Shanxi province, August 8, 2011, to celebrate National Fitness Day. The activity even attracted foreign players from Japan and Australia.[CFP]

Anniversaries are arbitrary markers of time, but they offer us opportunities to draw connections on the broader horizon and reflect on them. Zooming out from the scale of individuals, the effect of the Olympics on China as a whole can be measured in several tangible ways.

We may remember that the infrastructure preparations for the Games were controversial for displacing many Beijing residents. Though the architectural loss still cannot be counted, we can see the benefits the Olympics infrastructure have had. The iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube have become two of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing. Positioned on the same north-south axis as the Palace Museum, these modern feats of design and engineering point to China's future while honoring its past.

Other physical legacies of the Olympics that continue to benefit China include the subway system, which has made moving around the sprawling city easier for residents and visitors alike.

The legacy of the Olympics should be measured as much by what did happen as by what didn't. Because the threat of international and domestic terrorism looms large over all large-scale events, security is an unfortunate but necessary priority. With the exception of isolated incidents, organizers of the Beijing Games have to be commended for securing the venues. Beijing offers hope to all future Olympics host cities, including London, for achieving success without kowtowing to fear.