Jason Day, Sally Pearson and Michael Diamond are all scratched, but Australia's Olympic team boss Kitty Chiller refuses to back away from the country's bold medal target.
Australia's Rio medal prospects have been dealt a bitter blow within the space of three days.
On Tuesday, world No.1 Day joined the exodus of top-level golfers by pulling out due to concerns over the Zika virus.
Wednesday brought the fall of reigning Olympic 100m hurdles champion Pearson, forced to abandon a last-ditch attempt to defend her title after tearing her hamstring in training.
By the time Thursday rolled around and two-time Olympic shooting gold medallist Diamond was ruled ineligible following drink-driving and firearms charges, it could have been a moment for re-evaluation.
But Chiller was unwavering, determined Australia could still haul in enough medals at August's Games to finish in the tally's top five.
"I'm focusing on the 410 athletes that we will have get to the start line in 36 days time," Chiller said.
"We'll be trying for that top-five position, I believe we still can do that."
The Australian Olympic Committee's benchmark for Rio is 13 gold medals.
While Australia still has a string of world-best swimmers, cyclists, rowers, sailors, canoeists and hockey players who can make it happen in Brazil, the target remains ambitious.
It comes four years after the AOC predicted Australia would win 15 gold in London 2012 - the team returned with seven, the fewest in two decades, and finished in 10th spot.
Australia finished sixth, fourth and fourth in the three Games prior to London.
Diamond was ruled ineligible for Olympic nomination on Thursday, after Shooting Australia said the six-time Olympian had left the sport in an "inappropriate" position.
He has 48 hours to appeal, should he choose to do so.
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